How to Start Writing
What to read to become a better writer:
Writing starts with reading. Podcast guest and fiction writer Chris Shirley has a list of books that have helped him develop his craft. Read Chris’ book recommendations here.
Two prompts to write about your life:
Want to tell your life story? Podcast guest, memoirist, and instructor Sarah Saffian has a writing prompt:
Write about a past experience in the present tense (ex: “I was six years old…”). Here’s how to do it:
Choose a key memory or moment from your life.
Write about it in the past tense (500 words). Take a break.
A couple of days later, write about the experience in the present tense (“I am six years old”) without referencing what you wrote before. This should also be 500 words.
Compare both versions; how are they different?
To learn more about writing, watch my interviews with Chris Shirley and memoirst and workshop instructor Sarah Saffian.