Hey guys! So, I thought it would be a good idea to give ya’ll some of my writing basics. Whether you’ve been writing since before you could walk (that doesn’t really make sense, but you know what I mean) or you’re completely new to this, it’s always good to know the basics.

My Top Ten Writing Basics:

1. Dedicate your work to the Lord. Always. Even before you pick up your pen or open a new document on your computer, stop and pray. Ask God to use you to bless others through your writing, and ask Him to guide you as you write so that anything you end up creating will be honoring and glorifying to Him. This is hard to remember to do sometimes (TRUST ME, I struggle with this too), but it is the most important thing you can do. Why? Because praying for wisdom and guidance centers you. It shifts your perspective heavenward, so that your ultimate focus when you are writing is on God and His Kingdom Work. This in turn brings you closer to God and frees you up to be blessed by Him in so many ways, including, but not limited to, experiencing His joy as you do something you love.
2. Set aside time to write. This is one of those “pearls of wisdom” where you’re like, “Oh my gosh, yes! That is such a good idea! I’m gonna write everyday!” but then you forget or get busy with so many other responsibilities and activities that you end up only writing half a page every two weeks or so. If that’s not you, then good for you! I — I’m sorry to admit — am one of those people. But that doesn’t take away from the importance and benefits of setting aside a specific time and amount of time to write. It doesn’t have to be everyday. You can start out writing a few minutes each day on the weekends if you want. Once you’ve mastered that, you can gradually increased the time and the frequency you spend writing. Maybe one day, you’ll end up being able to write and hour everyday (at least, that’s my goal for the future). I don’t care how much or when you chose to write. Just do it. Which leads me to my next point…
3. Just do it. To write well, you must write often. That being said, sometimes it’s not a matter of not wanting to write often. Sometimes it’s a matter of not having something to write or being too intimidated by what you do have to write that you procrastinate by watching magical painting tutorials on YouTube (if you’re like me or KelseyDragon17 ). 😛 Hey, I’ve been there. I’ll have an amazing scene I want to write, but when I get my laptop up and running and set my fingers down on the keyboard, I’m scared. Scared I won’t do what I’ve been scripting in my head justice. Well, you know what? That’s what writing is all about. Drafting. Improving. Editing. Revising. So, just write. Even if it’s a bunch of garbage, you can fix it later. What matters most is that you are writing something. You can’t get better at writing if you never write at all. And if you’re not a story writer, that’s fine. Write about your day, copy down a recipe, come up with some song lyrics or a poem, whatever floats your boat! You can improve your writing (even if it’s just your penmanship skills) through the things you have to write down everyday.
4. Have a QUIET, dedicated place where you can go to write. This is a good one. I know there is nothing more frustrating than when my mom or my little brother bursts into my room right when I’m in the middle of an intense scene and yells, “DINNER’S READY! COME AND EAT!!!!!!!!” Of course they don’t mean to do that, I understand, but it totally kills my writing mojo. Focus is one of the most essential things a writer needs in order to do their job. So, find a nice, quiet, comfortable place to write and make sure that people are aware that you are actually in writing mode. Hang a sign on your door or shoot your family a group text saying something like, “Going to the library to write. See ya next week!” (jk, jk).
5. Set the mood. Creating a comfortable, stress-free, inviting atmosphere stimulates writing. It’s a proven fact, at least from my POV. Some people like to have music on in the background while they write or even white noise. It helps. I’ve heard of some people using soothing rain forest sounds or even just turning on their fans. For me, I have to have the TV on. Granted its on low, and usually streaming from the Hallmark Channel or playing Jane Austen movies on a constant loop (DON’T JUDGE ME!) but it still helps me feel as though I’m around people without having to be around people. Does that make sense???
6. Make sure you have the right materials. Having what you need before you need it keeps you from wasting time and becoming distracted as you search your house from top to bottom trying to find a pen that will actually work and end up going through your kitchen’s “junk drawer” for the next hour and a half. Now I know we are in the technology age, so if all you need to write is your laptop, then you’re all set. But if you’re a notebook and pen kind of person, that’s fine too, just make sure you have them where and when you need them. BTW: I’m totally a notebook and pen kind of person, just wanted to say that.
7. Brain food! It’s hard to write the plot for your book on an empty stomach! Make sure you are eating (I know my mom has to constantly make sure I eat something while I’m binge writing) and staying hydrated. This actually helps your brain to function more efficiently and keeps you on your game. If you’re hungry but don’t want to stop in the middle of scene, have some tasty snacks in a drawer nearby. Keep water bottles in your room. For me, I’m always the most energized when I’m eating mango slices, sipping a cup of English Breakfast tea, or sucking on a Wint-O-Green LifeSaver. 😉
8. Take a pad of paper and a pencil with you wherever you go.  This is the bread and butter of writing advice. Inspiration comes at the most random moments, from the most random of sources, and if you don’t have somewhere to write that inspo down, you’re going to forget it. Don’t try and convince me on how amazing your memory is, I used to pride myself on that ability as well. Take it from my experience, where I’ve almost burst into tears because I couldn’t remember that one significant detail I came up with while at the grocery store and now without it my plot doesn’t make any sense. Stuff a small notepad and a pen in your bag, purse, satchel, backpack, whatever. Just don’t forget this.
9. Be okay with Writer’s Block. I hate writer’s block. I really do. If I had to choose between getting my wisdom teeth out and being unable to write anything because I was completely stuck, I would choose the dentist. All writer’s hate writer’s block, often because it makes us feel like failures. We feel like we aren’t good enough to come up with good ideas, or that our ideas themselves are dumb. We feel unproductive. Well, I’m hear to tell you that even though it’s a pain, writer’s block can sometimes be a blessing in disguise. WHAT???? What I’m saying is, sometimes we need a break, a time to catch up on some rest and or reconnect with our family. We need to devote time to our day-to-day responsibilities. It doesn’t mean we love writing any less. In fact, sometimes God uses our writer’s block in order to bring our attention back to Him and to show us how much He loves us. He loves us so much that He wants to spend time with us, and He also wants us to spend time with Him, in His Word. I always find that when I’m spending time with God the way I should and resting in Him, the ideas come pouring back tenfold.
10. Go easy on yourself. My personality type tends to make me very hard on myself. I always feel I need to be doing something or accomplishing something having to do with my stories. I’m always pushing myself and if you’re like me, pushing hard all the time can take the fun out of writing. My advice on what to do? Go easy on yourself! Enjoy writing and take each day as it comes. If you get a lot of work done, then #YASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! If you don’t, no big deal! Tomorrow is another day. Your stories aren’t going anywhere.