How to tackle new writing challenges
Stepping out of your comfort zone as a writer can be daunting, especially when faced with a new genre or format that seems beyond your current skills. In both this blog and my next subscriber-only Monday Writing Motivation mailer, I explore the importance of stretching your writing muscles and embracing new challenges to grow as a writer.
Writing Tips
- Embrace the unfamiliar: Don’t shy away from ideas that seem too big or complex. Use them as opportunities to expand your writing horizons.
- Start small: If a new genre intimidates you, begin with shorter pieces in that style before attempting a full-length work.
- Keep it private: Remember, you don’t have to share your experimental writing until you feel confident you’re ready. Use this privacy as a safe space to explore and grow.
Writing Exercises
- Genre Swap: Take a short scene from your usual genre and rewrite it in a completely different style (e.g., crime to romance or vice versa).
- Family Saga Starter: Write a 500-word opening for a family saga, focusing on a pivotal event from the past that affects later generations. Pay attention to how this differs from your usual writing style.
A writer is someone for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people. – Thomas Mann
Want to expand your writing abilities further? Sign up for our Monday Writing Motivation email for exclusive content, in-depth analysis, and actionable writing tips that will help you confidently tackle new writing challenges and genres. Learn how to turn intimidating ideas into exciting opportunities for growth and creativity.
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Would you like a practical assessment of your writing? Jo-Anne and I offer mini assessments designed to help you tackle your project with increased confidence and understanding. Sign up here.
