How to Fall in Love with Writing (Even if You're Not a Writer!)

I have a friend, and this friend is not a runner.
Yet this friend’s best friend wanted to run a marathon to celebrate her 40th birthday. And my friend, being the supportive person she is, said she would run along her side.
So for months, my friend trained. Ran for miles. Hours. Spent Saturdays away from her kids, pounding the pavement.
And then, she ran a marathon.
At midnight, in Las Vegas, by her best friend’s side. She ran and she ran, and she made it to the end. And she was shivering, and her legs felt like they would betray her at any moment, and she almost threw up. But then the fountains in front of the Bellagio hotel shot high into the sky as she and her friend stumbled past. And they cried.
It was, she says, the most important moment in her life. One she will never forget, and one that will forever shape her. And although she said she will probably never run another marathon, she did this one. She did it. And that makes all the difference.
So, writing. Yes, it’s a marathon.
Writing takes hard work and practice and dedication and time away from doing what you love. But the process, the art of it, it changes you. And it’s so, so worth it.
You don’t have to become a famous novelist. You don’t have to write hundreds of stories. But if you want to write, you should. Even if the tug is small and easy to ignore, don’t ignore it.
Here’s how to allow yourself to fall in love with writing:

#1: Try it on.

“The easiest thing to do on earth is not write,” says novelist and screenwriter William Goldman. And he’s right. Writing is hard. But the hardest part is the moment before you begin.
Don’t let yourself get tripped up by that moment. Set time in your schedule to write (I like first thing in the morning, when the sky is black and the kids are still asleep). Make yourself some coffee. Have a cookie. Get comfortable and reward yourself for the effort. See what it would feel like to make writing part of the fabric of your day. And then begin.

#2: Embrace the draft.

I’ve found that the best way to remove stress from the writing process is to tell yourself: This is only the draft. Or: This is just my brainstorm.
By giving yourself the permission to simply scribble out words and ideas on a blank paper (or empty Word document), you take away the pressure of perfection. These words don’t have to be great — hell, they don’t even have to be good. They just need to be written.
I recently heard a podcast in which entrepreneur Jason Zook talks about how he wrote a million words in two years. Sometimes, those words would be a stream of thought that read like gibberish. But often, that stream of thought would lead to a unique idea — an idea he would not have uncovered if he had not gone through his daily writing exercise.
The takeaway: the process is often as important as the product.

#3: Read great writers.

There’s nothing more inspiring than reading the amazing words of another author — paying attention to the way they craft sentences, use dialogue, and show instead of tell.
When you’re struggle to write, sit down and read. Fiction, non-fiction, comics, whatever you enjoy. All great writing will influence your work for the better. As J.K. Rowling says: “You’ll go through a phase where you will imitate your favorite writers, and that’s fine because that’s a learning experience too.”

#4: Find a trusted reader.

Once the words begin to flow, it’s important to have someone you trust read those words — someone who can provide you with honest feedback without crushing your creativity.
Perhaps this person is a business colleague, creative friend, or even a professional writer or editor. Remember, while the writing process belongs to you, the words you write belong to everyone (if you plan on releasing them to the world).
When asking for feedback, be specific. Ask questions about specific areas of your content, so that your reader can give you advice you can act on.

#5: Get professional polish.

If you find you can only take your words so far, it’s OK to turn them over to a professional for that last bit of tightening up. That’s why novelists have editors. Creativity and passion still need proofreading.
You are still the author, even if someone else gives your words a finishing touch. So don’t be afraid to get help. Remember, writing is hard.
Have you recently discovered a love for writing? Share your tips and secrets in the comments below!