Advice for Writing Your First Story: Tips for Beginners

Writing your first story is an exciting yet daunting task. Whether you're aiming for a fun, light read or a masterpiece, follow these tips to get you started on the right path.

Setting Your Goals

Decide whether you're writing for fun or to challenge yourself. If it's a fun read, just enjoy the process and keep writing. For a more serious goal, consider the balance between enjoyment and perfection.

It's common advice not to revise your work until you complete your first draft. This works well if you're comfortable with your current skill level or are a perfectionist. However, if you're a beginner but have good judgment, revising early can lead to vastly improved outcomes. The final chapter you scrupulously revised might be far better than your first attempt.

Understanding Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Learn what you're good at and what you need to improve. If you excel at world-building, spend more time there. If you find character interactions challenging, find ways to make them interesting. For the parts you dislike, use the principle of desire plus purpose: give each task a reason to be there.

Structure your story so that its weak points have minimal impact on the overall narrative. For example, even if you're not great at dialogue, align it with the story's goals and the characters' personalities.

Enjoy the Process

Make sure you enjoy the process or you'll likely lose motivation. Write for fun and have faith that the story will improve with each revision.

Additional Tips for Writers

Don't Worry About Your Prose

Write your story without the pressure of crafting the perfect prose. You can polish it later. Worrying about how you write something can disrupt your flow of ideas. Once you've finished your first draft, you'll have a clearer understanding of what needs improvement.

Write What You Want to Read

Don’t write what you think others want to read; write what you want to read. Instead of focusing on commercial appeal, tell the story that excites you. There's a unique story within you waiting to be told, so find it and write it in a way that resonates with you.

Stay True to Your Voice

Don't let others sway your creative process. Show your draft to others only once you feel you're done. Choose good critics and listen to their feedback, but remember, your story is yours and only you can tell it in your unique way.

Conclusion

Everyone's creative journey is unique. Follow the advice that resonates with you and remember to have fun. Writing your first story is a step towards becoming an outstanding writer. Embrace the process and let your creativity shine!