A Beginner Writer's Checklist

As a fairly new writer one can encounter many questions and problems regarding the art of writing. As I was starting out, those obstacles forced me to come up with ways in which to best resolve or work around them. I compiled a list of these to make the information available to other new writers. It is always helpful to have as much advice as possible when one is at the beginning of his/her writing journey.

Here is my list of things to do - or not to do - as a new writer:

1. Find your areas of interest

Think of what interests you most, what areas you know a fair amount about. For example, if you like sports, that's what you could specialize in. It is just so much easier writing about subjects you enjoy and are knowledgeable about. Write articles for the magazines that you enjoy reading yourself, or columns on subjects that you are passionate about. If a book is what you dream of writing, it will benefit you to write on a subject you take to. Actually, a good idea is to write the type of book that you like to read. Although, before writing a manuscript, I recommend starting with smaller venues, such as articles, columns or short stories, as the next item on the list suggests.

2. Start small

It is a good idea to begin your writing career with articles in small publications. Community magazines, for example even if they don't pay, or pay very little, are a great place to get your work published for the first time. They are less known to readers, and are always looking for articles, columns, short stories, etc., depending on the type of publication. Established writers go after the "glossy" magazines, and more known publications, therefore, these smaller magazines are more apt to accept articles from beginners. Once you have a couple of articles published, it will be easier to get assignments in the bigger name magazines. Sometimes book editors extend offers on writing a book based on a good article.

3. Do not try to write too many things at once

When one is starting out as a writer, he/she often wants to write everything. It is better to start with just one or two pieces, so you can dedicate all your attention to them, and make them your best. When you have too many different projects going, you tend to be all over the place, and most likely will not finish any of them. If you do manage to finish anything, it probably won't be as good as it could be, because you did not give it your full attention and time. It is better to produce 1 or 2 excellent pieces, than 4 or 5 bad ones.

4. When sending a query letter, do not mention too many unpublished articles

A mistake new writers seem to make in query letters, is stating the many unpublished articles they have written. While it's impressive that you have written so much, it may be a little questionable as to why any of these articles haven't been published. One of the first things an editor may think is that your writing must not be very good if you wrote so many articles and none of them are published.

5. Write what you know

I am sure you have heard this one before, that's because it is very true. I myself, can attest to this, for I have found that when I am writing about a subject I like and know a lot of, it is so much easier to write about. It seems to just come naturally, and it is more enjoyable to write. Writing about a subject you are not familiar with, can become very cumbersome, and it makes it hard to stay on track. Writing on something you don't have an interest in, will become boring, you will lose enthusiasm, and won't write it as well as you could.

6. Join a writer's group

This is always a good idea for beginner writers, or even any writer for that matter. Being around other people who write can be very inspiring. It's good to see what others are writing, and get ideas from them. You can also exchange suggestions, and get advice from them, as well as encourage each other on projects you are thinking about. Reading other writers' styles can also be very engaging in your own writing.

7. Read as much as you can

Surely you have been told this one repeatedly, that's because it really does help. It's good to read books that teach about how to write, as well as reading anything that relates to what you'd like to write. For example, read loads of novels, if that's what you'd like to write. Looking to be a newspaper columnist? Read the paper daily. Want to be a fashion editor? Stock up on all the current fashion magazines. Doing this is both helpful in getting ideas, as well as in developing a style by seeing what others are doing.

8. Take a writing class or workshop

I know, I know, you already know how to write that's why you became a writer. Still, you can't ever learn too much. A workshop can help ignite many ideas, and can give you different approaches to writing. I think anyone can benefit from taking a writing class. Many institutions offer writing courses, check your community college, or local high school, they often offer night classes for those who work days. Also, you can take online classes, there are dozens of writing courses offered on the web. Remember, it is never too late to learn, or lean more.

These are just a few ideas for getting you started. I hope you find them helpful. Good luck in your endeavors, and maybe we'll cross paths out there in the published world!