Writing Tips to get started

I just spent the two days of the weekend writing a short story for a competition. I had two days to write the first draft and one further day to edit and polish. I got there, amazed that I wrote nearly 3,000 words in two days. Shows what you can do if you focus.

Here are two writing tips I heard from Australian novelist and writing teacher, Kate Grenville aimed at beginners.

The first is not to necessarily write in order. When you imagine a scene, write it. You can arrange your writing in order later and join the scenes together. In my experience, there can be an issue with referring to things before you’ve described or explained them. Good editing is necessary. I often think of scenes or words in the middle of the night, and write them when I wake. You do need a plan to start with though.

The second tip is not to expect your first draft to be necessarily of a high standard. Get the words down, write the story, edit and polish later. Kate Grenville said she sometimes writes 20 or 30 drafts of her novels before she’s satisfied they’re of a standard to go to the publisher. Personally I enjoy that stage of writing, but it can be hard work and sometimes frustrating.