In a previous post for this series, I wrote about how hard it was to wear ‘L’ plates again after deciding to become a writer in my early forties. Today, I’m going to talk about how I actually learnt the craft of writing.
At the time I started writing, my children were still young and because I’d stopped work to be at home with them, enrolling in a formal creative writing degree or post-graduate qualification wasn’t really feasible. Instead, I tried to learn how to write in a bits-and-pieces-cobbled-together sort of way. I didn’t know if that would be enough to learn how to write a book, and for a long time I worried about the huge gaps in my knowledge and the skills I didn’t have.
I often wondered if I should just be done with it and enrol in a course and learn it properly. Each year I promised myself that if I hadn’t progressed by the end of the year, I’d enrol in university and formally learn the craft of writing. I looked up courses a number of times and even rang a uni and made enquiries.
However, every year I made headway—I had a story published, or I was awarded a residency or my novel was shortlisted for an award. So, I kept going as I was, learning in my rather ad hoc manner. (I still haven’t ruled out that one day I will study creative writing formally and learn it properly.)
I READ WRITING TEXTS
I knew nothing about the craft of writing when I started, so the first thing I did was fill my shelves with how-to-write books. Over about two years, I read them all cover-to-cover, and did all their suggested exercises.
Most of the texts were really useful, and some of my favourite writing books are: Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg, Bird By Bird by Anne Lamott, On Writing by Stephen King and, probably my most treasured of all, The Little Red Writing Book by Mark Tredinnick.
There are many, many more good writing texts covering all aspects of the art or craft of writing, as well as the different genres. Later, I’ll write up a post with a list of the books I found useful and share it as part of this series.
However, I couldn’t learn to write only from reading books. I needed guidance from more experienced writers, so:
I DID WRITING COURSES
The very first writing course I ever enrolled in was online. It was cheap and there were over 200 in the class, so it was also fairly anonymous. The instructor even moved house midway during the course and disappeared for a couple of weeks. Still, I loved it, and by the second assignment, I knew I’d found what I wanted to do.
I deliberately chose an online course, not just for the ease of being able to work from home and at anytime, but for the anonymity of being able to hide behind a computer screen. This was back in 2010, and at that stage I’d told barely anyone I wanted to write, so it was a safe way to test the writing waters.
I did a beginners’ course that was designed to unlock creativity and teach everyone a few grammar basics. As soon as that course finished, I enrolled in another one that was targeted towards writing fiction. At the same time, I enrolled in local workshops and short courses, things I had to actually attend, and tried to soak up as much as I could as quickly as possible. I found these courses through local writers’ centres, the Australian Society of Authors, and university extension programmes.
I didn’t just do courses on the craft of writing, but on the art of writing, too. On learning how to trust yourself, tap into your creative side, let go of inhibitions and fears, and silence that annoying critic who sits on your shoulder constantly telling you you’re no good. These psychological aspects to writing are just as important as learning the craft, if not even more so, because you have to stop judging your work, and yourself, in order to find that seam of gold we all have within us. In many ways, this is the hardest part to master because we’ve been conditioned for so long to believe otherwise.
But you can’t learn to write without practice, so:
I JOINED A WRITING GROUP
I still attend the first writing group I ever joined. We meet fortnightly, write for about half an hour, then read our work aloud. We comment on each other’s writing, but we’re not allowed to give negative feedback—it’s a first draft and we’re commenting to a group, so we don’t want to publicly humiliate anyone.
In this group, no topic is off-limits, and while the facilitator gives us a prompt, we can write whatever comes up—in fact, we’re encouraged to go wherever the writing leads us. In other words, this group is safe. And that feeling of safety was a godsend for me as a beginner, because it meant I could write whatever came up without the fear of it, or me, being judged. Whatever I wrote and however I wrote it, it was always acceptable. Without a group like this, it would have taken me a lot longer to develop as a writer. These days I’m pretty fearless in what I write, and that’s largely due to the support of this group in those early days.
When I was ready—which wasn’t until I’d been writing for a few years—I joined a critique group. This group is very different to the one above and serves a different purpose: this one isn’t for writing practice or exploration, but for writing after it’s been edited and when it’s ready to be critiqued. As I said above, I waited for a few years until I was ready to join a group like this, once I knew that critical feedback on my work wouldn’t destroy my confidence.
It can be hard to find people with whom to share your writing because:
- You need to be at a similar stage—I don’t know that experienced writers and beginners would mix that well in a critique group (I might be wrong);
- Have similar aims for your writing—It’s nice if you’re all wanting publication, for example, or wanting to write a family history;
- Write in similar genres—or at least enjoy reading the other’s genre;
- Enjoy each other’s work.
Perhaps most importantly, you need to be able to cope with criticism of your work or it’s just a waste of everyone’s time. I’ve touched on getting feedback a little later in this post, but it really deserves a post of its own, which I’ll definitely cover in this series.
How did I discover these writing courses and groups?
I JOINED A WRITING CENTRE
This is where you’ll find writers’ groups and meetings, workshops and courses. Even better, you’ll meet like-minded people, people who share your love of writing and understand why you need to do it. This is where you’ll find your tribe and the motivation to keep you going.
