An Open Letter to Writers

Hello writers of the world,

Earlier this week I was struggling to think of a blog idea, so I grab one of the writing prompts my lovely life mate has made for me.  It was to write an open letter to writers and encourage you.  I recognize that I might not be the most qualified person in the world to write this, however I'm going to.  This is because if even one thing I say helps someone write with more passion and creativity, if it helps them do what they love for the rest of their lives, if it helps them move forward with their career, then it will be worth it.

So hello all of you wonderful writers out there.  I do mean wonderful when I say that, because writing is wonderful and awesome and difficult.  I know that sometimes you feel discouraged or angry or blocked.  So here are some pieces of advice and encouragement.

One of the best ways to get better as a writer is to experience writing.  Just like you get better at anything by learning from others who have done it before you, you can get a lot better by reading and critiquing writing.  All kinds of writing, fiction, non fiction, newspapers, whatever.  Read it and critique it, look at their sentence structure and word choice.  Pay attention to how the use grammar and language to evoke emotions and thoughts.  However, this doesn't end at reading.  You can also watch movies, listen to music, or watch t.v.  Roughly eight five percent of our entertainment is a form of writing.  Keep a journal of phrases that sound good or catch your eye and try to understand why they stick out for you.  Understanding others writing will help you build your own.

Learn by doing, never stop writing.  Write things that suck and things that are great and everything in between.  Write things that interest you and things that bore and pay attention to how your word choice and sentence structure changes.

Here's a piece of advice that may sounds strange, but stay with me.  Take acting classes.  This serves a twofold purpose.  First, it will help you to hear and feel the sound of good words put greatly.  Second, it will help you get inspiration to act out the great works of writing because it will help you to think of why the characters act the way they do and why the characters are built the way they are.

Also, try playing table top RPG's.  I know that sounds weird, but it really does help to explore how stories are built and character motivations.  Also, it's just a blast.  I can play table top games and relax and come home ready to write the night away.

Play music, or learn an instrument.  All creativity is based in the same part of the brain, so it makes sense that if you are creative in one way it will help other forms of creativity.  It will also help you get through creative blocks.  This really applies to any form of creativity, from music to stand up.

Don't be afraid to share you're writing, or rather share it despite being afraid.  The input from others can help a lot.  It also prepares you for the fact that not everyone is going to like what you write.  While this may seem disheartening, you should in fact be excited about this.  Because if everyone did like your writing there would be a serious lack of individuality in the world, and individuality fuels writing.

Lastly, realize that being writer is not for the weak willed or faint of heart.  The act of being a writer, of constantly experiencing life and sharing those experiences in one way or another is a terrifying one that can leave you drained.  That said it is so worth it.  It is amazingly rewarding and fulfilling.

Keep on writing folks.