You Don't Need Permission To Be A Writer

The other day, I came across a tweet where someone was told they weren’t a writer. The writer’s response: Are you not a breather?

Yesterday, my mom informed me that she started writing a book again, one that she’s been writing off and on for two years. But she whispered to me that she didn’t think she could write it, because she doesn’t have a college education. My response, who cares if you don’t have a degree. She said that her grammar isn’t great. I told her, “That’s what editors are for.” If you want to write a book, then write it.

If you are reading this and have toyed with the idea of writing but are scared. Well, I’m here to give you permission to write your damn book. Don’t wait for someone to make you feel “more than.” If you’re waiting, then you might be waiting forever. The only way to be a writer, is to write.
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Every author starts somewhere, and every author has been on the roller coaster in Writersville. We’ve all had the little voice in the back of our heads telling us that we can’t do something. I hear it weekly. But then I write anyway.

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5 Steps To Writing Your First Draft 

1. Pick a category: Picture Book, Middle Grade, Young Adult, New Adult, Adult.
2. Pick a genre: Dystopian, Fantasy, Historical, Humor, Literary, Magical Realism, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense, Western, and the list goes on.
3. Choose a plot structure that works best for your story: 3 Plot Structure, 4 Plot Structure (my favorite), Man-Hole. All of these can be found in detail on the web.
4. Decide if you’re a “pantser” or a “plotter”. If you’re a plotter, create a tentative outline to follow. If you’re a pantser, then start writing chapter one. An outline is a must for me.
5. Join a local writing group. I found mine through Facebook. 

Your book may require research. For example, if you intend to write about someone with anxiety, then you may need to look up different events that could’ve induced the anxiety. What doesn’t anxiety look like? Is it genetic? What are a few coping mechanisms? What kind of medicine is available? What’s the difference between a therapist and a psychologist? How does anxiety affect your character’s social life, etc.
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For me, I’ll know my protagonist, but I come to know him/her better as I write. It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers before you start. The goal is to get the first draft of your book completed. 

I’ll be attending a Writer’s Conference in town this weekend, and taking notes. Next week, expect to see a post, sharing with you what I learn.

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