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Six Tips To Start Writing

Writing SceneDo you have a story to tell or information you want to share? Do you want to be a writer but don’t know where to start? If the answer is yes, read on to find out how to start writing.

1. First things first – who are you writing for?

Do you want to write for yourself, for family and friends or do you want to be published or enter competitions? The answer will determine how you go about starting to write.

If you're writing for yourself, family or friends then you have full freedom to write to the length and subject you like.

However, if you are hoping to get published you need to research where would be a good place to submit your work and write to the style of the publication or publishing house.

If you are writing for a competition you must read the rules carefully and follow them, otherwise your piece will be rejected.

2. What you want to write about?

It's best to write about something you enjoy. This will help you with your research and keep you going when you feel things are getting tough.

For example, if you love gardening then this would be a good place to start. You'll already have some knowledge on the subject, know what publications are available and any research you do will help you to write your piece and deepen your understanding of the subject.

Alternatively, you may love reading crime novels. You'll have a good idea of story structure, length and plot lines on which to build.

So before you sit down to write know what it is you want to write about.

3. You need to decide where to write.

These days, all you need is a laptop or tablet and you're away. JK Rowling reputedly wrote the first Harry Potter novel in a café. If you can concentrate in a bustling environment then go for it.

You may want to use the time on your commute to write – a tablet is perfect for this and it helps the journey fly by.

On the other hand some people like to have a specific space to write, with their dictionary to hand and access to the Internet. Only you can decide what's best for you.

You may find that you have a variety of places to write – for example, first draft on the train then editing and polishing at your desk at home.

 

Next to six things to think about before you start writing part two

 

 

The Writers Bureau courses provide you with a wealth of knowledge on how to become a successful writer with the help and guidance of a professional writer who'll be your personal tutor. If you want to start writing then click here to find out how The Writers Bureau can help you develop the skills you need.


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Theresa Gooda Writers Bureau's Student of the Year 2021

“I began my first Writers Bureau course (Comprehensive Creative Writing) in 2007. Having more than covered the course fees from published pieces I have never looked back. Initially my ambitions were to get going. I knew I wanted to be a writer, I just didn’t know how to go about it, or, if I’m honest, quite what I wanted to write. Since, I have gradually blended a teaching career with writing, first with articles and short stories, then increasing the writing commitment dramatically when I secured an agent in 2016 to ghostwrite a series of memoirs. This year I have undertaken The Art of Writing Poetry course to really hone my skills in what I now realise is a genre I love - and have already had my first poems published.”

Theresa Gooda - Writers Bureau Student of the Year 2021

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14 - Contacting Us

  • If you have any questions about Our Site or this Privacy Policy, please contact Us by email at studentservices@writersbureau.com, by telephone on 0161 819 9922, or by post at 8-10 Dutton Street, Manchester, M3 1LE. Please ensure that your query is clear, particularly if it is a request for information about the data We hold about you (as under section 12, above).

15 - Changes to Our Privacy Policy

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