Things a Writer Should Know and Take to Heart Every Now and Then

Regardless of style or genre, there are relevant things a writer should know and ought to stick to. Before you start weaving words, it’s best to keep these in mind—they’ll pay off in the long run. Aspiring writers, brace yourselves. You’re about to enter a complex territory. Writing is not a sunshine-and-rainbows job. Don’t believe it? Just ask seasoned veterans.

A Long Winding Road

Writing is much more than scribbling on paper or pounding away at your keyboard for hours; most pros who teach you how to write a book often point this out. The entire process is long—there are bound to be some stages you’ll hate. Enjoy drafting? The revisions may kill you (no thanks to grammar rules). Whatever part it may be, the frustration is normal. Just don’t let it stop you from finishing anything. The clock is ticking and time isn’t exactly a writer’s best friend.

We’ve already established writing as far from a glamorous job. Now that you’ve realized this, you better bring your A-game as you sit down to write. The long (and mostly sleepless) nights will be slow and exhausting, so be warned. But if you feel your brain isn’t helping you finish even a single page, you can sleep on it. You’ll feel much better about it the next day.

Basic is the Key

One of the things a writer should know (and never forget) is the basics, like grammar. Before you stuff in some fancy words, make sure they make sense. Every writer must get a good grasp of grammar; there’s a ton of grammar tools to help while learning. Once you master the essentials, your writing should be good to go.

Few are Chosen

Another reminder: not every writer becomes a novelist—and that’s okay! Perhaps freelance writing is more up your alley, or maybe poetry is your calling. Whatever your niche is, do it because you love it. Just because you can’t publish a novel doesn’t mean you’re not a real writer.

Marketing a book is another factor. Although the thought of releasing work to the reading public sounds great, the process can prove to be the opposite. Articles or professionals who tell writers how to publish a book have cited tried and tested ways to get it done, so the methods you choose will be entirely up to you. Whether you take a traditional or independent route, make sure it’s truly right for you.

Keep Pushing

Writing can get scary. It’s like running around naked in public; every thought, every word, and every sentence is out for the entire world to see. As the great Franz Kafka puts it, “It’s the descent into the cold abyss of oneself.” Aside from the vulnerability, the desire for approval scares most writers. Despite informing others of their nonchalance toward feedback, almost every writer wants their work to be given the A-Okay by the audience. You never know what kind of reception you’re going to get from readers, so prepare to take some harsh (and sometimes unwarranted) criticism coming your way. Despite the horrors and the potential backlash, don’t let your fear stop you from writing. Over time, you’ll learn to tune them out as you continue to push your pen.

There are many things a writer should know while in the world of the written word. Like a sponge, try to soak up as much as you can while you expand your skillset. Good luck and happy writing!