Four years ago, my writing centred mostly around blog articles. Prior to that, it was all essays, work reports and writing for verbal briefings. Creative writing practice for me was uncharted territory.
But in the depths of Covid, after my fitness business was shut down, I went in search of a creative outlet.
Since then, I’ve written daily. Honed my skills. Tightened my prose and emerged from that daunting pandemic period with my own creative voice.
In this past year alone, I’ve completed, and self-published a professionally edited a debut novel. Currently I’m deep in the heart of a second work-in-progress.
I regularly blog. I’ve an upcoming essay that’s ready for submission into the Griffith Review (my fingers are firmly crossed), and I have a committed posting schedule on Substack.
However, my journey wasn’t always smooth sailing.
Creative writing can be intimidating stuff and frankly, it’s way harder than it looks!
My early work stunk.
My early drafts still stink.
The first chapters drag. There is no continuity, and the work is completely absent of any verifiable arcs.
And, to put it bluntly, my work is often a complete mess. But that is perfectly okay. And I will tell you why… shortly!
Writers, for the better part are avid readers, and we especially like to read in the genres we aspire to write in, because that’s where we pick up so much of our creative writing techniques. For me, this is very much how I started my creative writing journey.
Throughout this beginner’s guide, we’ll look at several approaches to start your creative writing practice. We’ll build some sustainable habits. And hopefully by the end we’ll overcome some of the obstacles that stop novices writers from completing their very first drafts.
So, whether you dream of writing short stories, novels, or poetry, these tested methods will help you grow your creative writing seeds into fully fledged works of art.
Why Creative Writing Feels So Hard at First
When you’re starting out, as a creative writer (just as you would with any other new hobby, or endeavours) it can often feel like leaping off a high cliff… without a parachute.
But what you’re actually standing on, here, is the edge of creativity. Which is a beautiful place to be.
A blank page might be staring back at you. That’s intimidating. But it also presents itself as a new opportunity. And while your mind could be filled with doubt, the possibilities here are endless. Right now is the perfect time to embrace the struggle.
The position isn’t unique to you. Hemingway experienced it. Jane Austin experienced it, and I bet even the most prolific writers like James Patterson have also experienced this universal experience. No matter the level.
The fear of not being good enough
Imposter syndrome. Writers face it daily. This ego-crippling self-doubt and monkey mind that needles every corner of our vulnerabilities is very real. It can completely halt progress.
But when this fear takes hold, and prevents you from achieving your writing goals, and causes you to be too scared to write it in the first place… know that it’s universal too.
Many new writers feel intimidated because they don’t believe they’re good enough, yet the paradox remains: you can’t become a better writer without ever writing.
So, be brave. Pick up the pen, typewriter, or whatever you’re choosing to create on. Shut out the noise and just focus one writing one decent sentence. Then another. And another etc etc.
Why your first drafts will always feel disappointing
I said in the intro that my first drafts stink.
But so does the second and the third.
I’m still in the process of discovery here, and I’m not afraid to fuck up the process.
In the back of my mind, I’m symbolically burning it anyway, but that is liberating for me, and I know that first drafts aren’t meant to be masterpieces. It’s all about me spilling my thoughts out onto a page.
No one will ever read these drafts. Not even me, because I’ve already torched it before I start the next draft. But the raw material is now out of my head. It’s been set free into the ether-verse and my final story (which I’m hearing deep inside) starts to emerge.
This is creative writing. And it’s re-writing. It’s raw. It’s unfiltered and as long as it moves something inside of you, then it does not matter one iota how that first draft reads. Just get it done, as slow, or as fast as you please. There is no timer on this, and truth of the matter is, no one is judging you (except for yourself) and there are no boundaries. Just get it done!
How to embrace the beginner mindset
The concept of the Beginner’s Mind comes from Zen Buddhism.
It’s an approach to openness, curiosity and a lack of preconceptions. Or, as Shunryu Suzuki wrote:
If your mind is empty… it is open to everything. There are many possibilities in the beginner’s mind, but in the expert’s mind, there are few.
When feeling stuck with your writing, cultivating this mindset creates space for curiosity, playfulness, and wonder.
You could even consider it childlike play because it frees you from expectations. It helps you approach your writing with fresh eyes. And, furthermore, it allows you to focus on the process rather than any of the outcomes.
Writing now becomes an adventure, and discovery in its purest form.
Building a Daily Creative Writing Practice
Consistent habits are undoubtedly what forms the backbone of any successful creative writing practice. Even the most brilliant creative ideas stay trapped in your mind… unless there’s a reliable system to bring them to life on the page.
