ADVICE 10: How Do I Become a Writer?

ADVICE 10: How Do I Become a Writer?
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Today's question is something I've always asked myself -- and will likely continue asking. In writing, your past is irrelevant each time you open a new blank white screen...

(Questions have been modified for space and clarity.)

So I would love to become a writer -- a fiction mystery writer -- and English is my second language. I want to be the best writer who writes an engaging story that flows really well. How do I overcome my weaknesses? What books should I read to improve my writing skills? How do I come up with creative story ideas? How should I improve my grammar? Also, there aren't any workshops held where I live... are there any good online workshops with reasonable prices that you think would enhance my writing skills?
-- Daydreaming Writer; Karachi, Pakistan

A few weeks ago, I received a question from an island in the Aegean Sea, which Google calculates as 6,338 from Houston, TX, where I live. Today, Daydreaming Writer checks in from Karachi, Pakistan, an impressive 8,481 miles away. I'm honored and flattered.

I'm also inspired by your courage. I'm too afraid to try learning a second language, much less trying to become a fictional mystery writer in one. Dreams that big are buoyed by even bigger ambition, so you're off to a good start.

"Easy reading is hard writing," said... well... nobody's sure who first said it, apparently. But that doesn't make it any less true. I don't mention that quote as discouragement, but as motivation. Writing is as challenging as it is worthwhile. There's something gratifying in turning a blank screen into something that makes people think, laugh, feel.

While I've never taken a workshop, one I would consider would be "James Patterson Teaches Writing" from MasterClass. One of America's most successful authors, Patterson reveals his approach to developing plots, characters and dialogue in this 22-video online series. The course costs $90 and can be completed at your own pace.

Outside of that, there are two primary ways to become a better writer: reading and writing. As much as you can, as often as you can.

You want to write mystery fiction? I'd start reading mystery fiction. Select books that you find interesting, but as you go through them, don't read them as a reader; read them as a writer. Pay attention to how the story is structured, how the paragraphs are paced (a mix of short and long sentences), how the characters evolve and interact with one another. It's as if someone's given you the answers to a test, and it's up to you to deconstruct how they arrived there.

Reading will also improve your grammar. While you can take classes for it, there are too many rules to remember, too many idiosyncrasies to decipher. It's almost impossible to learn it all in one setting. You have to absorb it over time. Plus, you can always turn to Google.

But the most impactful thing you can do is to write. Write journal entries, write story outlines, write rough drafts, write your first fictional mystery novel. Just write.

The muscle that allows you to do so is no different from any other muscle. To grow, it needs to be worked. Exercise it consistently and find the burn each time, so that it's forced to stretch and strengthen.

It helps to schedule your writing time -- whatever amount you can accommodate -- just as you would for the gym. I've found having this structure makes it harder to procrastinate and holds me accountable. The guilt I feel from blowing off those writing sessions outweighs the fear I get from staring at that blank white screen.

I've also made a habit of carrying around a flip pad in my pocket, so I always have a way to jot down thoughts. Unfortunately, the best ideas seldom come when you're sitting at your computer, but this is a way to ensure you have them when you sit down to write.

Not every note you take will inspire your next great idea; most will be meaningless. But the practice itself will tune you into the world around you. Your awareness will heighten, your mind will become more engaged. It's almost as if you'll be working that writing muscle nonstop. And as its capacity grows, so too will your creativity.

COMING WEDNESDAY: The conversational trick everyone should know...

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