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Writing Like a Pro 101

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I loved writing so much as a kid that I literally got an English Lit and Creative Writing Degree… but I still get in major writing blocks. Here's what I do to start over, or get out of my head.
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Starting From Scratch

You've never written before, or maybe you're in a bit of a rut. This is the best place to start. 

 
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The best place to start is with a journal. Jot down your thoughts.
Journals & Notebooks
 
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Start reading. Find what kind of writing you love, what kind of stories you find engaging, etc. We learn to write better the more we read. Having a book collection is great, but not essential. You could get a library card.
Boxed Sets | Indigo
 
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Find a daily planner that you like. Set a certain amount of time a day that you spend writing.
Free daily planner templates to customize - Canva
 
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A weekly or monthly schedule can help as well if you don't have time to write every single day. The best thing to do is just get on some kind of consistent plan. Not so intense that you loose the love for the craft though.
Weekly Calendar
 
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A simple to do list can go very far.
Free and customizable to do list templates - Canva

Learning How

Whether you've been writing for a long time, or you're literally just learning now, literature is a great place to start when it comes to learning. Here are some of my fave resources. 

 
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He's popular for a reason.
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft (Classic) a book by Stephen King
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This one is special to me personally. I studied this in university and was taught creative writing by the author herself.
How to Read (and Write About) Poetry
 
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Amazing website with all the resources you could need. World building, story structure and so much more.
One Stop for Writers Creative Tools and Resources
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Writing Tools & Physical products

Let's be real. You don't NEED anything to write other than a pen and paper, or your laptop or whatever. But sometimes we need some extra motivation and helpful tools. 

 
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This may seem random, but there's nothing like recording your thoughts when you can't get pen to paper. Obviously you can use your phone, but isn't this option just so much fun?
Digital Voice Recorders: Electronics
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This one is seriously so fun and best for anyone who gets inspo while they're in the shower.
AquaNotes Waterproof Notepads, Pencils, Notebooks & Posters ...
 
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Ergonomic Keyboards: there are so many different options.
Ergonomic Keyboards: Split Keyboards - Best Buy
 
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Okay kind of random and cliche, but also fun. Challenge yourself for the full hour.
Hourglass
 
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Having somewhere in your room or office to jot down notes quickly, or make diagrams can be a very helpful part in the writing process.
Whiteboard
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Listen, sometimes the only way you're getting anything done is from bed. And that's okay.
Lap Desks & Workspace Organizers
 
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To mark your pages duh.
Transparent Page Flags - Cloth & Paper
 
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Something about writers and their coffee. Idk, it's just a thing.
Single Serve Coffee Makers & K-Cup Pods | Keurig®
 
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Noise cancelling.
noise cancelling headphones - Best Buy
 
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I've been using mine for years. Sometimes you just need to listen to the same song over and over again for inspo.
AirPods - Best Buy
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A good cup with water. Whatever you're actually going to drink out of is necessary.
Adventure Quencher H2.0 Travel Tumbler | 40 oz - Stanley 1913
 
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Adjustable lights are very practical because you can adjust it depending on the time of day you're working.
Adjustable Desk Lamps

A Push in the WRITE direction...

Apps, websites and digital writing tools for when you need a little push. Writers block is no joke. 

 
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A unique app that helps you meet your writing goals. Punishments for not meeting your goals, and rewards for doing so.
WriteOrDie
 
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A great note taking app, especially if you are incorporating research.
Best Note Taking App - Organize Your Notes with Evernote
 
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Okay this one is a fun physical product for writer's block. Use these dice to help generate a story.
Here are Rory's Story Cubes
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For creating a visual timeline.
Miro | The Innovation Workspace
 
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Awesome for creating maps for your fantasy world.
Inkarnate - Create Fantasy Maps Online

Final Touches

 
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Grammarly is popular for a reason. It's a second set of eyes as you are editing your work. Don't stress so much about grammar and focus on language.
The Best Plan for Individuals & Teams - Grammarly Pro
 
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The best software for writing scripts.
Screenwriting Software | Final Draft®