As writers, we often find ourselves stuck in a rut, churning out the same type of content day after day. While specialization has its merits, diversifying your writing portfolio can lead to tremendous growth, both creatively and intellectually. In this blog post, we’ll explore various writing strategies that can help keep your mind sharp and your creativity flowing. From novels to screenplays, daily prompts to poetry, we’ll cover it all – and even throw in some resources to help you connect with fellow writers and industry professionals.
- Novel Writing: The Marathon of Creativity
Writing a novel is often compared to running a marathon, and for good reason. It requires stamina, dedication, and a long-term vision. Being the lazy creative that I am, this form of writing is by far the most daunting for me. But the payoff is worth it! I have only written (well, only completed and published) one novel thus far, and it was certainly a rewarding feeling. The benefits of novel writing, however, extend far beyond the finished product.
Benefits:
- Develops long-form storytelling skills
- Improves character development and world-building (especially when writing fantasy or Sci-Fi)
- Enhances plot structuring abilities
- Boosts discipline and time management skills
To get started with novel writing, consider these tips:
- Outline your story before diving in
- Write character bios and backstories
- Set realistic daily or weekly word count goals
- Join National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) for motivation and community support
- Read extensively in your chosen genre
- Screenwriting: Visual Storytelling at Its Finest
Screenwriting is a unique form of writing that challenges you to think visually and economically. This is actually where my writing journey began. I have written several screenplays, and have even had a few of them produced (independently). When shooting independently, it’s crucial to be creative while being frugal – think single location films and limited characters. This discipline, whether you’re writing something you plan on shooting yourself on a low budget or writing for a big budget producer, can significantly sharpen your storytelling skills.
Feature-Length Screenplays:
- Typically 90-120 pages
- Require a solid three-act structure
- Focus on visual storytelling and dialogue
Short Film Scripts:
- Usually 5-30 pages
- Perfect for competitions and festivals
- Teach concise storytelling and impactful scenes
Benefits of Screenwriting:
- Improves dialogue writing
- Enhances visual storytelling abilities
- Teaches economy of language
- Develops an understanding of story structure
- Script can be used as a comprehensive outline for a novel (I have adapted a couple of my screenplays to novels)
Screenwriting Competitions:
- Inktip: Known for connecting writers with industry professionals
- Stage32: Offers various contests and networking opportunities
- International Screenwriters Association (ISA): Provides contests, resources, and industry connections
These platforms not only offer competitions but also serve as networking hubs, connecting you with producers, directors, and fellow writers.
- Daily Writing Prompts: Flexing Your Creative Muscles
Daily writing prompts are like push-ups for your brain. They force you to think creatively on demand and can help overcome writer’s block.
Benefits:
- Improves creativity and spontaneity
- Helps develop a consistent writing habit
- Exposes you to various genres and styles
- Can lead to unexpected story ideas
Where to Find Prompts:
- r/WritingPrompts on Reddit
- WritingExercises.co.uk
- Writer’s Digest weekly prompts
Tips for Using Prompts:
- Set a timer (15-30 minutes) to add pressure
- Try different genres and perspectives
- Use prompts as warm-ups before your main writing session
- Writing Groups: Collaboration and Critique
Being part of a writing group can provide invaluable feedback, motivation, and a sense of community. Whether online or in-person, these groups offer a supportive environment for growth.
Benefits:
- Receive constructive feedback on your work
- Learn from others’ strengths and weaknesses
- Stay accountable to your writing goals
- Network with fellow writers
Finding Writing Groups:
- Reddit: Subreddits like r/writing and r/DestructiveReaders
- Reedsy: Offers a community of writers and industry professionals, including editors and proofreaders
- LinkedIn: Professional networking and writing groups
- Local libraries or bookstores: Often host in-person writing groups
- Meetup.com: Find local writing meetups in your area
Tips for Participating in Writing Groups:
- Be open to criticism and willing to revise (if you have a massive ego like mine, you will need to check that)
- Offer thoughtful feedback to others
- Set clear goals for what you want to achieve
- Consider starting your own group if you can’t find one that fits
- Reading: The Writer’s Best Teacher
As Stephen King famously said, “If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write.” Reading extensively in various genres can significantly improve your writing skills. Although he makes me feel grossly inadequate, I very much enjoy reading Brandon Sanderson‘s books. I know I will never be as good as Mr. Sanderson, but it’s nice to aspire to be something better than you are.,
Benefits:
- Exposes you to different writing styles and techniques
- Improves vocabulary and grammar
- Provides inspiration and ideas
- Helps you understand market trends
Reading Strategies for Writers:
- Read both in and outside your preferred genre
- Analyze the structure and techniques used in successful books
- Keep a reading journal to note interesting ideas or techniques
- Join a book club to discuss and analyze books with others
- Poetry: The Art of Concision and Emotion
Writing poetry, especially in strict verse forms, can sharpen your language skills and emotional expression. It challenges you to convey complex ideas and feelings in a limited space.
