Interested In Starting Your Writing Journey? 18 Tips For Beginners…

Read a lot. Write a lot.

And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt. ~Sylvia Plath

Tips gleaned from experienced authors to those interested in venturing out on their own writing journey.

1. Write. Keep writing.
2. Read a lot so you understand how others do what they do
3. Learn the craft …that is part of writing
4. Proofread. Rewrite so it makes sense
5. Learn the craft. Books, classes, YouTube
6. Be yourself. Tell the story
7. Brainstorm writing ideas
8. It takes a lot of sacrifice
9. Find online sites that accept free submissions. Publish 800-1200 word articles on a subject that interests you. Write and submit articles to many sites. Once accepted try longer pieces
10. Don’t let “no thanks” deter you.
11. Read, read, master the language you want to write in. Read, read and read a bit more
12. Start writing. Just keep writing. Stand at a bus stop, look at a fence and …write. Sit in a pub, get yourself a drink and write about the next person who walks through the door – not his descript but his life story, his family, his job. Just write
13. Read the classics and discover why they are rated so highly
14. If you don’t know what to write or have writers block, use writing prompts to get those creative juices flowing.
15. Don’t shy away from criticism. Being critiqued doesn’t always feel amazing, but it always makes you a better writer. Every time someone tells you what they think of your manuscript, you get closer to an objective understand of your work, which is invaluable
16. Don’t worry about perfection when you are writing your first draft. Good writing is re-writing
17. Believe in yourself.
18. Never give up.

Solid thoughts of inspiration for those new to the writing craft. Anything missing that you would like to add? Do share. We would love to hear!

Cheers!

Author: Dr. Shelly

Dr. Shelly Cameron is a leadership strategist, executive coach, and author of 12 nonfiction books, including The GreenLight Factor and Success Strategies of Caribbean American Leaders. She is the creator of the GreenLight Leadership Framework and founder of Global Coaching Corner. She leads the Ignite Caribbean 30 Under 30 Emerging Leaders program. Drawing on over 20 years of global HR leadership experience, she's passionate about helping professionals navigate change and design fulfilling lives through intentional goal setting and self-discovery. Her research was published in the JAABC Business Journal, and she was a featured author for the 2026 Africana Arts & Humanities Festival's 250th celebration. 🎉 A thank-you: SuccessfulLeaders.net just crossed 100,000 views! Grateful for every reader who's made this milestone possible. View all posts by Dr. Shelly