Writing is not an easy task to do. So here are 7 steps that I found useful.
1. First and foremost. Write with your heart.
The reason you choose to write cannot be quantified in a math equation. Or solved by a computer with a large amount of stupid data (as some may try to make you think). Have fun with it. The fuel to write your story comes from within yourself. Each sentence can be better than the last until each sentence stands out, allowing your writing to achieve new heights.
2. Review that heart.
It works the same way doctors appointments do, you have to check if your heart is staying the course and heading in the right direction your direction. Whatever made you write one day may not be seen the same tomorrow. Ask yourself WHY does this story matter to me? And WHY does this story matter to you?
3. Acknowledge the effort.
Why lie to yourself? Your paper may take ages and ages but ask yourself:
How do you normally feel the next day once the proverbial final bell rings and
you know you didn’t put your best foot forward?
The only person at the end of the day who cares about how you feel is yourself. That’s not to say that there shouldn’t be people in our lives that we care about. But these people have their own self-interest just the same as you or me.
4. Question yourself constantly.
Ask Who, What Where and Why, and if you want to know the rest of the song. Does this sound like my voice in conversation or the droning of a tenured professor who goes on and on and on.
5. What is your inspiration for writing today?
Unless your the best writer in the world and can churn out jaw-dropping, goose-bum raising, direct-conscious impact content day by day your going to be writing over the course of several days if not weeks. But for further interest please refer yourself to number #3.
6. Cement your work.
Grind it in rather than think you may need a little extra on the side. The trunk of your story is what people appreciate, no one says “what wonderful branches that tree has!”
Nope, its more the appreciation of the whole tree in-itself. An organism grounded in focusing its entire life to maintaining strong roots and thick bark. So why don’t you think like a tree and grow your trunk strong and the branches will grow naturally into your writing.
7. Look to the established.
Writers such as George Orwell or Kurt Vonnegan are not remembered for their crazy habits or drinking games but rather in the way they are able to spin their words in a simple yet transmittable manner for all individuals. This rule is not here to direct you but rather check out the questions that each repeats as the foundation to their writing. So don’t just take it from me but see what others have to say.
Beauty is meaningless until it is shared. (Burmese Days, 1934)
— George Orwell (@OrwellQuotes) September 22, 2014
Freedom of speech isn’t something somebody else gives you. That’s something you give to yourself.
— Kurt Vonnegut (@Kurt_Vonnegut) October 2, 2015