There’s a misconception that to write, you need to have the “gift” for it. While it certainly helps to have a knack for putting thoughts into words, we believe that writing is something that anyone can do once they’ve put in the hours and effort. If you’ve wanted to write but let the nagging voice in your head dissuade you (eg. “you can’t write, give up” or “who’d want to read anything you write”), read on and learn how to silence that naysayer!
Your reason to write
There can be many reasons why you want to write. To tell of a stunning discovery or innovation, to illustrate your life story, fame and fortune… the list goes on. However, it all centres around you having something to share – and it’s important to avoid setting unfeasible expectations (like becoming a best-selling author after your first piece). Much like in cooking, writing is something that takes significant practise to become proficient at, so psyching yourself up to make Gordon Ramsay’s famous beef wellington without being able to work a knife is a sure way to let yourself down.
That said, don’t feel down if your first post or article looks a mess. For any amateur home cook, burning or undercooking your eggs is a perfectly normal thing to do when you first work with a stove – to properly fry a sunny side-up egg, you only need three elements: a fresh egg, a hot pan and sufficient oil or butter to prevent sticking. In writing, this translates to having an argument or thought you want to convey, a medium to do it in and supporting evidence on why you feel that way. People (or your inner voice) may not necessarily agree with what you write, but even if they insult you and/or your work, it’s important that you have the grit to keep trying – having perseverance builds confidence and helps you to channel out unconstructive criticism or thoughts.
When you write your first post or article, writing about what you know will give you a much more enjoyable experience. Perhaps you’ve recently watched a terrible movie and have a burning need to rant, or perhaps certain things in life have made you happy and you feel inclined to tell your friends about it – all are valid reasons to write.
The CSI television series created a gripping narrative that resulted in over 15 seasons’ worth of episodes and spinoff series. Regardless if reading is your preferred form of entertainment or not, the writing behind your favourite movies or shows can provide insight behind how a well-crafted story can be told.
Learn from the best
English cleric and writer Charles Caleb Colton once said that “imitation is the sincerest [form] of flattery”, and it’s something that especially resonates with writing. A simple (but effective) way to improve your writing is to just read and learn from the writers whose works you enjoy. For example, this writer is a particular fan of Anthony E. Zuiker, the author of the spine-chilling thriller books Level 26: Dark Origins and Dark Revelations as well as the is creator/producer of the hit CSI: Crime Scene Investigation series.
Any good thriller story requires a build-up of tension before the highly awaited climax between protagonist and antagonist. Although thrillers are often characterised by action and suspense, uneventful moments are especially valuable for deepening our understanding of a character. Zuiker achieves this by balancing out the progression of his story to also include the perspective of his twisted antagonist: the infamous serial killer “Sqweegal”, who is best known for his elusiveness and vile methods.
After a night out, “Sqweegal” ritualistically mends his creepy latex body suit and shaves before digging through his trophy box. Full of sexual and bloody trinkets, he uncharacteristically fixates on a broken wristwatch – a prize he had taken from a young boy. As “Sqweegal” sets about methodically repairing and cleaning it, he deduces that the watch must have been a gift the boy received from his father. Although the watch held little monetary value, it must have meant something to the father – sentiments that the boy did not appreciate because he had thoughtlessly left it in a drawer to rust. “Sqweegal” effortlessly repairs the watch and wears it. A sinister reminder of his triumph over the inconsiderate boy and his father’s intentions – and a dashing vintage timepiece to boot.
It’s moments like these that get us truly hooked onto a character (even if they are evil).
Need a prompt?
Still unsure about what to write? Then give one of Wordsmith’s 100% organic, free-range writing prompts a try:
i. Fantasy
You are Professor Adams, the creator of the ingenious facial recognition software FXS. The government, through their representative Agent Smith, is eager to strike a deal and integrate your technology into the country’s expansive network of security cameras – allowing them to quickly identify threats and persons of interest amongst your national population of 30 million people. However, the shadowy extremist group Vox has also reached out and urged you to reconsider. Refusing to work with the government would result in your technology being seized and you being imprisoned, while refusal to work with Vox could have potentially dire consequences. What do you do?
ii. Romance
You spot a new face manning the cashier at your local coffeeshop. While waiting in line, you find the cashier rather attractive and repeatedly exchange quick glances with them. When it’s your turn to order, you realise that this person was your eighth grade bully before you left for boarding school! To your surprise, he/she hasn’t forgotten either, and apologises profusely for making your life hell before asking if you’d like to grab a meal together sometime.
iii. Historical
It’s the late 1800s and you are tired of life in Europe. Eager to embrace the American dream like many of your countrymen, you’ve purchased one-way tickets for you and your family to New York. However, on the day before voyage, your spouse is having second thoughts about leaving everything behind and questions how the family can make a living in the new world. How will you convince them?
iv. Comedy
With the year 2000 approaching, the world is celebrating the arrival of the new millennium. However, your childhood friend Dave is part of a doomsday cult who believes the “Y2K bug” will bring about the destruction of all civilised life due to sloppy computer programming and society’s reliance on digitisation. His refusal to listen to rhyme or reason is beginning to push people over the edge (you included), and you must defuse the situation before fists start flying.
v. Mystery
As the police chief of a small town, you are used to receiving calls for silly matters – like the Ed Boys’ harmless pranks on old man Johnson or his wife’s insistence that the Russians are spying on them through their fire hydrant. One day, you receive a call that the Johnson’s cat has gone missing. Before you write it off as another prank, other calls come flooding in reporting that their cats have vanished as well. With only your deputy Jim Casey as backup, you must crack the case!
If you ever start to doubt yourself as you write, just remember that every great writer had to start somewhere – and unless they were a prodigy, their work probably wasn’t a whole lot better than yours at first. As long as you have the confidence (and the right topic), writing can be for everyone.
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Show us what you got
If you’d like to challenge yourself, we invite you to take one of the five writing prompts above and create a short story (no more than 1000 words).
Post your work below in this article’s reply section, and the participant with the best story of our choosing will receive a $150 book voucher.
The challenge will run until Thursday November 7 at 11:59 pm.
Please include your email address in your post so that we can contact you if you win. Be sure to respond within 3 days, otherwise we’ll pass your prize on to the author of the next best story. In case of any dispute, Wordsmith reserves the final right of decision.
Good luck and happy writing!