Deciding to become a writer can be quite frightening, especially when you have little or no experience and skill. What is more important is that you have the drive and passion to learn. Over the years, I have managed to gather together some tips and techniques which I have found invaluable. I have described some of them here to help any new aspiring writers. There is so much information out there to help you improve your skills if you are willing to go and discover it.  

You can learn how to become a writer. I know not many people will agree with me on this point, but over the years I have discovered that no-one begins their writing career with flawless literary manuscripts. I once believed that either you possessed the writing skill or you didn’t, but over the years, having met other writers, both successful and those just beginning their career, I have been proven totally wrong. If you are willing to study the art of constructing a great plot with interesting characters, you can, indeed learn how to become a great storyteller. There is so much information out there now and if you are willing to dedicate the time, then there is nothing about the skill of writing that you cannot learn. If you are still doubtful, then research your favourite author. I am certain their first breakthrough came after a long list of rejections from publishers. 

There is an old saying that practice makes perfect and this is so true. No matter what you have tried in your life, I am sure you were not perfect at first. Writing is no different. Get into the habit of writing something each day, planning your next storyline, creating a backstory for a character or reading a book on the subject. Never be afraid to just write, anything is better than nothing. Fear is the biggest killer of all dreams, so do not allow fear to stand between you and your dreams.

People watching is a great pastime for all of the writers I have met. It is one of the key sources of inspiration for their next novel or unique character. Writers love to study how people speak, behave and interact with one another. I often ask myself certain questions as I eavesdrop on their conversations. What does it tell me about that person's life? Are they confident or full of self-doubt? Do they have any interesting mannerisms? What do you imagine has happened in their life to bring them to the present day? What sort of life or adventures do they have to look forward to? Allow your imagination to run wild. I have often listened to a conversation and it has given me an idea for a story or a new character. Even if a certain character does not suit the idea I am working on, I make a note of their characteristics, then place it in my character database for a future project. Be aware when you are having a conversation in a public place, there could be a writer sitting not too far away, and one day, you may recognise yourself in a novel. 

I have always believed that you should never trust anyone who has a bigger television than a bookshelf. One of my favourite novelists, Stephen King, proclaimed once that if you didn't have time to read then you certainly do not have the time to write. Whatever genre you prefer to write in, then read published works in the same genre. Study the format, the plot, the characters, and understand what makes the novel so engaging. If you believe that you genuinely have no time to read, then look at your daily routine closely. Do you commute to work, what do you do in your lunch break? How many hours do you sit and watch television or play on computer games? Wouldn’t this be better time spent enjoying a  good book?