Finding time to write regularly can be hard, and one way I forced myself to write was:
I STARTED A BLOG
A blog is great for developing a regular writing habit. I started this blog in March, 2013, and since then it’s given me a deadline and forced me to write regularly. As a result, I’ve written many more thousands of words than I otherwise would have done. It’s also introduced me to a national and international writing community, much wider than I could have connected with in person.
My blog’s also been a safe place where I could practise my writing and write about any topic I wanted to. Consequently, I’ve done a lot of thought-sorting here, which has helped me develop as a writer, too. About a year ago, I wrote this post on how much blogging has helped my writing.
Before I finish, I’ll briefly mention this important topic:
SEEKING FEEDBACK
Feedback is horrible. Because writing is so personal, it hurts when others criticise it, and we all have to brace ourselves for it. The simple fact is, our writing won’t improve without it. We might have been good at English at school and got high marks for creative writing, or we might have read a thousand books or completed a hundred writing courses and think we know how it’s done, but however much we think we know about writing, we still need outside eyes on our work. We can’t always see its flaws, especially when we’re beginning.
I know of only one writer who’s been published without getting feedback on her work, but that’s the exception rather than the rule. I’d say it’s essential to seek feedback on your writing. Before I’ve submitted anything—an application for a residency, an excerpt to a competition, a cover letter to an agent—I’ve sought feedback from others. When I applied to Varuna in 2013, I showed my fifty pages as well as the accompanying cover letter to no less than three writers, and without the changes I made following their feedback, I doubt I would have been selected.
Coping with feedback is such an important topic that it deserves a whole post on its own, so I will return to it later in this series, but I thought it was worth mentioning here.
So, that’s it, basically—how I learnt to write a novel. While I have no formal writing qualifications, I’ve tried hard to educate myself and I’ve put in loads of time and toil. I’ve studied the art and craft of writing and novel writing and, believe me, I’ve devoted myself to it with as much dedication as if I was studying a university course. Like with anything that’s as infinite as writing, there are still gaps in my knowledge and skills, and I’ll always be learning and trying to improve.
There’s just one more thing I did while learning, and it’s probably the most important of all:
I DIDN’T GIVE UP
I kept writing. Even though I was a middle-aged woman who’d suddenly decided she was changing career and would try something she’d never done before. Even though I was a maths/science student at school and English was my weakest subject. Even though I’d not done a creative thing in more than twenty years. Even though I felt daunted and as if there was too much to learn. Even though I’d received harsh critical feedback on my work. Even though I’d missed out on being selected for a manuscript development programme. Even though I’d sent my manuscript off six months ago and hadn’t heard a peep from the publisher. Even though I thought I’d never get published.
Even though there were many times I wanted to give up, I didn’t. I kept returning to my manuscript, redrafting and rewriting it. By the time my book is published in January next year, it will be eight years since I started writing and six years since I began my novel. But, I got there. Finally.
Lastly, I read this quote by Ira Glass not long after I started writing and it gave me much hope:
GOODREADS GIVEAWAY
A reminder that until the end of the month, you can enter a giveaway over at Goodreads to win one of twenty available copies of my novel, ‘The Sisters’ Song’.
Slip over there now if you’d like to enter.
It really is such a gift for you to share your experience with the rest of us, and such a comfort, too – especially for those of us who are also learning writing in an ‘ad hoc’ way. I’ve also looked into university courses but for various reasons I don’t think it will happen, at least not in the short term, so to know that you’ve achieved so much by being responsible for your own learning is so inspiring and encouraging. Thank you Louise – seriously, thank you! xx
I’m so pleased you like this post, Fi! I think it’s possible to learn writing without enrolling in formal classes. You just have to be prepared to find the information and the courses yourself—it’s all there, online and through writing centres.
I know you know all of this, and you’re going ahead in leaps and bounds, so you’ll get there! 🙂 x
Great post Louise. I wrote my first novel without really understanding the craft of novel-writing. Even though I’d done a course at AWC, it wasn’t until I’d written the novel that I could go back to those notes from 10 years ago and apply them. I’ve almost needed to put myself through a mini-MFA in the last 6 months! These days we’re lucky to have so many resources available to us online without having to commit to a university degree.
Good luck with the novel Louise – it sounds fantastic! Can’t wait to read it. 🙂
I think we all start writing our first novels without really understanding what we’re doing! It’s on-the-job training, that’s for sure—you can know it all intellectually but applying it is a completely different matter! You must have done a pretty good job of your mini-MFA—it’s an amazing achievement to be shortlisted for the Richell Prize! Best of luck for the announcement in November! 🙂
Thank you so much Louise. Still a bit gobsmacked about the whole thing but enjoying the ride! x
And what a ride it is! I’m so happy for you! 🙂
Agree with everything you’ve said. I’ve taken units in creative writing at three different Australian universities and (despite currently enrolled in a creative writing RHD) I have actually never been taught ‘how’ to write at any of them. For me, it was a now defunct online writing website where I gave and received daily feedback, which was where I started to learn my craft.
A few people said that to me, actually, and I needed to learn ‘how’ to write. Choosing the pathway I did was probably a good idea for many reasons!
