And still, most people don't write.
Some of the popular reasons people don't write include;
- Not having enough time
- No formal training
- Thinking that their writing isn't 'good'
- Too hard to get published
These are very common reasons for not writing and for not beginning most new things you've always wanted to do. Starting something is typically scary and uncertain.
Here are some simple ways to get past the uncertainty and get that book out of your head and on to paper (or on to a computer).
- Write what you think about. There are thoughts you have, and continue to have, that should get onto paper. It doesn't have to neat, or grammatically correct, they just have to be your thoughts. Whatever it is that keeps you awake at night, write about it; cars, history, relationships, children, gardening, faith, mythology, money, sports.
- Write the way you think. The New York Times bestsellers list is exactly that, the best selling books, not the best written books. This means that books, stories, and ideas that capture people's attention, hearts, and minds are the ones that sell. Just as the movie Finding Forester says, "You may know all the rules of writing, but that doesn't mean you know how to write." Don't focus on the mechanics of writing, just write.
- Write about problems. And write about solving them. Too much of the time we talk about, explain, and mull over problems; people, relationships, money, cars (the same things we covered in number 1 above). It's rare that people do something about their problems. That's where you're writing can help. For the people who are seeking help with their problems, your writing can be the answer.
- Write a little at a time. Write an idea on post-it note, jot down a word or phrase on a napkin, email yourself an interesting topic after sending something to a colleague, scotch down a few sentences while eating breakfast, open a page in a journal before going to sleep, type a short story while on a plane. Wherever you are and whatever you're doing, get some of the ideas out of your head and onto paper or in a computer or mobile device. Nearly everyone has a phone and most of them are capable of capturing your ideas in some way (audio recording or typing), take advantage of the device and the five minutes you're standing in line for coffee.
- Tell stories. Carl Young, author of The Shack, wanted to write a story for his kids about how he sees God. He didn't intend for it to become a huge international sensation. J.K. Rolling had a story in her head and she began writing it on scraps of paper as her and her daughter moved around. Who would have known how huge it was to become. You have stories, tell them. Tell stories about family, friends, children, pets, good times, bad times, struggles, successes, funny experiences, fiction, how-to's, or whatever else you think is interesting and other people might want to read about. People love stories, you are a unique story, write about yourself. Chances are good that you have plenty of material.
- Start a blog. One of the easiest ways to get ideas off your mind and 'on to paper' is a blog. Think of it as a virtual journal. You can keep it private so that no one sees it, but you can also make it public and grow an audience. This keeps you writing, and gives others the opportunity to comment on your writing. You can write in small chances, then begin putting the chunks together until a book begins to form. Readers are typically happy to make suggestions, whether it's grammar, punctuation, or the overall order of things.
These are some simple suggestions for writing when you're not good at writing. There are likely to be a lot more good suggestions out there, or some that you can come up with. Whatever they are, give them a try.
You don't have to do all of them at once, start with one or two. The idea is just to start. Start with a single word, or a phrase on a napkin. Continue from there and eventually you'll have a story together. No rush. No deadline.
Simply write because you want to. Write because you have things you want to say, the way you want to say them. If others want to read you're writing, they'll find it. If not, you've gotten it off your mind and on paper. You can feel good about that.
