Freestyle
Learning to be a writer is a bit like learning to swim by being thrown into the deep end – you figure it out as you go along. And trust me, my journey to becoming a writer was less of a graceful dive and more of a series of comedic belly flops. So let's take a look at how I learned the art of writing by, well, just doing it.
Writing a Book to Learn How to Write
You might think that to be a writer, you need to learn how first. Spoiler alert: it's the other way around. You write, and poof, you're learning! It's like expecting to know how to cook a five-star meal before ever stepping into the kitchen.
You learn to handle the literary pots and pans while cooking up your story stew.
The Art of Procrastination
Ah, procrastination – every writer's secret hobby. I once spent hours researching the etymology of 'procrastination' instead of working on my script. Did it help with my writing? Not a jot. Was it interesting? Absolutely. Did I meet my deadline? Let's move on...
Inner Editor vs. Real Editor: The Battle
Every writer has an 'inner editor' – that nagging voice that critiques every word you write. Learning to shush this unhelpful nitpicker is crucial. But remember, when your real editor speaks, you listen. They're like the GPS to your writing journey: sometimes annoying, but usually right.
The Myth of the Perfect First Draft
'Perfect 1st Draft Syndrome' is the bane of many writers. It’s like trying to bake a cake and expecting it to come out of the oven already decorated. The cure? Just write. Your first draft doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be. Who says you need to be brimming with knowledge before you write a book?
Writing is a process of learning. It's a bit like building a plane while flying it – thrilling, a tad risky, but oh so rewarding.
Perfectionism: The Draft Killer
The old adage “better not to do it at all than to do it imperfectly” is the archenemy of drafts everywhere. If perfectionism were a movie villain, it would be the one you love to hate. The truth is, an imperfect draft is better than no draft at all.
Just Start Writing
In summary, I learned to be a writer by simply diving in and doing it. It’s a messy, hilarious, sometimes frustrating journey, but it’s worth every misstep and typo. If you do need help, joining a writing group, or getting a writing coach can help. But, if you’re waiting for the perfect moment to start writing, remember this: the perfect moment is now. Grab your pen, or your keyboard, and let the adventure begin.