You’ve obviously done well, Kali, taking the course you’ve taken. I can’t wait to read your book! 🙂
This is gold – a lot resonance and reassurance too. You are such an inspiration Louise.
Thank you, Gulara! I’m glad you got something from it. There’s more than one way to skin a cat, as they say. 😉
This is such an inspiring post Louise. I’m at the beginning of what I hope will be a novel writing journey. Much to learn, much to overcome. It’s so helpful to hear about how you got to the point of having your book published.
So lovely to hear this, Claire. There is a lot to learn, but you’ll get there, step by step. Good luck with your novel writing. 🙂
This post is a vivid reminder of the effort and commitment it takes to succeed. I’m not sure that many outside of writing truly understand what an odyssey it is
Unless you’re a writer or live with one, I don’t think it’s possible to comprehend what’s involved in writing a book. I certainly had no idea, but even if I had known, I still would have done it anyway. 🙂
Thank you so much for writing and sharing this Louise. I am going to print it out extra-large and turn it into wallpaper. I feel like I’m following a similar path to you: writing for the love and the art of it with the hope it might one day find an audience. I have also looked at Masters programs in Creative Writing but with 2 young children it’s beyond us at the moment. Very encouraging to know that your dedication and persistence is paying off. I have read some of the books you mentioned, but have put Big Magic and the Little Red Writing Book on my TBR list!
I loved Big Magic, too—I forgot to include that in this list!
We’re very lucky these days that there are so many online courses, and they do provide flexibility.
I’m glad you liked this post, and I so look forward to reading your novel one day, Sarah! 🙂
Very encouraging, Louise. I realise I need to develop my skills without a formal course of study. It’s time I applied myself to using the “how to” books I have, and to simply keep on writing! Thank you for sharing so openly.
Yes, just keep on writing, Susan! It’s so worth it if you do! 🙂
This post is such an amazing resource for me. I am a “high school” creative writer who hasn’t done any formal training in creative writing but with a hyperactive imagination and a full life under my belt. 😃
Ok, I actually attended a 3-hour writing workshop last Saturday in preparation for NaNoWriMo and I’ve registered with The Write Practice’s 100 Days Book. I bought Stephen King’s ‘On Writing’ and I must read It.
My fear is what if I’m not any good at all. I could just be fooling myself. Sigh!
I have to refer back to this writing series of yours. 😊🤗 Thank you for your generous sharing.
You won’t know if you’re any good or not if you don’t give it a go, and if you don’t give yourself the chance to improve, too. That Ira Glass quote really helped me—knowing that it takes time to improve. It’s not a case of either you’ve got it or you don’t. You can learn it; it just takes time.
Good luck. I like the sound of the 100 Days Book. I might give it a go.
🙂
Thanks so much, Louise. I’m working on it. 😊 I actually started reading ‘On Writing’ and I’m not quite sure about his view on a writer being formed not made… But I’m only on the first several pages.
I have missed two days of writing because of work so I need to catch up for Friday submission of complete book plan and the first chapter. I’m sure you don’t need the community for feedback so you can just do it even on your own. 😊🤗
Stick with it! 🙂
I’m glad you’ve shared your writing approach, Louise. It’s very similar to my own, and reassuring to know that there’s a chance for the rest of us that it may lead to publication (eventually).
Your post was thought-provoking in that it made me realise the pure joy I feel in attending courses on an ad hoc basis – fitting them into the jigsaw of family life. When I realised a couple of years ago I wanted to write, I considered a university course. But the fear of undertaking an expensive, committed exercise that had no guarantee of success in terms of publication, made me think twice. Reading your article, I’m happy with the approach I’ve taken, and doubt that I would feel the same amount of joy in following a more structured writing path at my stage of life.
Thanks also for including the tip about seeking feedback. I’ve shared my writing with a weekly writing group, but I can see I need to take this step much deeper.
And your photos are stunning – as usual! 😊
I think our age group and those of us with family commitments need a more flexible approach than a uni course. I think, too, that it can be learnt just as effectively—it’s up to the individual applying themselves. There are so many resources available to us these days, too.
Oh, feedback—the bane of a writer’s life! Good luck! 🙂
How valuable are writing groups. I had to leave mine behind but I still think of them often.
My book wouldn’t be getting published if it weren’t for my writers group. It’s so hard to find people you really click with—no wonder you miss them. I hope you’re able to find a group in your new locality. x
Thanks for that Louise, I’m early forties with small kiddies and switching from a science background to Writing. I have also taught myself through reading and online courses too, writing my novel with children chatting to me on my lap.
The edits are taking longer….I will persevere…..
Thank you for you inspiration!
It does take longer but I don’t think that’s a bad thing—you have time for better ideas and a better understanding of your work, and you can enrich it and layer it. Plus, being a mother, you’re bringing all that warmth and wisdom and extra layer of love to your writing, too.
And don’t discount the science background because it will come in very handy when you have to structure your novel! There’s a lot of planning and logical thinking required!
Good luck with your writing, Lisa. Thank you for contacting me and please keep me posted of how you get on! 🙂