How to become a better story writer - EASY Tips
LikeWriting can sometimes be a daunting task. You're sitting there, staring at a blank page, desperately trying to think of something revolutionary to put down, and make yourself feel like the next Orwell or Rowling. But it's hard sometimes. Fear not though, as an experienced English tutor, I have gathered some tips that will help you become better at writing stories.
About me
I am an 18 year old. I am addicted to writing short stories with sick twists. I am hardly an established writer, but I definitely consider myself a writer, something anyone can be with enough dedication. So why listen to me? Well, as a young adult in today's world, it is so very hard to have focus. Now I don't know if that's because of my weak willedness, or because of my addiction to Instagram and YouTube.
Despite my flaws, which I'm sure many others share, I still manage to have bursts of productivity when it comes to writing. And here is why.
Daily routine
Writing should not be a daunting or mind wrenching task. This sentiment will make your work less creative and too rigid. What I find helps, is to compile story ideas throughout the day, whether that be mentally or the old fashioned way on a bit of paper. So, when it comes to writing, that blank page will not be so daunting, because you have already compiled some creative and wacky ideas throughout the day.
Well, what if I struggle with coming up with story ideas, you may ask?
In my daily life, I always try to have a creative outlook. By that I mean doing something as normal as going to a coffee shop, and looking at people around you and how they dress and act, as perhaps they could be future story characters. Or, on a walk in the park, feel the warm air on your skin, and maybe create some sentences about your surroundings, using personification or even rhyme.
My own narrative voice keeps me company throughout the day, and it should to you too. Live life as if you are an omniscient narrator, taking in everything around you. When it comes to writing, either subvert it or use some of the crazy and imaginative story lines that you created during the day.
It's like how songwriters or music producers think of random lyrics or melodies throughout the day.
Maximisation
So how can you maximise this flow of ideas? Well, you need to escape your writers desk, which becomes drearier and drearier the longer you spend sitting cluelessly, thinking up nothing. Experience things. I'm not saying you need to go back packing in Africa to think of a paragraph to write. I'm saying, put on a comfortable outfit, and go out to the park, or run an errand. Look at the people around you, perhaps even create scenarios with them in it, and what you think they do daily based on how they dress and their age and so on. Take in the surroundings, the sounds and the smells. Think philosophically, think literally, think crazily, think narcissistically, think critically, think stupidly. All of these modes of expression can increase your creativity, and make writing an ease.
Final thoughts
Writing is not always a serious thing, so don't take it too seriously. The world around you is your inspiration, and your mind is the pen. Allow your mind to drift into the weird and wonderful - and so will your writing.
If you´d like further writing tips or private English lessons, feel free to get in touch with me for more information.