Start small and stay consistent
The cornerstone of writing consistently is not about marathon sessions.
It is about showing up regularly.
So, begin with tiny, achievable goals.
Maybe that’s just 15 minutes daily or 300 words per session, and it might seem insignificant, they all stack up, because small efforts compound over time.
Additionally, once you begin writing, you will often want to continue beyond your initial target. But you can now officially call yourself a writer. And that brings about a monumental focus shift.
Choose a time that aligns with your natural energy patterns.
I’m an afternoon writer, but morning people should schedule writing sessions early, when your creativity is at its most heightened.
Simultaneously, select a frequency that works with your lifestyle. Daily writing works wonderfully for some, whilst others can thrive with dedicated weekend sessions.
Create a writing space that inspires you
Where you write significantly impacts how you write.
I write in my living room because I prefer the silence, and the solidarity. But sometimes I like to write in the local café too, because I still need some connectedness with people.
Whatever your workspace is, it should function as a sacred environment dedicated to creativity.
Primarily, we should be looking for a location that offers privacy and minimal foot traffic, allowing you to write, free from interruption.
If you like, personalise this space with elements that encourage both comfort and creativity. Maybe that’s artwork, travel mementos, or treasured books and pictures of those you love.
For me, this means sitting with my dogs. They’re little rat bags, but I couldn’t write without them by my side.
Write from personal experience
Perhaps the biggest inspiration, to writing is your own life experiences, but it also adds a layer of authenticity that readers instantly recognise.
My stories start out as simple ideas that have stemmed from life experience, but the true test is growth and stickability.
The best ideas don’t fade away. They are not easily forgotten, and often, they grow into a life of their own and become impossible to ignore. Readers also appreciate this genuine level of storytelling which reveals true vulnerability and honest emotion.
Let your characters speak for themselves
Dialogue in fiction is not real-life speech.
Literary dialogue is purposeful, and it is concise. It’s there to drive the story forward.
Each of your characters should have a distinctive voice that stands out, and this can be achieved through unique word choices, sentence structures, and speech patterns.
Additionally, dialogue should not be used for info dumping. Readers quickly recognise when characters are over-explaining things and will close your book.
Read widely and often
Immersing yourself in reading is essential practice for all writers.
As Roslyn Petelin notes:
Through reading, you unconsciously absorb crucial writing techniques including vocabulary expansion, effective dialogue, and structural elements.
Take breaks and live your life
Creative writing can take your mind down any number of rabbit holes. Some can be bright, and some can be dark. All of them can become all-consuming, so keeping a balance between writing and self-care is a practice that cannot be understated how you manage your wellbeing while writing will prove vital when you’re trying to sustain any creativity.
Engage in activities that recharge your creative writing batteries.
For me, that means yoga and gym exercises, but I also engage in photography which provides me a meditative counterpoint to my creative drive, but it also serves to freshen up that side of my brain!
Celebrate small wins
Many writers keep a close track of their word counts.
I think this is a great idea. If used wisely. But simply acknowledging small achievements will boost your motivation levels and self-confidence.
Celebrate completing each chapter and provide yourself with some positive feedback.
Share your work with a writing group. Because not only does this enhance your self-esteem, it also helps you to remain accountable and moving towards your goals.
Each victory, regardless of size, builds resilience for future challenges.
Conclusion
Creative writing undoubtedly presents new challenges for the beginner, yet the journey becomes remarkably fulfilling when approached with patience and mindfulness.
Fear often paralyses us, no matter the endeavor, but me must also view the blank page as a fresh opportunity.
Accept that the first drafts will and should always be a dog’s breakfast. Learn to wear that as your badge of honour.
Write without judgement. Do not chase perfection and get comfortable with embracing this messy reality as your gateway to genuine creativity.
Build daily habits. They serve as the foundation for writing success.
Start small with achievable goals. Craft an inspiring workspace. Track your progress without harsh self-judgement, and understand that consistent efforts compound over time, and will emanate throughout your skills with a new sense of confidence.
Simple, yet practical techniques are what truly elevates your creative writing practice, but drawing from personal experiences will add an authenticity which readers will connect with.
And finally, the path to becoming a writer isn’t about immediate perfection but rather consistent growth. Each word you write brings you closer to your creative goals. Celebrate the small victories. Maintain your writing streaks. And show up everyday.
At the end of all that, know that your writing journey belongs uniquely to you. There will be challenges but also rewards.
All that’s left to do is, choose your poison, then write.
