On Writing and Storytelling: Advice for Aspiring Writers

Advice for Aspiring Writers

So, you want to write—or maybe you already do, scribbling stories in the margins of your day, chasing sentences that shimmer just out of reach. The path isn’t paved in gold, nor is it mapped by a single, shining formula. It’s a winding, idiosyncratic journey, full of turns, detours, and the occasional dead end. What matters most isn’t some secret handshake or a rigid set of commandments—it’s a handful of habits, a pinch of perspective, and a willingness to keep showing up at the page. Here are a few signposts to consider as you set out.

1. Read, relentlessly.
   Make reading a daily habit, if possible. I won’t suggest combing through everything from Aesop to Zweig—but do widen the net beyond your usual favorites. The more you read, the more attuned you become to the rhythms, textures, and subtleties of language. The broader your literary intake, the richer your writer’s toolbox will be.
2. Write as often as life allows.
   Try to carve out time daily—even if that means adopting a five-day writing schedule for your current project. Keep a journal, or start a blog. Not everything you write needs to be about writing. Just… write. Practice may not make perfect, but it will make you stronger, sharper, and more confident with your craft.
3. Be discerning with craft books—but not dogmatic.
   When you explore guides on “how to write,” remember: there are no universal rules in fiction. Every author brings their own biases and preferences to the table. For example:

• In How to Write Dazzling Dialogue, James Scott Bell notes that excessive profanity can hinder mainstream publication and suggests a gentler touch.
• Stephen King, ever the realist, argues that characters should speak as real people do—even if that means they swear when they stub their toe.

 My take? Your story, your style. If “blue language” doesn’t suit your voice or your audience (especially in genres like YA), you don’t need to force it. But if naturalistic dialogue calls for cursing, write it without guilt. Just don’t let it become a crutch. Dialogue should reveal character—not just shock readers.

Try to carve out time daily—even if that means adopting a five-day writing schedule for your current project. Keep a journal, or start a blog. Not everything you write needs to be about writing. Just… write. Practice may not make perfect, but it will make you stronger, sharper, and more confident with your craft.