Beginner Tips for Writing a Book

Any professional writer will tell you that becoming a writer isn’t easy. It takes practice and a devotion to finely hone your craft. Writers need to work on their skills in the same way an athlete trains and a musician rehearses their instruments.

Write every day

• Set aside a bit of time everyday to write. It doesn’t matter what you are writing, only that it's something. This helps the writing flow smoothly, and keeps you mentally sharp.

Write what you know

• Many successful writers agree that a personal interest in the subject is important. It can be difficult and frustrating to write about something you don’t know anything about.

Read

• Professional writers do a lot of reading. It is necessary to proofread every assignment, word for word, but writers should also read books and magazine articles by other authors. It is a form of research of what is popular in the market, and invites exploration of different writing styles.

Improve skills

• Whether you have published hundreds of articles, or are a new journalist, there is always room for improvement. Any writer should be constantly striving to improve their vocabulary and refine their writing style. “The Elements of Style,” a book by William Strunk and E.B. White is highly recommended for serious writers. It covers basic composition, as well as more advanced concepts, such as when to use a colon or dash instead of a period. Check online for several online resources and consider registering for a free online writing lab offered by Purdue University. It covers correct formatting, style guides, as well as tips how to avoid plagiarism.