How to be a writer in 10 "quick" steps

Hello dear Canvas & Quill reader, or must I say...possible writer.

If this title catched your attention it means that either: a) you just want to read our blog for funsies, which is amazing, or b) you have a genuine interest on becoming a writer. I'm happy to announce that this post is for both of you! And even to you, dear reader, you that haven't even realised you want to be a writer but share the same flame in your soul as us.

Very well, let's get started.

Becoming a writer can feel daunting, but with the right approach, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Whether you're aiming for traditional publication or considering self-publishing, the journey begins with a spark of inspiration and a series of actionable steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the writing process from inspiration to publication.

Step 1: Find Inspiration and Stay Inspired

This step is fundamental, as inspiration is "The process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative." - Oxford Languages. Inspiration is the lifeblood of creativity. It can come from anywhere—books, nature, art, or even personal experiences. Make a habit of seeking inspiration daily. Keep a journal to jot down ideas, quotes, and thoughts. Surround yourself with creative individuals and consume a wide variety of media to fuel your imagination. Remember, inspiration is a muscle; the more you flex it, the stronger it gets!

Two or Bonus Step: Take a Creative Writing Course

Before you dive into writing, consider enrolling in a creative writing course. These courses provide valuable insights into narrative structure, character development, and writing techniques. They can also introduce you to different genres and styles, helping you find your voice. Armed with knowledge and a solid foundation, you’ll be better equipped to tackle your manuscript.

I personally wished I had taken the courses I took before I wrote my first book, because after finishing them my writing was so much better because I had a better uderstanding of the plot structure, the POV'S to use, or voices that have to be heard, and also basic details every writer should know. In 2024 I have finished four courses of both publishing and creative writing in Stanford University called: NVL32: Novel Workshop: Writing A Great Debut; NVL 175: Novel Workshop: For Manuscripts In Progress; FICT 138: Voice in Fiction: Style, Dialogue, and Point of View; and CW 78 From Idea to Publication: Pitch Your Essays and Articles.

There is nothing I recommend the most than taking these courses at that university. I know I don't really have to explain why, but just one thing for you to take home is: It's Stanford dude, do I need to say more? No, but actually, it's one of the top Universities of the World, which means their professors are beyond skilled and experienced in what they teach and how they teach it, and you can expect nothing less than incredible courses from these excellent teachers.

Step 3: Just Do It—Dare to Start Writing (1) First draft.

Once you feel inspired and informed, it’s time to take the plunge. Start writing! Don’t worry about perfection; the first draft is about getting your ideas down on paper. Set aside dedicated writing time and stick to it. Whether it’s a few minutes a day or several hours on the weekend, consistency is key. For this its a myth that you have to feel inspired all the time in order to write. That is impossible. That is not to say that you shouldn't search for inspiration in order to feel like writing, but you should also do it out of consistency even if you feel little creative that day or week.

Related to this is what you will learn or have already heard, it's called "Writers Block." Writers Block is something that happens even to the best of us. You bet Stephen King, Tolkien or Sarah J, Mass have had to deal with this too. The important thing is what to do when it hits you. Here its important to remember: 1) to to push yourself to write because you probably won't be able to do it or do it as you wish you could, so it will only leave you stressed and in a bad humour. 2) It's important to seek activities, people or tasks that make you feel creative, like hanging out with more writers, doing short writing prompts related or unrelated to your WIP, listening to epic music, froliking in the fields, or whatever it occurs to you. 3) Try again when you feel like it; don't expect to feel completely ready because it doesn't always happen. Sometimes Writers Block is still a tiny bit present when you continue writing once more, but you must power through it and lock in.

Step 4: Do Your Research

Understanding the industry is crucial. Read manuals and follow advice from literary agents and successful authors. Familiarize yourself with current trends, what agents are looking for, and the common pitfalls to avoid. This knowledge will guide you as you navigate your writing journey.

Step 5: Revisions Are Essential (II) First revisions

Once your manuscript is complete, it’s time to revise. This is where the real magic happens. Step back from your work for a bit -what I have been said that turned out to work really well for me and more writers was to wait at least a month or two before you revise- then return with fresh eyes. Look for plot holes, inconsistencies, and areas that need strengthening. Don’t hesitate to cut sections that don’t serve the story. Be brave to do it. If it doesn't add something to the plot then it needs to go because it probably just makes the story unnecessarily long and tedious for the reader, or it slows down the plot, and you don't want that. Remember, great writing is often about what you leave out.

First revisions focus on:

• What do you like and want to keep

• What isn't working and needs to either be changed or cut out.

Step 6: Gather Beta Readers and (III) check on your second draft

After revisions, it’s crucial to get feedback. Enter beta readers—friends, family, or fellow writers who can provide constructive criticism. Choose individuals who will be honest but supportive. Their insights will help you see your manuscript from different perspectives and refine it further.

Step 7: Hire an Editor or Self-Edit (IV Developmental Edit)

Once you have feedback from beta readers, you can choose to hire a developmental editor or tackle the edits yourself. A professional editor can provide valuable expertise, helping to enhance your manuscript significantly. If you decide to self-edit, approach it with a critical eye. Focus on structure, pacing, and character arcs.

The developmental edit focuses on:

• Big-picture story tell liking pieces like plot, characters, setting and pacing.

Step 8: Copy Line Editing (V) Line editing

After revisions, it’s time for a copy edit. This step focuses on grammar, punctuation, and style. A professional copy editor can ensure your writing is polished and ready for readers. If you choose to do it yourself, consider using tools like grammar checkers, but remember that human insight is invaluable.

Line-level revisions focus on:

• Fixing the flow line-by.line

• Word choice

• sensory details

• Dialogue

• Making it sound "pretty"

Step 9: (VI)Proofreading

Once your manuscript is polished, the final step is proofreading. This is your last chance to catch any lingering typos or formatting issues. A fresh pair of eyes can be incredibly helpful here, so consider hiring a proofreader if possible.

After the first round of revisions you should be good. Like I said before, text would be to hire a copy line editor to go through your manuscript line by line and correct the grammar and punctuation, and similar things. After that copy editing, comes the proofreading. Again, you don't necessarily need an editor for this, but you do want someone else rather than yourself to do this.

Step 10: Prepare Your Query Letter

With a polished manuscript in hand, it’s time to prepare your query letter. This is your pitch to literary agents or publishers. Make sure to research submission guidelines for each agent or publisher, as they can vary widely. If you’re considering self-publishing, remember that you’ll need to take on marketing yourself, so prepare accordingly.

I will make an other post on how to query and give y'all a basic form you can use as a guide.

Conclusion

Becoming a writer is a journey filled with challenges and triumphs. By following these steps—from finding inspiration to navigating the publishing process—you can turn your passion into a reality. Remember, every writer’s path is unique, so embrace your journey and keep writing!

With warmth,

Mila.