Benefits:
- Improves command over language and word choice
- Enhances ability to convey emotion concisely
- Develops an ear for rhythm and sound in writing
- Encourages experimentation with language and form
Popular Poetic Forms to Try:
- Sonnet (14 lines, specific rhyme scheme)
- Haiku (3 lines, 5-7-5 syllable pattern)
- Villanelle (19 lines with repeating lines)
- Free verse (no set structure)
Platforms for Sharing Poetry:
- Wattpad: Great for sharing serial stories and poetry (if you’d like, you can check out my screenplays and poetry here)
- AllPoetry.com: Community for poets to share and critique work
- Diversification in Action: A Sample Weekly Writing Schedule
To truly reap the benefits of a diversified writing strategy, consider implementing a varied weekly schedule. Here’s an example:
Monday to Friday:
- Morning: Writing prompts (15-30 minutes) to warm up the creative brain
- Main focus: Write at least one chapter of the current novel (1-2 hours)
- Evening: Reading (30-60 minutes)
Tuesday and Thursday:
- Afternoon: Write short stories or poetry (1 hour) for Wattpad and other social platforms
Saturday:
- Morning: Writing prompts (30 minutes)
- Afternoon: Work on novel (2 hours)
- Evening: Engage with writing community on Wattpad or other platforms (1 hour)
Sunday:
I generally take a break from all things on Sundays and simply spend time with my family, either going to the lake, or some other outdoor activity.
- The Power of Cross-Pollination
One of the most significant benefits of a diversified writing strategy is the cross-pollination of ideas and techniques. Skills learned in one area often translate to improvements in others:
- Screenwriting can improve the pacing and dialogue in your novels
- Poetry can enhance the lyrical quality of your prose
- Daily prompts can generate ideas for longer works
- Reading widely can inform and improve all aspects of your writing
- Overcoming Challenges in Diversification
While diversifying your writing can be incredibly beneficial, it’s not without its challenges. Here are some common hurdles and how to overcome them:
Time Management:
- Use tools like the Pomodoro Technique to focus on different writing tasks
- Create a realistic schedule that accounts for your other responsibilities
- Learn to prioritize and be flexible when necessary
Overwhelm:
- Start small – don’t try to do everything at once
- Focus on one new writing form at a time
- Remember that it’s okay to drop something if it’s not working for you
Imposter Syndrome:
- Remember that everyone starts as a beginner
- Celebrate small victories and improvements
- Use writing groups for support and encouragement
- Leveraging Technology for Writing Growth
In today’s digital age, numerous tools and platforms can support your diversified writing strategy:
Writing Software:
- Scrivener: Ideal for long-form writing like novels
- Final Draft: Industry standard for screenwriting
- Grammarly: Helps improve grammar and style across all writing forms
Online Courses:
- MasterClass: Features writing courses from famous authors
- Coursera: Offers university-level writing courses
- Udemy: Wide range of affordable writing courses
Apps:
- Freedom: Blocks distracting websites to improve focus
- Evernote: Great for organizing ideas and research
- Hemingway Editor: Helps simplify and clarify your writing
- The Long-Term Benefits of a Diversified Writing Strategy
Adopting a diversified writing strategy isn’t just about improving your craft – it’s about fostering long-term growth as a writer and thinker. Here are some of the long-term benefits you can expect:
Versatility: By exposing yourself to various forms of writing, you become a more versatile writer, able to adapt to different projects and opportunities.
Resilience: Diversification helps you build resilience. If you face rejection or writer’s block in one area, you have other forms to fall back on.
Marketability: In today’s competitive writing landscape, being able to write in multiple formats makes you more marketable to potential clients or publishers.
Cognitive Flexibility: Regularly engaging in different types of writing exercises your brain in various ways, promoting cognitive flexibility and potentially staving off cognitive decline.
Lifelong Learning: A commitment to diversification is a commitment to lifelong learning, keeping your mind sharp and your passion for writing alive.
Conclusion:
Embracing a diversified writing strategy is not just about becoming a better writer – it’s about nurturing your creativity, challenging your mind, and opening yourself up to new possibilities. By exploring various forms of writing, from novels to screenplays, poetry to daily prompts, you’re not only improving your craft but also keeping your mind agile and engaged.
Remember, the key to success with this approach is consistency and openness. Be willing to try new things, even if they feel uncomfortable at first. Join writing groups, enter competitions, and most importantly, keep reading and writing regularly.
Whether you’re a seasoned writer looking to break out of a rut or a newcomer eager to explore the vast world of writing, a diversified approach can help you achieve your goals and keep your mind sharp in the process. So why not start today? Pick up that pen, open that laptop, and embark on your journey of diversified writing. Your future self – and your readers – will thank you.