6 Tips On How To Become A Writer

So You Want to Become a Writer?

If you’re wondering how to become a writer, the truth is simple: you show up, you practice, and you keep going long after most people stop. 

The six tips below aren’t glamorous—but they work. And to prove it, I’ll let some of the greatest writers back me up along the way.

The good news? Anyone can start. Whether your goal is to launch a whole writing career, explore creative expression, or simply finish a story that’s been sitting in your heart, these tips will guide you on your writing journey.

Stop Dreaming. Start Writing. Here’s How.

1. Prepare for the long game

Writing is demanding. More than talent—it takes stamina. Accept that. Keep going.

“A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.” — Richard Bach

You don’t need to be perfect. You need to be persistent.

2. Write Every Day

Forget waiting for inspiration. Show up. Set a timer. Tap the keys—even if it’s garbage. The habit matters more than the outcome.

“You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.” — Jack London

Some days you’ll write one decent sentence. Other days, five pages. Either way, the practice compounds.

3. Discipline is Your Secret Weapon

Structure your days. Block time for writing—same time, same place. Treat it like work.

“Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work.” — Stephen King

Consistency beats passion when passion runs out. And it will. Your schedule is what gets you through the dry spells.

4. Keep Growing — Read and Learn

Courses help. But mostly… read – fiction, non-fiction, essays, blogs. Let good writing rub off on you. Learn structure, flow, rhythm.

“If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.” — Stephen King

Writers are readers first. Each book you consume sharpens your instincts for voice, pacing, and style.

5. Get Your Words Out There

Don’t wait for the perfect publisher to knock. Start small: guest posts, newsletters, writing sites, even your own blog. Build an audience, build confidence, build momentum.

“Don’t try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It’s the one and only thing you have to offer.” — Barbara Kingsolver

Publishing isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about finding readers who connect with your voice.

6. Embrace Feedback (and Don’t Be Afraid)

Fear holds writers back. Don’t let it stop you from sharing. Show your work to someone you trust. Listen. Learn. Improve.
“You don’t write because you want to say something, you write because you have something to say.” — F. Scott Fitzgerald
Feedback isn’t rejection. Its direction. Use it to sharpen your words, not silence them.

Bonus Tip: Love the Process

Writing is tough. If you’re only chasing money or fame, you’ll burn out. Fall in love with the process—the messy drafts, the rewrites, the small wins. That’s where the magic lives.

“The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe.” — Gustave Flaubert

Writing reveals things about you no one else can. That’s the true reward.

Essential Books on How to Become a Writer

Want more guidance? 

Each of the books listed below offers wisdom, exercises, and encouragement to help you stay motivated and inspired.

1. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King

This isn’t just a writing manual—it’s a life story. Stephen King blends personal struggles, success, and sharp advice into one of the most practical guides ever written. From building daily writing habits to editing without mercy, this book shows you what it takes to become a serious writer.

2. Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott

Funny, wise, and brutally honest. Anne Lamott reminds us that writing is a messy, emotional, and deeply human process. Her “bird by bird” approach—taking things one small step at a time—makes even the biggest writing projects feel possible.

3. The Writing Life by Annie Dillard

More meditation than manual, this book captures the struggles and joys of a writer’s path. Annie Dillard writes with poetic force about dedication, solitude, and the cost of creative work. If you want insight into the mindset of a writer, this is a must.

4. Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg

Writing is like a muscle—you have to use it. Natalie Goldberg teaches you how to write freely, without judgment, and to find your voice through practice. Her exercises help turn writing into a habit and break you free from perfectionism.

5. The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield

If procrastination, fear, or self-doubt are stopping you, this is your battle plan. Steven Pressfield personifies resistance as the enemy every artist faces. His direct, tough-love style will push you to take your work seriously and finally get words on the page.

6. Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke

Ten letters packed with timeless wisdom. Rilke urges writers to look inward, trust solitude, and create from the deepest parts of themselves. It’s beautifully written, deeply moving, and a book many writers return to again and again.

7. The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. & E.B. White

Small but mighty. This classic guide focuses on clarity, precision, and simplicity in writing. Strunk and White cut through the noise, showing you how to avoid fluff and sharpen your sentences. It’s a book every writer should own—and one you’ll return to again and again.

8. The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

This isn’t just a book—it’s a program. Julia Cameron’s 12-week plan includes tools like “morning pages” and “artist dates” to help unlock your creativity. It’s beneficial for anyone feeling blocked, burned out, or afraid to start.

9. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

Elizabeth Gilbert invites writers to live creatively with curiosity instead of fear. Her approach is warm, inspiring, and surprisingly practical. This book will help you view creativity as playful and freeing, rather than something to be dreaded.

10. Steering the Craft: A Twenty-First-Century Guide to Sailing the Sea of Story by Ursula K. Le Guin

Ursula K. Le Guin offers sharp, insightful lessons on storytelling and style. With exercises, examples, and reflections, this guide helps writers refine their craft and cultivate a distinctive voice. It’s direct, practical, and endlessly useful.

Start Your Writing Journey Today

The path to becoming a writer is rarely easy. 

But it’s worth it. 

Remember, even the most outstanding authors started exactly where you are now—with a blank page and the decision to begin.

If you want to know how to become a writer, the answer is simple: start writing, keep writing, and never stop.

Your writing career won’t build itself. It begins the moment you choose to sit down and create. So open that notebook, fire up your keyboard, and start today.

 The only thing standing between you and becoming a writer is you.

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