Dear Young Creative,
It has been a while since I updated this segment of the newsletter, I know. Pardon my absence. I have been working hard to ensure that I deliver the best possible content to you.
As a creative myself, I am frequently asked by other creatives, particularly writers, how to become and remain resourceful. I have spent considerable time researching and practising various techniques, and I am excited to share my insights on the subject with you.
Being a creative writer can be a fulfilling and exciting journey, but it can also be challenging, especially when it comes to finding the right resources to create compelling content. Writing is not just about putting words on paper or a screen; it is about crafting a story or writeup that captures the reader's attention and makes them want to keep reading.
Therefore, being resourceful is essential for any creative writer.
What does it mean to be resourceful as a creative writer?
Essentially, it means having the ability to find, adapt, and utilize various tools, techniques and strategies to achieve a specific writing goal. It also means being flexible and adaptable. From experience, I can tell you that writing projects can take unexpected turns and require different approaches. Sometimes you may be done with writing but after it has gone through beta readers, editors, peer-reviewers, clients etc, and returned with specific feedback you need to utilize, you need to dip into your “resourcefulness tank” to make their suggestions work.
If you're the type of person who has to fulfil your dreams, you've gotta be resourceful to make sure you can do it. I came out to California when I was 21, thinking my New York credentials would take me all the way. I came back home a year later all dejected and a failure.
Here are some tips on how to be resourceful as a creative writer:
Read widely: Reading is one of the most important resources for any writer. It helps to broaden your knowledge, improve your vocabulary and expose you to different writing styles and techniques. By reading widely, you can gain inspiration from other writers and develop your own unique style.
Use writing prompts: Writing prompts are an excellent resource for generating new ideas and sparking creativity. They can help you eliminate writer's block and get your creative juices flowing. You can find writing prompts online or in writing books and adapt them to suit your style and genre.
I cannot begin to count how many times I have written interesting stories that were merely based on writing prompts.
Research: Research is essential for creating believable characters, settings and plots. It helps to add depth and detail to your writing, making it more engaging and realistic. Use the internet, books, interviews and other resources to gather information on the topics you want to write about.
Collaborate: This is a very interesting aspect of creativity that is not talked about enough. Collaborating with other writers can be an excellent way to gain new perspectives and ideas. It can also help to provide support and motivation, especially during the challenging times of the writing process. Consider joining a writing group or taking a writing workshop to connect with other writers.
I promise to prepare a resource of various writer’s groups and platforms out there that you can access. I will share it here with you guys once I am done.
Use technology: Technology can be a useful resource for writers. There are many writing apps and tools available that can help you organize your ideas, streamline your workflow, and improve your writing. Examples include Grammarly, Scrivener, Evernote etc.
Make Google your go-to resource centre and just search for anything and everything you need to know.
Experiment: Being resourceful also means being open to experimentation. Try new writing styles, genres, and techniques to see what works for you. Don't be afraid to make mistakes or take risks. Sometimes, the most creative and innovative ideas come from trying something different.
Be persistent: Finally, being resourceful as a creative writer requires persistence. Writing is a challenging and sometimes frustrating process, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Keep pushing yourself to learn and grow as a writer, and don't give up, even when the writing is difficult.
Remember, being resourceful as a creative writer is essential for producing excellent work consistently. By reading widely, using writing prompts, researching, collaborating, using technology, experimenting, and being persistent, you can develop the skills and knowledge you need to create compelling content.
There are no limits to what you can achieve as a writer if you are willing to put in the effort and use your resources wisely.
Know this: I am rooting for you wherever you are! I hope you get to achieve all your writing dreams and goals.
If you ever want to share your milestones and achievements with me or readers of this newsletter, feel free to reach me via email at alphabooks184@gmail.com or Instagram on @let_alpha_write
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post update. I hope you found the new information helpful and informative.
I appreciate your continued support and feedback, which helps me improve my content and better meet your needs.
Be sure to stay tuned for future updates and new blog posts. In the meantime, don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or comments you may have.
Also, follow me on IG. I post poems there a lot! You might like them haha.
Thank you again for your readership, and I look forward to serving you in the future.