Is Writing Exclusive to Creatives?

The art of writing is a profound journey that allows individuals to explore the depths of their imagination while expressing themselves authentically. As someone with a science background, I once believed that creativity, imagination, and writing were reserved for artistic souls. However, over time, I've come to realise that anyone, regardless of their background, can tap into their creative potential and become a skilled storyteller. My own journey into the world of writing began as a curious reader and journaling enthusiast. 

Today, I'm proud to run a dynamic publishing company, Author In Me (AIM), where we aim to enhance expression through storytelling, bring out inspiring life stories as memoirs and publish books written by children. In this article, I am sharing my learnings and tips on how to nurture the writer within you.

1.  Know Your Unique Self

The foundation of great writing lies in understanding who you are as a person. Your experiences, choices, values, and beliefs are what make your writing unique. Take some time to reflect on what makes you distinctive: recognise the quirkiness, ambitions, and values which characterise you and ensure that your writing is full of true individuality. I've delved into hundreds of books, yet what truly distinguishes each one is not merely the narrative. It's an author’s distinct voice, the wisdom they’ve gleaned from life, and the beliefs shaping their choices that infuse their writing with unparalleled uniqueness. Journaling has helped me immensely in understanding my unique self and made it easier for me to discover my unique and genuine voice.

2.  Be Observant of Your Inner and Outer Landscape

Writing is often a reflection of your inner world, but it's also influenced by the world around you. In crafting great stories, it is essential to listen to your innermost thoughts and feelings, as well as observe the details of your environment. Noticing how situations and people affect you on an emotional level; helps you write narratives imbued with emotion and meaning while paying attention to the minor details and being mindful of how each factor contributes to a broader picture allows you to add depth to your writing. This kind of curiosity and observation enables you to write with precision, sensitivity, and depth, which makes your writing distinct and unique. My journey into Mindfulness has attuned me to be observant. Being in the moment and observing the subtle nuances that make up life has opened a new portal within me and connected me to my observant self. Embracing mindfulness can aid you in creating stories that are rooted in your experience and evoke strong emotions.

3.  Read as Often as You Can

Reading is the fuel that powers the creative engine of a writer. Whether fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or any genre that piques your interest, reading exposes us to different writing styles, perspectives, and storytelling techniques. Developing an appetite for reading is a gateway to enhancing our craft, as it presents us with diverse examples of how to construct stories and adorn them with rich vocabulary and literary devices.

By diving deep into whatever genres, you will allow yourself to really absorb their contents and apply what you learned in your writing. I love to engage with books in my own way—making notes on writing styles, and what resonates with me, as well as questioning the author’s choices and thinking about how they are different from my perspective and how I would act in the narrated scenarios had I been in the character’s place allows me to understand my choices while sitting in the comforts of my own home. 

While exploring others’ works, it is essential to remember that every writer has their unique style. Try to identify the techniques used by different authors to bring their work alive—the tone they employ, the vivid descriptions they use, or the artful use of metaphors and similes. Cultivate an eye for detail; observe how it affects the mood of the story or poem. Take note of any strong narrative arcs that are present in the works you read so that when it comes time for you to write your own piece, these elements will stay at the forefront of your mind.

Reading gives life to words—allow yourself ample opportunities to fill up on literary delights so your writing can come alive, too!

4.  Embrace Authenticity and Creativity in Your Writing

Authentic writing is the foundation of compelling stories, and it involves stepping into your readers' shoes, anticipating their interpretations, and crafting your narrative with clear intent. This approach not only sharpens your clarity but also sparks curiosity, leading you to explore your subject matter more deeply. Embracing vulnerability by revealing the intricate, sometimes challenging facets of your life allows readers to see their reflections in your story, offering them solace and inspiration during their own trials.

I love reading and it sometimes surprises me that each book I've encountered mirrors some aspects of my life—be it subtle emotions I've experienced or situations I've navigated in their own way. This profound connection emerges only when the words on the pages are penned with authenticity. When an author writes from a place of genuine experience and heartfelt truth, it creates a powerful resonance, allowing readers to see their own lives echoed in the narrative. It's this authentic reflection that connects a reader, bridging the gap between the author's world and theirs. Connecting emotionally transforms your writing from ordinary to extraordinary. Dare to explore new perspectives and ideas, for it's in these uncharted territories that you often discover the most resonant truths. 

5.  Be Open to Feedback

Feedback is an invaluable asset for aspiring writers. Taking the time to share your work with others and seek valuable critiques can be the difference between mediocre writing and powerful stories that resonate with readers. This is what we practice at all AIM author led mentorship programmes where participants as young as seven years old are encouraged to critique each other’s work along with receiving feedback from their mentors. 

It is vital to find a few trusted peers, mentors, or writing groups whose feedback you value. Make sure to be open-minded when they offer constructive criticism; don't take it personally, as it's meant to help you improve your work. Their critiques may highlight areas where you can refine your story, such as plot structure, characterisation, or voice. They may also provide fresh perspectives on making your writing more compelling or emotionally resonant.

Always remember even the most experienced authors benefit from feedback.

6.  Invest in Your Learning

For aspiring writers, committing to improve and refine their writing is vital. Investing in your learning—through workshops, courses, and seminars—is one of the best ways to ensure you hone your craft. Learning from experienced professionals will give you an edge when it comes to crafting stories and communicating effectively with readers. I’ve taken several courses in various fields to learn the secrets of the master.

In addition to formal educational opportunities, participating in writing groups or joining online communities is another great way to improve your skills. These informal spaces encourage dialogue among writers and provide support and constructive feedback. Writing communities offer a safe space for writers to share their work, receive feedback, and learn from one another.

Writing courses and seminars can be helpful for writers who are looking to explore specific topics in depth. They offer detailed instruction on topics such as story structure, character development, dialogue writing, editing techniques, and more. Attending these courses allows writers to expand their understanding of the craft while developing new skills along the way.

Conclusion

Becoming an author is not limited to a select few; it's a journey accessible to anyone willing to explore their creativity and express themselves honestly. My journey from a biology lecturer to a writer and publisher shows that writing is a skill that can be nurtured and developed over time. We all have the potential to nurture the storyteller within us and create stories that inspire and amuse readers.  The trick is to be patient with yourself during this process, as every writer has their own pace of learning and honing their craft. I believe writing is a skill, and like any skill, it takes time and practice to perfect, so stay motivated and keep writing!

Monica Sood

Co-founder- Author In Me

Co-curator AIM Literary Festival

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