HOW TO GET STARTED AS A WRITER

Are you interested in getting started as a writer, but you don’t know where to begin? This video is for you! I am the bestselling author of over twenty-three novels and have sold over half a million copies of my books, but ten years ago, I was exactly where you are now. At the beginning.

Here are my best tips for how to become a writer.

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Some Of My Favorite Books On Writing:

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Heart Breathings - Episode 27

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About Me: My name is Sarra Cannon, and I've been indie publishing since 2010. In that time, I have published 22 books and sold well over half a million copies.

I've made some mistakes along the way, but I've also learned some valuable lessons that I think will help you reach your goals. I can't wait to help you learn to make money writing what you love.

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**Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

[heather]

Taking in negative feedback is definetly one of the most difficult parts of being a writer. Its hard not to feel like they're insulting one of your children.

[nohea_robertson]

I like the idea of watching movies and taking notes in my chosen genre. I write about teenage drama, I'll have no problem coming up with 10 movies lol.

[andi-roo]

When I watch movies, I always find one character for whom I wish I knew the back story. Usually it's a background character who barely shows up, but it makes me ask questions about how or why they got there. I start imagining their life, and where they go from "here" which is particularly fun if they were killed, because suddenly I'm changing events, replacing names and traits, and rather than creating fanfic, I'm breathing life into a brand new world inspired by, but nothing like, the story I started with on the screen. I read somewhere that asking "What If?" is the starting point of every decent story and I have found that to be true for me.

[sistergoldenhair]

Stephen King’s book On Writing is also a must read!

[SerbAtheist]

I've recently finished my first collection of short stories. Here are some things that helped me a lot:

1) Start with expository essays, like the stuff in college. Write a 1, 000 word paper for example on whether you think nuclear energy is sustainable. The boring stuff. You have no idea how much expository essays teach you on writing: the paragraph structure, topic sentences, formulating an argument, avoiding longwinded sentences, word choice... If still in college, by all means enroll in a writing class. It helped me immensely as a second language speaker.

2) Then for narrative writing start from short stories (1k-5k words). It'll help you lay the groundwork for longer stuff. Short stories are great for learning how to develop an idea. A good short story will always have a great idea to it, since you can't mask a bad idea so easily with longwinded exposition. As your craft and confidence improves, you will slowly notice your stories getting longer and longer, straight into novella territory. Then you are ready select which format suits you best.

3) Avoid overplotting. It's good to have an outline, but micromanaging a plot is a lot like micromanaging a party or a road trip. No one ends up having any fun. Have an overall basic plan for sure, but sometimes half the fun is in finding some new and exciting theme that comes out of the story and going with it. Plus, spending months upon months of writing extensive mythologies and character tables will get you nowhere. Plotting is not the same thing as writing. And for the love of god, KISS. Don't attempt a Wheel of Time or Game of Thrones on your first try.

4) If you have a block on a certain part of the story, just go somewhere else. Write a part of the story that is clicking and you have an inspiration to write. I believe strong and memorable scenes are much more important than the narrative itself. I don't think, for example, anyone really remembers the exact routes and places Brienne and Jamie visited on their way to King's Landing, but everyone remembers that bathtub scene. If you have strong and memorable scenes in your head, write them while they are fresh even if out of order.

5) Sure, work within a genre, but also find something unique. Ask yourself, what kind of stories do you really like in this genre but not many people are doing them: it could be romance novels from the perspective of another species, or realistic disaster novels, or perhaps utopian alternate histories (e.g. where WWII never happened)... whatever it is... ask yourself honestly what sets you apart from every other author you've ever come across. Try to find at least one thing.

[paulas]

It took me 2 years and 2 fan fiction books to understand how to write and plot a book, but with all that work, now I understand from where to start and where to end. Still learning, still trying to improve myself and put in writing the best of what I can. Love your videos, a lot of great help. Sending you all my best ❤

[sistergoldenhair]

Francine prose’s “Read Like a Writer” is a brilliant book that teaches you how to read books through the lens of a writer.

[StephanieRobles]

Just recently found your channel, and man is this good stuff! I’m stepping into writing this year, FINALLY, and your channel has been super helpful! Thank you so much!

[dexterjackson]

GREAT, GREAT GREAT STUFF!!! I am now motivated. Your honesty, tips, transparency and relatability are much appreciated! Also, you are an engaging communicator. I’ve subscribed to the channel and will keep this as a resource for my now beginning writing career. Your channel is now an informal mentor. Thanks for taking the time to share your wisdom and experiences! Many blessings and much favor to you and your family! Once again, thank you and much appreciated!

[Khushi-dxwe]

Thank you so much for this inspiration! I loved what you said at the last. Writing is the closest thing to magic in this world.

[mariabaptista]

Lovely motivational video and about the process to get a new skills. I am actually learning English, I wanted to search how to write better in Portuguese, but I forgot and put it in English on Google search. That's exactly what I am doing for to learn a new language, I understood about 70%. Nice clearly voice, structured topics and amazing continent. Thank you!

[micheledeanda]

Oh wow! I'm so happy I have come across your channel. I am not a writer and I saw your planner post (that is how you popped up in my feed). But I've had an idea for a book in my head for a couple of months now. This video could not have come at a better time. Thanks for sharing.

[lexaandkenzie]

Bling watching your videos, they are all so amazing!!! Thank you for the incredible tips!!

[leelongpre]

I am not one to comment on videos but this was a great one. No one really ever says it takes time - so that was different and good to hear. I am subscribed now! Loved the honesty in this one!

[jasmineholt]

I love your channel! Glad I found it and I'm actually starting to get my passion back and begin writing as a full time author. Going to use all of your resources

[Grace-tdkl]

Binging all of your videos, you’re really inspiring and make writing feel less scary the way you lay it out

[ScullyPopASMR]

I'm with you here. I've published two novels, and I get these questions all the time.

[havenneak]

I wanted to say thank you for your concern about how to become a writer as a book. I appreciated a lot the ideas and kept my mine exploring to it.
God blessed you and your family.

[mialarsson]

This is by far my favorite authortube video of the year! Absolutely! I love your vids, you’re so inspiring

[noahneal]

You don’t have near as many subscribers as you should, your videos have been a gold mine!