I was lucky, extremely in hindsight, that I heard all the advice surrounding writing after I had finished my manuscript. It also so happened that what you need to be doing to become half a decent writer, I was doing by default.
So here’s what I would tell any newbie, who wishes to be only half a decent writer:
READ, READ, READ: A writer is first and foremost a reader. Anyone telling you otherwise doesn’t know anything.
Next step is to identify a genre. If you can identify one you enjoy writing, you have to read (yes) as many books as you can in that category. The good ones will give you something to aspire for, the mediocre ones will be a treasure trove of ideas and the bad ones will teach you what not to do.
Not to forget reading will teach you writing, language and vocabulary.
GLAMOUR: Writing is a job and is about as glamorous as any other desk, 9 to 5 job. For many writers, it is not even the main job! Breaking into this industry is hard especially since everyone thinks they can write; even if they have never read a lick of anything, even if they don’t understand the w of writing.
WRITE: You’re a writer and so you must write. I won’t even try to suggest a routine. God alone knows people have filtered it down to a science. But consistency and discipline is key. Especially if you really want to make it. If it’s nothing but a hobby, go ahead, be as inconsistent as you want to be.
PATIENCE: You will have moments when everything works. And then moments when nothing works. Hang in there.
– Rudyard Kipling
If you can follow the above steps
Without losing enthusiasm
Without turning into a loon (or maybe a little bit of a loon)
Without sacrificing the inner child
Who dreamed this dream
Then congratulations
You’re a writer.
Written as part of #ChatterPrompts
Header image source
tales of Suchita 
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