Skiathos, Greece
PREFACE
Writing is like going on a rollercoaster of emotions. You are part of what you write and what you write is part of you. Writing has the power to create a special connection between the characters and the author. If one suffers, the other suffers, if one is happy, the other will be happy as well. If you want to be a writer, you have to be prepared to cry together with your characters, to fall in love all over again, to learn new skills and to let go. You live thousands of other lives while living your own. It is a gift: your characters can learn from you, and, truthfully speaking, you are going to be the one who learns the most from them.
Are you ready?
CHAPTER 1
If you are approaching writing for the first time and you want to create solid foundations, you are in the right place. These quick but effective steps will guide you towards your dream.
First of all, I would suggest you get to know yourself more. Specifically, what type of writer you could be. As a matter of fact, I tend to identify two types of writer. Understanding their unique characteristics, strengths and weaknesses can help you approach inspiration and writing with more confidence and determination, without being held back.
These are the two types:
EARTH WRITER: The one who wants to have everything set and defined before starting writing, because their ideas come predominantly in the beginning. They tend to spend the majority of the time researching and readjusting their ideas before starting to write. But once they do, they perfectly know how to navigate each small detail of their story. People who identify themselves with this type tend to be more rational, organized, and meticulous, just like chemists in a laboratory. They want their story to have strong roots in the ground, so as to make it grow while resisting any obstacle on the way.
WATER WRITER: The ones whose ideas flow like water and let themselves be carried away with them. Indeed, they get ideas and inspiration while writing. If you resonate more with this type, just remember that although it can feel safe having everything already drafted in your mind, you do not have to have everything ready at the beginning, nor you have to be already sure of everything you are going to write, since the writing process is part of the creative journey of a writer and ideas can come up at any time. You tend not to be afraid of the unexpected events of life and tend to follow the subtle voice of inspiration, because you know you can always change, rearrange and rephrase anything you want! Your first draft is not your final, be willing to take detours, to build new paths and to go back to the start! Creation doesn’t follow a straight line, and neither do you!
CHAPTER 2
I know, writing is exciting and sometimes we feel the urge to immediately start writing our story. However, before start writing you might want to have some things clear, such as,
- Brief outline of the story : Introduction, Body and (a preliminary) Conclusion
- Characters charts: Name, Personality, Appearance, Relation to one another, plus a brief story of their life
- Names and characteristics of particular objects/magic/powers/institutions (etc.)
As for the setting, I tend to identify three types of setting for a story. Make sure to identify yours before start writing! Indeed, recognizing your specific setting can direct you towards the right research method so as to create solid roots for your story.
These are the three types:
- SETTING 1: Real world.
Do a preliminary research on the real geographical location, including country, customs, nature, streets’ names, attractions, bars, parks etc.
- SETTING 2: fantasy world.
Write, draw or paint a preliminary map of your fantasy world. Make sure that your story and the places described coincide with the structure of your world.
- SETTING 3: Mixed world.
If reality and fantasy intertwine, be sure to know how, where and when. Make it clear and easy to understand. Start from the essentials and then build on it.
CHAPTER 3
Finally, let’s delve deeper into the specific steps an aspiring writer should take to boost their writing skills! By looking back at my wiring development, I realize I followed a clear pattern, which helped me build my skills step by step, without ever feeling stressed or not worthy of the project I was working on. I always felt I was doing the right thing at the right time, and by following this structure I saw huge improvements in just a few years, which allowed me to write a 200 word book when I was only 16 years old. This is what I learned from my personal experience:
STEP 1: Start by writing your daily life in a journal so as to become more comfortable with expressing your own thoughts and feelings, as well as with describing actions, simple scenarios, conversations and people’s interactions.
STEP 2: Once you feel comfortable with step 1, start writing short stories (1-5 pages). Do not feel you have to invent anything new, just get inspired by books and characters you already know. Indeed, this is just a writing practice: the more you write, the better. Focusing too much of your attention on what to create can lead to discouragement.
STEP 3: Once you feel comfortable with step 2, start creating your own short stories (5-30 pages). Keep it easy and concise: defined setting, time and storyline. Do not add too many characters but focus all your attention on the few you insert in the story.
STEP 4: Once you gained the confidence, START brainstorming your novel! But remember: try to keep it simple, do not overcomplicate yourself! Do what feels comfortable and right for you without comparing yourself to long-time writers. Approach them just to learn new techniques and as a reminder of their successful persistence!
CONCLUSION
In order to succeed in writing and in almost everything in life, you must truly believe in this saying, that is, “perseverance will prevail”.
If you take one step at a time, and you allow yourself to fully enjoy each step, soon or later you will find yourself at the top of the ladder. However, if you keep looking up and you immediately expect to be there, then you will never have the courage to start climbing.
This saying is present in many cultures, such as the Chinese one. Indeed, in Chinese is 铁杵成针, which literally means: the iron pestle will become a needle. If you keep working at it persistently, even an iron stick can become a needle.
THE END
By Chiara
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