Seven Ways To Become A Better Writer

Somewhere along the way to becoming a novelist, I sidestepped the whole getting-a-formal-education thing that usually paves the path to traditional literary publication. It wasn’t an intentional decision; I had published a number of children’s picture books and arrived at a point in my career where I was ready to pitch an adult novel to agents but had no degree. It seems that in my preoccupation with the living part of life and the decades spent trying to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up, I neglected to tick off that MFA box. And so, as I carefully crafted my query letter and polished my CV, I fretted at this gaping omission.

Encouraged by articles that suggested a lack of publishing history would not be a deterrent to agents, I set aside insecurities about my obvious lack of qualifications in the education department and leapt into the world of pitching and querying, and the terrifying yet thrilling rollercoaster ride that goes along with it.

It turns out that the some of the most important elements to have in place are a well-crafted story, rich language, and memorable characters—but not necessarily an MFA. Here are seven things you can do to build your skills as a writer (without a degree at the end):

1. READ

I am intentionally putting this before “write” because in order to write, you need to read. There is an alarming trend among young, aspiring authors who have little desire or inclination to read. Reading is the foundation of writing. You cannot cook without eating. You cannot live without breathing. And you cannot write without reading.

Read widely, ensuring that you select books within your genre so that you become familiar with what readers, and subsequently the publishing industry, are looking for. But don’t limit yourself to one type of book. Read outside your genre. Join a book club where you can be introduced to books you may never have picked on your own. Read classics, absolutely read classics, but be sure to read contemporary works as well. These are the books that are getting published now.

Read as a reader, for the pure enjoyment of it, to be lost in the story and carried away by the language. But also read as a writer. Keep a journal of the books you’ve read, noting what you liked or disliked, elements of craft that the author has incorporated, and particular phrases that speak to you.

2. WRITE

Just as an athlete needs to train in order to be ready for competition, a writer needs to practice their craft to improve their skill and ability. Not every word put down on paper is precious and deserving of an audience beyond the writer, but every word does serve a purpose. Learn to let go of judgment, to recognize that writing is sometimes part of the process not the outcome. Set aside objectives of productivity to explore and play with language. Sometimes we need to write through crap to get to the good stuff.

3. CONNECT

Writing is a solitary craft which is why it’s so important to connect with other writers – those who are on a shared journey with the written word. Find people who understand the joys and challenges, who can commiserate with you about rejection letters and toast the milestones along the way. After all, Lewis and Carrol had the Inklings, and Woolf and Forster had the Bloomsbury Group.

Make sure you are also connecting with the broader community of writers – attend readings and book launches, both to show support for the author and to gain experience in that environment. There are also organizations and online groups that facilitate connection and build community. Seek out ones that resonate with you and your work –  there are a number specific to genre.

4. LEARN

Be intentional about learning opportunities that can help you with craft or your ability to navigate the publishing industry, whether you are going the traditional, indie, or hybrid route. There are a variety of ways to go about doing this:

• • Attend writing workshops at the community level
  • Attend conferences or literary festivals
  • Sign up for webinars (these sometimes coincide with conferences)
  • Take an online class
  • Read a book about craft
  • Take a course at your local college
  • Work with a mentor
  • Subscribe to websites that are writing focused
  • Follow bloggers who post about the industry

 

• Follow inspirational blogs (my favorite is Brain Pickings)

 

5. PERSIST

We’ve all heard stories about authors being rejected multiple times before eventually landing the six-figure book deal and shooting straight onto the NY Times Bestseller list. While this does happen, it’s pretty rare, so if this is your vision, you may want to take a moment to reflect on your motivations for writing.

For most writers, it can be a long, difficult road, and “success” is a relative variable. There will be rejection along the way – deal with it, learn from it, but don’t let it defeat you. Take the opportunity to evaluate, revise, and edit. Be persistent. And most of all, keep writing.

6. PROFESSIONALIZE

Okay – that’s a really clumsy word, but it’s meant to capture the objective of approaching your writing and writing career in a professional manner. If you work best with structure, set that up around your writing. Prioritize your work. Set goals, evaluate, and adjust as needed. (This is where your efforts to connect will benefit you – accountability is a marvellous motivator.) If your objectives include publication, remember that writing is an art, but publishing is a business.

7. BE YOU

Find your voice and use it. No one can write the story that you’re writing the way you can. If you don’t write it, it won’t exist. Believe in that, and remember to respect the individuality of who you are.

Bio—

Jean E. Pendziwol is the author of numerous books including the internationally successful children’s book “No Dragons for Tea: Fire Safety for Kids and Dragons” and the critically acclaimed lyrical picture book “Once Upon a Northern Night” illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault. Her debut adult novel “The Lightkeeper’s Daughters” was released in hardcover by HarperCollins in July 2017 and is forthcoming in paperback July 2018. She lives in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Find out more about her on her website: https://www.jeanependziwol.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeanE.Pendziwol/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeanPendziwol

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About THE LIGHTKEEPER’S DAUGHTERS

Though her mind is still sharp, Elizabeth’s eyes have failed. No longer able to linger over her beloved books or gaze at the paintings that move her spirit, she fills the void with music and memories of her family—a past that suddenly becomes all too present when her late father’s journals are found after a tragic accident.

With the help of Morgan, a delinquent teenager performing community service, Elizabeth goes through the diaries, a journey through time that brings the two women closer together. Entry by entry, these unlikely friends are drawn deep into a world far removed from their own—to Porphyry Island on Lake Superior, where Elizabeth’s father manned the lighthouse seventy years before.

As the words on these musty pages come alive, Elizabeth and Morgan begin to realize that their fates are connected to the isolated island in ways they never dreamed. While the discovery of Morgan’s connection sheds light on her own family mysteries, the faded pages of the journals hold more questions than answers for Elizabeth, and threaten the very core of who she is.

 

Tags: featured, women writers

Category: How To and Tips