I am an aspiring writer. I am not the best writer. But I am learning and working really hard to get there.
It is a tough road, long journey, but what does it take to get there.
1
)It takes an idea. Wherever it may come from: your favorite book, a line or scene from a television show or some random thing someone says. Its the idea that gets you going. Its the first initial spark but it won't keep you motivated. That brings us to point # 2.
2)
The/drive passion. Do you have a burning passion to write. Do you go to bed dreaming about this one idea. Does it get all twisted up in your mind you don't realize there is a customer standing right in front you at the information desk because your imagining what your story will look like(ok that's me.) But the urge of wanting to see your story and characters come to live on a blank page is where you will find your drive. If you really want to write, no matter is going on, you will find that quiet moment where you will open your computer or take a pen to paper and write.
3)
Time. Whoever we are and whatever we do. Time for anyone is an issue. There never seems to be enough to get anything done. If your a late morning riser like me, then you even have less time to get things down. Before you know it the night comes and you think to yourself. Where did the time go? At the moment, I am balancing work, school and writing. It takes a lot of you. You have to make sacrifices-like hanging with a friend or passing on something you really want do(not saying you should do this all the time. We need fun in our lives.). But there are times that we have to make that decision and hope that our friends understand. We are chasing after our dream, so we need to use all the time we have. I am one of those people that need sleep, so I do all my writing by midnight. After midnight, I sleep, because the mind needs to recover, its needs to reset. So I recommend not pushing yourself too much but try create an effective timeline that will help you with your writing. (Three hours a day is really all you need, you can do more but don't go overbroad.)
4)
Learning the craft. You can do this before or during your writing process. But it is very important. Read as many books as you can books on writing. Browse the internet on author websites, especially the authors whose writing and stories you like and inspire you. They usually talk about their writing experience and they have a lot of great advice. Conferences and Workshop are great for those who can afford it. Not many people can. I can't. But I researched and found a writers conference that's free to attend in my area and I plan to go next month. I also took a short story class last year, which was a really good learning experience. Join online critique groups. Form your writing group or get your MFA in creative writing. All of these are ways to learn and understand the craft. So that you can become a better writer.
5)
Stop writing, Breathe, Rest and READ, READ, READ. Writing is hard work. And there will be times when you want to quit. You'll say writing it is not for me. You give up. Your done. It was just a silly dream. Your not a writer. This is the moment when you STOP WRITING. Step away from the laptop. Put the pen down and BREATHE. Take a walk. Catch up on your favorite television show or phone a friend to grab some coffee with you at Starbucks or to go a movie at the theatre. All you need to do in this moment is Breathe. Then REST. Take a break for a couple of days. Forget the story. Catch up on your sleep. Clean the house that seems to be a lot messier that it was a few days ago and just relax. Take it easy. This might not be realistic for those of us who work 5-6 days a week 8 hours or more a day. But whenever you can find it. You need this break for your brain to repair. So all those destructive thoughts, that seem to be blocking you from writing can go away. Then when you start to feel a little better. READ. Go to the library, or bookstore. Pick up a book. Something new. An author you like has a new book, go pick that up and just read. Lay out on your couch and enjoy a brand new story, new character and a new world. And as you read, you daydream that this book had your words, your story and your name on the cover. You dream that just as you are holding this book in your hand. One day someone will do the same with yours and this is were you will find your passion again. That drive and you will be ready to write. Because its what you want to do. And nothing, not even your doubts can stop you.
6)Perseverance and Patience. Keep writing. Even when you take a break always come back to writing. Don't stop and never give up. Remember everything won't come together in a day. It will take time, don't rush. Take your time, have fun and be patient.
I hope this helps someone in anyway as they go for their dream. Good Luck. Happy Writing. God Bless
