7 Tips for the Beginning Writer and How to Get Started is an answer to one of the many questions I receive about writing. Most sound like this: “Where do I start?” Here’s a recent example of someone who wants to know where and how to become a writer.

“I would love to write, blog, publish, market and sell my book. Where and how do I get started? How do people find me? How do I know if I’ve been found??”

7 Tips for the Beginner

Most aspiring writers have the same frustrations. If you happen to fall into this category of wanting to know how to start, I have several tips to help get you going.

The first thing I would suggest is to ask yourself what do you enjoy reading, researching, or learning about?
What experiences do you have that you feel confident in sharing with others or what advice do people come to you for?
When you decide what message it is that you want to share, the next step is to WRITE. If you’re wanting to create a blog to “practice”, Blogger or WordPress offer free options, it’s how I got started. But if you’re not ready to go public with your words, start with a journal.
Before you make your blog public, have several posts, I would suggest at least 8, (one per week for two months).
Once you feel that you’ve got your voice coming through, I would create a Facebook page and begin to share those blog articles while creating at least one per week. This helps connect you with an audience to do some “testing.”
Or join a local writer’s group. It may take some time, but finding like-minded people who are interested in what you’re interested in, makes all the difference.
Once you’re comfortable and have a website going, create an email list using a service like MailChimp and put a sign-up link on your blog and Facebook page. The people who are most likely to purchase your books are the ones who will take the time to sign up for your emails.
Lastly, I would create some type of “enticement” for your readers to want to sign up for your email list. Whether that is a free short story or a small collection of nonfiction that they can download or even a few PDFs full of information that’s helpful, inspirational, or entertaining, do what’s most comfortable to you and what you think your readers will value.

It’s Not About You

If you concentrate on your audience and how you can meet their needs, your work will naturally be found. The biggest mistake most writers make is the lack of focus on their readers. Their dreams and success are the most important reasons they write. I’ve done it myself. And it’s ok to want those for yourself but to be successful at writing, publishing, and blogging… your audience… those you want to reach, help, engage, entertain or inspire, have to come first.

Finding your Focus

Productive writers…

Solve Problems
Meet a Need
Provide Hope
Create Entertaining Stories
Inspire Others to change themselves or the world in some way

Successful Writers…

Are Passionate about their Subject
Are Not Motivated by Money
Have or Develop a Consistent & Productive Work Ethic
Care about their Readers
Create Trust for their Community

Asking the right questions can help you find your purpose for writing.

Who do you want to help and how… is a great place to start.

Start Where You Are and Use What You Have

Being simple isn’t overrated. Building a rock-solid foundation by reaching out to a specific audience is the best way to develop your skills and grow.

What are some of the limitations that you are struggling with today? Let me know. I would love to help you.