I read a piece in The New York Times about how to learn to write and was instantly transported back to my childhood. The article described a simple, yet effective, four-step process for teaching yourself to write. It got me thinking about how I first learned to write and whether or not that process could be replicated. Being the writer that I am, I decided to put the theory into practice and see if I could recall my own learning process. Here’s what I discovered:
Step one: Beginner’s block is an ideal time to practice.
According to the experts, the first step of any learning process is to admit that you need help. Writer’s block or lack of ideas is a completely natural phenomenon that occurs to all writers at some point. It is the result of over-thinking and over-analyzing the process of writing. These experts state that when you experience beginner’s block, it’s an ideal time to practice. Rather than forcing ideas and concepts onto the page, you should use this stage to your advantage and simply doodle to your hearts content. This will help you get back on track and move forward when your creativity starts to flag. It’s never easy to find the inspiration and motivation to write. When you least expect it, you’ll most likely stumble upon an idea that will ignite your passions and give you the push to write another book. Many great writers credit their early success to having used this stage effectively.
Step two: Take a break.
After you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to take a break and reflect on what you’ve learned. You need to set aside enough time to process what you’ve written, but not so much that you lose sight of the big picture. After you’ve taken a break, the experts say it’s time to step back and re-evaluate what you’ve accomplished. It’s not always easy to admit that what you’ve made is good enough, but it’s essential that you do so if you want to make further progress. You might consider pausing at this point while you organize your thoughts and ideas. Many great writers cite the process of writing as therapeutic and believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience its calming effects. If you feel stressed and anxious while writing, it’s probably because you’re not used to relying on your own thoughts and ideas. Solving problems and coming up with new ideas can help clear your head and lower your pulse. It might be a good idea to write in a cozy corner of a peaceful room or on a beach trip with your family. There are plenty of places in the world where you can let your mind wander and allow your thoughts to flow without any distractions. When you come back from your break, you’ll be refreshed and rejuvenated – ready to continue the good work you started prior to taking the break.
Step three: Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses.
This is the stage where you take inventory of your strengths and weaknesses. If you’re someone who’s naturally gifted in taking detailed notes or who’s always wanted to write a book, this is the moment you should have been waiting for. Learning to write is not easy and it takes a lot of practice to get good at it. It might be a little overwhelming to know where you stand and how you measure up in the art of writing. The truth is you’re not alone in your quest for knowledge and being able to write is certainly not a talent unique to your family or friends. There are countless people all over the world who would like to be able to write and know that they have the ability to do so. It’s never easy to accept your limitations, but you must do so if you want to make further progress. Your strength and weaknesses should be put into perspective however. There are plenty of gifted writers out there who lack confidence and end up sabotaging their own success because they don’t believe in their own ability. The more you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it – so don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts at writing aren’t perfect. As we’ve established, this is a process that takes time to develop and anyone who tells you otherwise does not know what they are talking about. When you accept these weaknesses, you’re giving yourself the best chance to improve. The key is to not be discouraged by mistake. Remember what we said above about beginner’s block; it can be the result of arrogance and excessive self-confidence. When that happens, all that is needed is a good dose of humility to get you back on the right track. The experts also recommend that you find a writing partner or a group of friends to help you evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. What’s important is not that you find someone to help you with the process, but that you acknowledge that you need help. In the long run, having a partner or group of friends who regularly critique your work will prove to be invaluable. When you’re lucky enough to find someone who genuinely enjoys reading your work and offers constructive criticism, you’ll have found a great partner who can help you grow as a writer.
Step four: Make a plan to improve.
Writing is a constantly evolving and changing process. Just because you’ve reached a stage where you feel you can tackle some problems alone doesn’t mean that you will encounter those problems no longer. When you reach this point, it’s time to make a plan to improve. You should set specific, measurable goals for yourself and track your progress regularly. The experts say that having a solid plan will help you keep motivated and moving forward. Without one, you’ll probably find yourself losing interest halfway through the process or giving up altogether. To start, you might want to consider taking a crash course in writing or get a tutor to help you through the first few chapters of your book. If you’re looking for a boost, consider joining a writing group or taking a class at a local college. There are plenty of resources out there to help you learn the ins and outs of writing and getting your book published. All you need is the will and the patience to master it.
As a writer, my goal is to help as many people as I can become confident enough in themselves to pursue their dreams. I believe that everyone should be given the chance to shine, regardless of their age, gender or background. Being able to write and tell your story is a true gift. It gives you the power to change the world; to make people believe that they can achieve their dreams; and to inspire others to follow their lead. For those who may feel overwhelmed or insecure, this stage can seem daunting. Admitting your weaknesses is never easy, but knowing where you stand and how you measure up is a matter of confidence and pride. This process will bring you one step closer to your goal of becoming a confident, successful writer.