Soak in the elements of a good book: The first priority of a writers is to be a reader. Find those books you enjoy and don’t be afraid to highlight favorite phrases, characters, or plot techniques. For years I kept a journal in which I dissected the books I liked and analyzed why they worked. Poor Dee Henderson’s books got picked apart like a science project. But they were so good, I had to know why! Pick the genre you want to write and read, read, read!
Open up your heart: Find those issues, places, scenes, and characters who have influenced your life. There is truth to the old adage: Write what you know, and inside you is a well of experiences that you can use to craft a story, an article or a devotional. Dig into your life, ponder the things God has taught you and ask Him how He wants to use them to both teach you more and minister to those around you. My two hour nightmare of being locked in a dark, broken elevator turned into my first novella sale!
Learn: Invest in some good writing books and work on craft. I am constantly reading and asking God to make me into a better writer. God gives us talents and desires, but we need to invest in them for His glory. Some great books I recommend: Brandilyn Collins, “Getting into Character,” Anything by Sol Stein, Donald Maas, and James Frey, and of course Browne and King’s “Self Editing for Fiction writers.”
DO: Write! And Write! You won’t be a writer without writing. That’s the truth. And learn to take criticism! Don’t put your self-esteem into your writing . . . be teachable and you will grow not only as a writer, but as a person.
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