More than thirty years ago, I made a conscious decision to invest in becoming a writer. I was a mom and had been a teacher and went on to become a university administrator, presenter and literacy advocate. I’d been a reader as far back as I could remember, but writing became an important aspect of my life. Zing: Seven Creativity Practices for Educators and Students is, in part, my writing memoir. I hope you’ll find it helpful. Below are some quick tips.
1. Regularly read what inspires and challenges you. Read the genre(s) you hope to write. Books about writing and creativity are also helpful.
2. Create systems for jotting ideas and images.
3. Welcome your ideas as you would welcome a guest. Resist thinking negatively about your work.
4. Create your writing time and mull about what to write, how to write it, and about how to be daring. Among your key resources are your love of stories and language(s), your spirit, imagination and persistence.
5. Consider taking writing workshops, attending conferences, starting or joining a writing group.
6. Learn to savor revision, an essential habit.
7. If publication is important to you, learn about the publishing field. Know the advantages and disadvantages of small and large presses, and the submission process. Submit your best work intelligently. Be persistent. It is not easy to have a manuscript accepted.
8. Prepare for rejection. Ponder how you will handle it and what can assist you to return to your work. Assess your level of stubbornness. It’s a challenge: keeping the heart soft and the skin thick.
9. Whether you’re writing for yourself, family and friends, or publication, never underestimate the importance of supportive allies.
10. Being published probably won’t change your life, but being committed to writing can change your life and occasionally the lives of your readers.
May you write work you love. Good luck! ¡Buena suerte! Buona fortuna!