Discover Your Voice: Read widely across genres, but focus on developing your unique writing style. What makes your story your story?
Evolved a Strong Characters: Craft characters readers can root for or against. Give them depth, motivations, and flaws.
Plot for Progress: Don’t just tell, show! Move your story forward with engaging scenes and conflicts.
World-Build with Originality: Create a unique setting that gets your creative juicy flowing, even if it’s familiar territory.
Read Like a Writer: Pay attention to how published authors use language, structure their stories, and develop characters.
Paraphrase, Don’t Pilfer: When referencing existing works, rephrase ideas in your own words but don’t copy. Cite sources for direct quotes.
Fact-Check It: Research information to ensure your story’s accuracy, especially for historical fiction or technical details.
Embrace Brainstorming: Jot down ideas, free-write, or mind map to spark creativity and develop your plot.
Develop a Thick Skin: Feedback is essential for growth. Learn from constructive criticism and don’t be discouraged by negativity.
Find Your Tribe: Connect with other writers online or in workshops for support, motivation, and idea exchange.
Revise and Refine: Never be afraid to rewrite and edit ruthlessly. Polishing your work takes time and dedication.
Enjoy the Journey: Writing should be fulfilling. Celebrate your progress and take pride in what you create.
Remember, these are just starting points. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to writing. Experiment, find what works for you, and most importantly, have fun!