5 top tips for successful writing

Hi, I'm Syba, a former NHS Consultant turned journal editor. Whilst I was a medic, I never did any creative writing, though I tended to be the first to volunteer to create any policy or document that was needed.

Then, around the time of my career change, alongside a LOT of soul searching, I realised I really liked writing. When I thought back, it was obvious I'd always liked writing. So, I took steps to start writing actively and to learn as much as I could.

I now regularly write flash fiction (and have been shortlisted in a few competitions) and I write the odd non-fiction essay (and was lucky enough to win a competition that came with prize money!). I have a novel in progress (but have stalled a little there) and I am now trying my hand at children's picture books.

Do you love writing and want to improve? Or perhaps you love the idea of writing and don't know where to start? You've come to the right place! 

1. Find time to write and do it often.

Every writer out there will tell you to do this. Writing is a craft, and everyone, even the most talented, needs to practice. 

It doesn't have to be in the traditional ways, using a pen and paper, or sitting at a desk with a laptop in front of you and no distractions. Some people write notes on their phone on-the-go (like me!). I heard an author say she wakes up every day at 6am to write a few hundred words down before the household wakes up. You could perhaps join a write-along, where you sit with other writers but each work on your own stuff. Many of these are virtual nowadays.

Find the way that suits you best. Promise it'll be rewarding.

2. Read A LOT.

Another top tip that any successful writer will tell you. 

Reading gives you an understanding of what works well. Spend a moment here and there understanding why something you just read resonated with you. You'll probably start to see patterns. And you can then trial these in your own writing.

Also, as a bonus, if you get to the point where you want to explore getting your work

published, it'll help you understand the market. So why not start early!

3. Embrace learning in a way that suits you best.

I wish I could learn from books on writing. I can't. I just can't. But I do love a good class!

You can find lots of online classes out there - ones you can do in your own time, ones you do at set times with other people, ones run by Universities and other reputable providers, too. 

I could lament my fondness for the expensive route, but, nah, life's too short.

4. Think about your audience.

At least a little. I cringe when I think about some of my earlier writing - I was so caught up in my own words and what I wanted to express that I lost sight of how my piece would come across. 

If it's difficult to disengage from your writing, common methods of tackling this include:

(a) leaving your piece for a little while, then coming back with fresh eyes to edit it

(b) showing friends or family and asking their opinion (note: only do this if you would

actually take their advice!)

(c) finding fellow writers who might be kind enough to critique your work, and you could do the same thing for them, too

(d) finding a 'beta reader' - someone usually outside of your circle of acquaintances who

understands the type of work or genre and is happy to read through your piece and give you feedback. (FYI, beta readers are best used when you feel your piece is practically finished.)

4. Don't let the critics pull you down.

This is a tough one.

Unfortunately, at some point, you will get some negative comments about your writing. It will happen, no matter what. And it can be difficult to handle.

What works for me is to step away from the comments, not to think about it for a while,

then come back and see if there is anything, anything, I can learn from them.

If I have to 'kill my darlings', I sometimes cut out the bits I won't use and save them in

another document. So all those deleted (but cherished!) words can still exist somewhere

safe and sound, potentially to come out another time.

Good luck and happy writing!