Hello,
I've just joined this community and want to ask a question that might seem obvious.
When you start your first novel, can you just do it, or do you need to do some kind of degree or creative writing course? Is there some magic secret? I suspect that I need to build my confidence as a writer, because it feels like people who actually write seriously are in a different world from me. What has helped you develop your confidence?
Writing courses are fine if you are the sort who likes to be taught how to do something. They are not necessary for everyone who wants to write.
Read the kind of thing you're aiming to produce - novels if you want to write novels, shorts stories if that's your type of work.
You won't get it right from the word go, and you will have to get used to the fact that you change your mind halfway through and realise the story is about character C, not A. You'll edit and edit again before you are at all satisfied with your work, and then you'll have doubts and fears that it isn't good enough - all the way to winning the major prize!
Every writer is unique; everyone has their own style and way of approaching a story. The only way to find out what yours is, is to write it.
You learn as you go: there's no way round that. Those people in a different world - they're the ones who have gone through all the trial and error and rewrites and who stayed true to their dream. You can be one of them too.
Simple answer? Just write and see what happens.
Thanks everyone. This makes me realise how I have blocked myself from writing for a few years, through lack of confidence, when actually I have had the inner resources to write all along! I hope that my own realisation of this will help anyone else who sees this and is facing similar mental obstacles.
Hi Anya, like Jimmy, I agree with Gigi, the only magic is in your own imagination, just open the door in your mind and let whatever is lurking escape, once it is free it will grow by itself, you just need feed it, when you do... just watch the way it will devour the pages you allow it to get to grips with, and the only way to feed it is to write, pen, pencil, keyboard whichever you feel is your medium, maybe all of em! and how long you write at a time, well for me, it depends on when I physically and mentally start to flag. Some of us have a favourite place, others write anywhere, some like music playing, others like silence, we are all different. The important thing is that you want to write, and you must do otherwise you wouldn't be here. One good place to go is a writers group, usually at your local library. I told myself no way, I will never go to one, I don't want the way I write changed by others opinions. Just the opposite, I found support and encouragement, and it can be fun too. It is long work writing and there is a lot to learn, I am constantly learning, this site, well the people who post comments and suggestions that is, they are a brilliant source of encouragement and information. So write, you know you can, it is will you. I hope it's a YES!!!
Regards and best wishes in getting started, Paul G
Oh just a short PS. That other world you say other people seem to be in, well they are, we all have it and it has to be different to your own, that other world is your imagination,