I want to write…
Where do I start…?
1. Read
Read, read, read. You have probably heard this a thousand times, but it’s the truth! To become a great writer, you must be a great reader. Read anything and everything you can get your hands on, and don't limit yourself to one genre. You'd be surprised to see how varied your tastes may be!
2. Write
Write! This may sound self explanatory, but the hardest step of writing is always the first few sentences. So, don't get into your head too much and just get your story or poem on the page. Let your instincts run wild. If you're stuck on what to write, we offer weekly prompts!
3. Peer Edit
Now that you've read, wrote, and (hopefully) edited your own writing, it's time to peer edit! If you have friends that enjoy reading or writing, reach out and send your work to them! Create a writing trade schedule to keep you motivated. Or, here at Writing Waves, we also have writing workshops on Saturdays! Sharing work is scary, but to writing is to be vulnerable — we get that.
4. Submit
Yes, you may get rejected a dozen times. But, through this process, you read, rewrite, learn, write, and rewrite over and over again — it’s amazing! Submit to everywhere, especially local competitions or places with an age division for a better chance. Not sure where to submit? Check out our Literary Magazine guide under "Resources" to get started. Good luck!