There are many tools out there for writers; it can be overwhelming for all of us, especially when you follow writers on Instagram and see all the cool gadgets they have. Even the resources they use can also make your pocketbook feel like it’s draining on its own.
That in itself can give you a sense of inadequacy, that you’ll never be a writer because those things aren’t easily accessible for you. It’s okay that you can’t buy those things. Why? Because you don’t need all those fancy gadgets. Today I’m going to share the things that you need as a writer.
1. A laptop or pen and paper
A laptop or pen and paper are the most crucial tools you will need. It seems pretty self-explanatory as to why, but I want to break a few things down.
You don’t need a laptop with top-of-the-line software or a writing program. Nope. All you need notes, pages, or Word. Even Google Docs is an option. It’s about what works for you. If pen and paper are more your style, then go for it. There is absolutely no rule that says you have to use one or the other.
2. An Editor
After you finish your novel, you’re going to be so delighted. And you should. You have just accomplished something utterly monumental. With that, you’re going to go back and read over your story; you will either love it to the point you make no changes or hate it to the point you want to delete everything.
This is when an editor comes in. They will help you learn a little bit more about your craft. What’s needed, what’s not. Also, with hiring an editor, you are getting a second look at your novel, which is crucial to publishing. An editor is where I would spend most of my budget money. But remember, more expensive doesn’t always mean better. *I would also like to add here that you can find free online sources to help you self-edit before sending to your preferred editor. There are books you can purchase to help with story structure, word usage, etc. This is not required, just an option.*
3. Confidence
I said number one was the most crucial, but I think confidence is essential as well.
Confidence is a challenging feat in the writing industry. There is no way around it, you will let fear in at some point, and it will start to take a toll on your writing. You’ll begin to think that you can never be better than so and so, or you can’t write as fast as the other writers. No doubt about it, it will happen. The best advice I have for this is not to let the outside world in when you are writing. You can still keep your social media active, but you can leave the outside world. Don’t be afraid to close yourself off and write. The fear will always be there; in the recesses of your mind, you have to allow confidence and courage to sit forefront. Your confidence to even start will carry you through. Your writing is your creativity, don’t let anyone or anything creep in and take that away from you. Next week I’ll talk about some of the free resources that I have found helpful throughout my writing journey.
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AuthorAn author just sharing her journey to encourage others to take the plunge.
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August 2021
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