Are you a total newbie? Somebody with that burning need or desire to write who hasn’t a clue about how to get started? Great, that means you won’t be any competition for us TVWriter™ minions. Not to worry, this article’s got all the info you need to get started:
by Rita Karnopp
People often talk about the all-important first draft. After writing the past hundred or so years (a bit of an exaggeration there) I realized early on several important facts about writing.
- Set a daily writing routine.
- Set goals.
- Period.
Daily writing routine – Let’s give this some thought. We are by nature creatures of habit. We generally get up around the same time every day (most times it’s because we have a JOB) and we get home around the same time. We also eat and go to sleep about the same time every day. So why not start and stop writing around the same time – unless you’re in a ‘writer’s surge’ and nothing – but nothing should stop or interfere with that wonderful experience.
What works for me? I make deals with myself. I finish the book by my deadline I’m treated to a night out with hubby to my favorite restaurant to celebrate. He loves celebrating with me! Okay, now if I finish early, which is generally my ‘internal goal,’ I am rewarded a new top or pants (I don’t remember the last time I wore a dress) along with dinner out with hubby. J You see, rewarding yourself not only makes you feel good about yourself, your accomplishments, and your confidence, it gets you ‘stuff!’ A win-win all the way around –LOL.
Setting Goals – Anyone who knows me – knows I’m a fanatic about setting goals. I always think about the comment – if you’re going on a trip to – let’s say Glacier National Park in Montana – wouldn’t you plan it out, maps, miles, costs, stops of interest along the way, hotels, etc.? Of course you would – or you might end up in California or Alaska!
Same thing applies to writing. You have an idea (general plot) you have a feeling for the beginning, middle, and even end (not that our characters always go in the direction or do what we want them to do). We know how long we want the book to be, therefore, we know how many chapters. You know your writing style and how long it takes you to write a chapter. (If you’re a beginner – just dive right in. You’ll see a pattern forming after your first few books.)
And don’t forget to check out what our Beloved Leader, Larry Brody has to say in his classic BOOK.