Many children who love to read and write are often curious about how to become a writer. What are the steps involved? What are the best ways to improve your writing? Where can you find writing inspiration? How do you know which genres are best for you? Who can you turn to for writing support? Although there isn’t one direct path to becoming a writer, certain tips can be incredibly helpful for children.
If your child is curious about how to become a writer, there are some simple things you can do to encourage this love of writing. Here are some of our tips that you can pass on to your kids:
-
Write every day. When figuring out how to become a writer, our top tip is simple: Write every day! Creating a daily ritual of writing will hone your skills and get you in the habit of making your writing a priority. Consider setting aside a specific time each day to observe the world, sketch, take notes, and write. You’ll begin to look forward to this special writing time and may even start planning your work ahead of time.
-
Emulate your favorite writers. The best writers are readers, too. Take the time to examine your favorite writers. Why do you like their work? What are the best parts of their writing? How can you emulate their work? Don’t worry, you’re not copying them. Instead, you’re drawing inspiration from their style and ideas to craft your own voice.
-
Choose small moments. Some of the best-written pieces focus on a very small moment in time. Narrowing down your ideas and topic allows you to maintain a unique perspective and include a multitude of details. For example, instead of writing about an entire rainy afternoon you could focus on a walk to the mailbox. Including details such as struggling to put on your boots, the feel of the puddles splattering, and the heavy raindrops sliding off your umbrella give power to your voice.
-
Try different forms. Don’t stick with one form or genre. You should try out several differeny types of writing so you can find what you’re most passionate about. If you tend to always write fiction, try working on a poem or an informative piece. To find inspiration or writing ideas, you can always look online. One of our favorite websites is ReadWriteThink, operated by the International Reading Association. Here you can explore multiple genres, learn about the differences, and get inspired!
-
Keep a notebook. You should always keep a small notebook with you to jot down ideas! Many writers use these notebooks to record brainstorms, observations, or notes about a future piece. You never know, this little notebook may contain the seed for your next big idea!
Explore! Figuring out how to become a writer isn’t always about the words. Exploring the world (or, at least your neighborhood or town), making observations, and converting these observations into ideas is just as powerful as the words that go on the paper. Take a look at everything; you never know what may inspire you!
Share your work. Finding trusted people to read your work is an important part of how to become a writer. Allow your reader to ask you questions and provide feedback. Sometimes, a reader’s clarifying question will be just what you need to revise a piece for enhanced ideas, more streamlined organization, or a clearer voice. Accept honest feedback and try not to get upset if you disagree with your reader’s opinions.
Keep trying. Learning how to become a writer may be difficult at times. You may face writer’s block, the words may not come, or you might find a complete lack of inspiration. But keep at it! Try looking for inspiration in different places or talking to other writers.
Join (or form) a writing group. Participating in a writing group is a great way to stay inspired and keep in touch with other writers. Many of these groups help inspire participants to revise ongoing work, return to forgotten pieces, or begin new masterpieces. If there are no established writing groups near you, consider starting one of your own. Talk to your neighbors, friends, and classmates to find other writers that want to meet with you as part of a collaborative writing group.
Tell your own story. Your writing will become powerful when you include bits of your own story, what makes you special, and the one-of-a-kind voice you possess. You are special, and your writing should be special, too. Figure out what your story is and share it with the world!
Learning how to become a writer is all about discovering your voice and using it to perfect your craft. It may not always be easy but it will always be rewarding and inspiring!
Photo by Lennart Tange
Megan L.