Writing can be so very personal it is difficult to give a template for success, in which one size fits all. Having said that, a great precursor to writing is reading. As a primary teacher I have certainly found that my best writers are those children who have a love for reading. And not just reading to get to the end of the book but reading and analysing, asking themselves questions of the text. You know, the ‘O that’s interesting… I wonder why…?
So, right at the outset as you contemplate the possibility of writing I would say:
- Read, read, read. It enhances the vocabulary which improve your skills in communicating concepts and ideas to others. Reading also draws you into another world one in which you can empathise with characters as you consider things from their perspective. Reading takes you on journey which enables you to create your own film strip of what you are reading. You can edit as you feel the need because it is your interpretation. When you start to write you have a mental bank of resources from your past reading to draw on. In reading you are exposed to powerful phrases, grammatical conventions, punctuation, literary devices which you can then use in your own writing.
- Be observant. Inspiration for writing comes in many different shapes and sizes. Sometimes you write from deeply personal experiences while at other times, it could be titbits from a conversation, something in nature which stimulates your creative juices, reflection on a sermon, lyrics of a song, a bible verse. All of these can be the impetus for creating a piece of writing.
- Listen – documentaries, podcast etc can give you something to respond to either in agreement or disagreement.
- Talk to God. There are two strategies which are important at the outset of any project or task. The first is to take it to God and the second to write down what you believe you hear the Spirit say to you. God never works contrary to His word and so as your make a record of you hear ; be responsive to the ways in which God confirms His word, through a friend, bible verse, a message. Remember our God is creative so be open.
- Start writing. Make notes, no need to write full sentences just jot ideas down. Have a note book by the side of your bed as ideas can come at any time, so always be ready to scribble them down as they can be quickly forgotten. If you are a Christian and you believe God speaks to you in dreams, write those dreams down.
- Share with others. Don’t be afraid to share with those you trust and ask for their comments. Remember the verse ‘iron sharpens iron’. It is important to have people around you who will hold you to account as they encourage you to keep going. Write about something you feel passionately about – as a teenager I discovered how effective and rewarding writing letters of complaint to chocolate manufacturers could be.
- Keep editing. Once you start shaping sentences and paragraphs re and reread. Is it saying exactly what you want it to say? I find this especially true when writing poetry where you need to be economical with words, so do choose carefully. Use metaphors and similes to create and shape the landscape of the writing. Imagery is a powerful tool.
- Don’t rush. Leave for a while. This might sound a strange one, but it is important not to rush. When you come back to the writing you will bring fresh ideas and you will have a new lease of energy.
Keep Writing and enjoy the journey. God’s got your back.