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So You Want To Be A Writer?
I’m not a master poet. Not even close. But in my limited experience I’ve discovered a few tips that I am confident will follow me throughout my tenure as a writer. And, if you’ve noticed, I just used “poet” and then “writer”. I tend to use these terms interchangeably as the tips that work for becoming a better poet tend to coincide with tips on how to be a better writer in general.
Quick Tips for Beginning Writers:
- Before you start writing read everything. During your writing process read everything. This includes poets, newspapers, magazines, encyclopedias, history, novels, memoirs—everything. If you run into people who tell you not to read other poets because they can influence your voice, abandon ship. They do not understand that reading is a toolbox and poetry is a dialogue. If you do not read other poets then why should anyone read or listen to you? Also, how will you ever learn how to master your own voice when you do not stretch the mind in control of that voice? See what other poets have done before you so you don’t remake the wheel. You will actually be more original in the long run.
- Find a purpose. Why are you writing? Let that motivate you to keep going when you think you’re stuck. I’ll tell you now if you are writing for attention or to be famous, you are writing yourself into a wall. Think about writing beyond you, beyond the ego. I mean, it takes an ego to think that what we have to say is important enough to share, but the ego stops there. Talk about making your writing suffer! Do not be distracted by trying to become a star. If it happens, that’s awesome but really let the work do the work.
- Find a mentor. Not a star maker. Not a sycophant. Not someone who will demean you or never encourage you. Finding a mentor can be difficult and some people might see your potential and ask you if they can be that person in your life. Proceed with caution. I’ll write a longer piece about the importance of mentors so keep your eyes open for that!
- Research opportunities that will help you grow as a writer. Some people really blossom when they work alone but others may need the support of a group. Ask your librarians or Google search for community writing groups or summer writing intensives. Ask your mentor (see #3) for guidance every step of the way. They could be a strong one-on-one support system by not only reading your work but by leading you to other burgeoning poets. Also, check out this resource for miscellaneous websites for all of your poetry needs, whether it’s teaching yourself or exploring other people’s work.
- Write in other styles. No one said you can only write in one genre for the rest of your life. Who knows what doors will open when you step outside of what you find comfortable and try your hand at a different way of thinking about writing. The challenge you get while writing in unfamiliar territory will shock you into inspiration in everything you do. When I started writing I started in fiction, writing poetry frequently but not with any intention on studying poetry seriously. It wasn’t until after I graduated from college that I knew poetry would be my main focus. I never completely abandoned fiction but I do currently prioritize poems as my main way of expression. What I’ve noticed is that when I go back to writing fiction the poetic elements that I’ve learned creep into the writing in really beautiful and unexpected ways. My work is definitely in conversation across genres and that helps me to stand out, to have a unique voice among many unique voices.
- Live life! Probably the most important advice there is. Feed your imagination with real life experience that will feed into your work. Sometimes it takes a road trip, volunteering at an animal shelter, climbing a mountain, or doing the unexpected to trigger a magical moment in your work. Much like reading, life experience can be inspiring and educational. Never take for granted the events of a day. Take notes as you ride the train. Keep a journal while on vacation. Your life is one of the most flexible resources you’ll come by.
- Consider what you can add to poetry/fiction/memoir/etc that isn’t already there. Why do you feel the need to write poems? What drives you to that particular form of expression? Some people will argue that they have a spiritual connection to the work they love and cannot imagine their lives without it. Can you imagine not ever writing? Maybe it is time to rethink making writing as your career of choice.
- Make sure you have fun doing what you do. If writing starts to feel like a chore it may be time to take a rest and reflect on what writing means to you. Sometimes deadlines we set for ourselves or that are set by other people are unavoidable. It can get difficult to balance work ethic with working a career and once it becomes more like a career it can begin to feel more stressful. Give yourself plenty of time to create a schedule and delegate time for writing and time to not think about the work ahead. Taking a break every now and then is a good thing and once you are refreshed mentally and physically your work will feel refreshed as well.
Other resources:
www.poetryfoundation.org, www.poetryoutloud.org, www.buttonpoetry.com
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Phillip B. Williams is the author of the forthcoming book of poetry Thief in the Interior (Alice James Books 2016). He is a recipient of several scholarships to Bread Loaf Writing Conference, a graduate of Cave Canem, and one of five winners of 2013’s Ruth Lilly Fellowship. Phillip received his MFA in Writing at Washington University in St. Louis and is currently the poetry editor of the online journal Vinyl Poetry.
