The Secret to Becoming a Writer | Timeless Writing Advice

[@ossianback]

What I like about this advice is that it eliminates the gatekeeping surrounding writing, but still requires something of you. “All you need to call yourself a writer is to write regularly.” Not “everyone’s a writer automatically”. It’s a generous definition, a kind definition, but not so lenient as to be meaningless.

[@mintee8638]

"At what point can you claim to be a writer?" Actually, you can substitute that for many different things. This is true especially if one doesn't have a formal degree or job in that topic. I think your answer of daily, habitual practice is brilliant for answering the generalized question.

[@WritingwithAndrew]

I totally agree--regular practice is the best-kept secret for a lot of things!

[@michaelgriffith7033]

My issue was mentioned by you, Andrew: reading about writing and writers, not actually writing. I am extremely happy I stumbled upon your channel, Andrew!

[@WritingwithAndrew]

Glad it helped--and gladder still that you stumbled upon the channel: the more the merrier!

[@anthonyt1t5]

JD Salinger continued to write all the time after he stopped publishing after catcher success. Until his desth, he never stopped writimg. He's definitely a writer IMO. You can stop being a writer if you actually stopped writing regularly. Myself, I never stop thinking up ideas and do my edits when I can on my phone, at my full time job. I still think myself a writer.

[@WritingwithAndrew]

Cool, that's a great example. I've been doing a little phone writing lately--it's a different way to do it, but it's good for sneaking it in here and there

[@cleo512]

You have just opened up my brain like a beautiful fountain - thank you so much

[@mariabolanos6796]

Thank you very much for sharing this!! ❤ I am glad I found your channel 👌🏻

[@WritingwithAndrew]

You're welcome--thanks!

[@niraakara]

Such a motivating, encouraging and non-judgmental advice! Thank you! You’ve really made it so simple. I’d think writing code all day doesn’t count 😂 15 minutes seems doable, I will try to get a steak going. Let’s see how long I can keep it going! I’ve never committed to anything like this… Hope there are some streak-freezes…? that might take some pressure off 😅 Strangely what seems to motivate me (and perhaps many) to write… is reading!! Perhaps good to start with that?

[@WritingwithAndrew]

Thanks! I think I'd be happy with 15 minutes a day more often than not (sometimes going for streaks makes me freeze up). And reading is a great place to find inspiration!

[@balarabneymar3777]

I am not a native-English speaker, but i studied English literature. However, I think when I start to write in English my brain starts to explode, and my dream is to be a better writer so lets do it 1 hour a day and see the process.

[@WritingwithAndrew]

I love it--go get 'em!

[@danielklempner4786]

if it's easier you can write in your native language instead (as long as you're literate in it). nobody is forcing you to write in english (except teachers assigning papers). with both, of course, practice makes perfect.

[@thesaveroomsays]

Great video as always. Thank you Andrew!

[@WritingwithAndrew]

Thanks--glad you enjoyed it!

[@snowdragon1732]

this is very helpful!

[@WritingwithAndrew]

Glad to hear it--thanks!

[@prajwalwarhade7273]

How to overcome self doubt? Because of a lot of negative criticism, every time I sat to write, I felt worthless. Like, whatever I write will turn out to be pathetic. I couldn't write at all.

[@WritingwithAndrew]

Self-doubt is a genuine challenge that I think most writers face. Practicing is a great place to start, though: the more you learn and refine your skills, the more confident you can become. I also find it helpful to remember that I can always revise and improve something once it's written. Write without judgment--and then take as much time as you want to make improvements. Chances are you're doing better than you think

[@prajwalwarhade7273]

@@WritingwithAndrew Ah, thank you!

[@niraakara]

Same here! + laziness added! or inertia? I am trying to cultivate a mindset to write without needing to be good, for starters… The first step as you’ve said, writing for oneself!

[@neeuqollav2224]

I have a question sir. As you said I should just write and learn as I go. But sir, I've been wondering, where am I suppose to to start at writing stories? Such as fantasy, sci fi, romance etc. What are the things am I suppose to learn first? What are the "foundations" of writing?

[@WritingwithAndrew]

Great question--some things will depend on what you're writing (poets care more about rhythm and fiction writers care more about characters, for example). But any writer will benefit from learning how to build good sentences, and there are some videos on the channel that can give you some ideas for practicing different sentence-level techniques.

[@daledearing4399]

Simple. Thank you, I will.

[@abc_13579]

Thank you for your channel. I love it! I wish I could find someone who could evaluate my writing and give me an honest opinion about my writing ability. I also wish I could find an online course that can help me improve my writing. If you know of one, please let me know. I'll be very grateful.

[@WritingwithAndrew]

Thanks--I may be able to help with that first one. Check the description in more recent videos for information about sending in your writing for feedback. I don't know about courses off the top of my head, but I'll keep it in mind

[@carln9380]

【ｐｒｏｍｏｓｍ】 ✋