How do I start writing?

It's a good question, commonly asked by people when they hear you are a writer. So what is the answer?

In the first instance, the answer is simple: Just do it! Whether it's with pen and paper, keyboard and screen, or your phone, just write whatever is in your mind - what is the burning idea or story that is stiring? Write and keep writing.

'I don't know what to write about.' 

That blank page can be very scary, even when you've been writing for a while. 

• There are numerous sites that offer writing prompts
• In the past year, most of our blogs have focussed on different ways to find inspiration for writing, so why not look through them, and pick one that appeals to you. 
• Try a story generator to get you started. This blog shows you how it works. 
• Try some exercises to get you writing. 

Improving your writing

Congratulations on getting your ideas on a page. Now you can look at ways to improve what you wrote

• Useful tools for writers: This blog looks at useful tools to help you with your writing
• Editing: This blog looks at learning how to edit your work, and gives a checklist to work through, ensuring it is polished, and this blog offers a range of different tools to help you. 
• Join a writing community for further tips, but beware, becoming too absorbed with these will pull you away from actual writing. 
• Writing classes can be another excellent way to develop your skills - I've done a number through the years, but the best was the one run by Brighton University: Work, Write, Live. You'll get to learn some of the technical skills, but also receive constructive feedback to help you develop your writing. 
• Read the work of others
• Explore different types of writing
• Write, and keep on writing!
• Build a portfolio
• Never, ever give up.

How do I know if my work is any good?

• Feedback: the Zoetrope community is great for offering constructive feedback from other writers, and you have to read and review the work of other writers too. 
•  If you can get friends and family to read your work that can also be helpful, but in my experience, you have to choose carefully to get honest, constructive feedback. 
• Editors - when you start sending out your work, you may find some really lovely editors who do offer feeback on why your story was rejected - always read it and consider it carefully. 
• Try your hand at entering writing contests.

How do I know where to send my writing?

• Find a suitable market  - the Writer's and Artist's yearbook is essential for any writer. These websites also list places where you can send your work: Publishing and other forms of insanity; The Submission Grinder and Christopher Fielden.
• submit in response to calls for submissions

What do I need to do to submit my work?

• Study your market
• Follow all the guidelines on the publishers submission page. This 
• Write a great synopsis
• This blog explains how to go about submitting your work

How do I make a business out of writing?

In this blog, we look at the practical aspects of managing writing as a business. 

Yet more resources

Our resources page has curated links to other sites, as well as documents you can download. Also, explore our blog archive for lots more ideas, information and resources. 

But, don't get too wrapped up in the detail and surfing the net - remember to keep writing!