Thread by @OlamideTowobola

The EXACT Steps You Need to Learn How to Become a Writer.

A Thread

RT for writers on the TL.

I frequently get asked the question “how do I become a writer?” I find it slightly ironic that I usually get that question via email and social media DMs, so the inevitable answer becomes “well, you already are a writer.”

Being a good writer leads to being a better and more coherent thinker. It’s also one of the few mediums that no matter what you do, or who you are in life, you will write nearly every day.

Whether it’s simply sending an email or updating your WhatsApp status, being able to clearly articulate your thoughts is an incredibly valuable skill.

In this thread, I’m not only going to teach you how to become a better writer, but I’m going to help you understand why it’s so important to continue developing your writing skills in the process.
Too lazy to read the whole thing? No problem, here’s the short version

Here’s How to Become a Writer:
🔹Step 1: Become a better reader
🔸Step 2: Write Everyday
🔹Step 3: Start a Blog
🔸Step 4: Read the book “Everybody Writes” by Ann Handley
🔹Step 5: Enroll in an Online Writing Course
🔸Step 6: Find a Place to Get Honest Critiques

🔹Step 7: Start Journaling
🔸Step 8: Practice Becoming More Conversational
🔹Step 9: “Write Drunk, Edit Sober”
🔸Step 10: Recognize Why You Want to Become a Writer

It’s as simple as that! Of course if you’re actually serious about becoming a writer, then read on for resources and tips to help you with each of these steps.

🔸Become a Better Reader
All of the best writers I know are also voracious readers. The more you read, and specifically the more books you read, the more you’re exposed to high-quality writing.

Without realizing this, you are internalizing the elements of the text, and you’ll slowly find yourself beginning to implement them in your own writing. Not only this, reading gives you ideas. Lots and lots of ideas. And the more ideas you have, the easier it becomes to pen down

🔹Write Everyday
As with anything in life, practice makes perfect. If you limit your writing to 3 tweets a month, you’re probably not going to improve much. But if you write every day, you’ll begin to notice the process becoming easier.

Thoughts becoming clearer. And most importantly, you’ll begin to enjoy it more. It’s always more fun to do things we’re good at. Writing is no different. And if you’re someone like me whose entire business is built around writing and the internet? Get your pen ready

🔸Read “Everybody Writes” by Ann Handley
When people ask me for steps on how to become a better writer – I always tell them to read Everybody Writes. It fully recognizes the concept that we’re always writing, marketing, and promoting – even if we don’t realize it.

It helps you specifically focus on writing engaging and interesting content that will do well online.

🔸Find a Place to Get Real Critiques
This is a problem, not just with writers, but with creatives or business people as a whole.
Often times it can be difficult to get real feedback from people because those closest to you want you to feel good.

When you’re trying to improve your writing skills, this is horrible. The last thing you want is to keep repeating bad habits, or spending hours crafting work that isn’t interesting. Find either a mentor or communities online to get feedback. Join my freelance community.

🔹Start Journaling 
This is a common thread I’ve seen among many of my most successful entrepreneur friends – they journal. Sometimes just for 5 minutes a day, some for an hour. Journaling will help you organize your thoughts and prioritize tasks.

As i mentioned earlier, the most important thing you can do to become a writer is to write. Journaling can be an easy way to start doing that, without the pressure of having to publicize any of it.

🔸Write Drunk, Edit Sober”
Sure you can take it literal if you want, but the way I personally interpret it is let your writing be creative and free-flowing. Don’t get bogged down in research, adding links, formatting, or overthinking. Just write.

Then go back with fresh eyes to add edit, revise, format, and to make sure all of the claims you made during your initial draft you know, are actually true.

🔹Recognize Why You Want to Become a Writer
There are a nearly limitless number of good reasons to become a writer. Maybe you want to get into the first stages of freelance writing, maybe you want to up your game and become a B2B content writer.

As with anything, you can only hone your craft and get better at skills if you have the proper motivation behind it. So what is your motivation?Is it to get the attention of influencers with your cheeky and cleverly crafted emails?

Whatever the reason is that you’re trying to learn how to become a writer, know the reason, and focus on it during your quest to improve your skills.

I hope this helps. Let me know

@ToyosiGodwin @tweetsbylance @oloye__ @Alex_Houseof308