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what do you reccomend for a young creative writer?

i want to do something in my free time, and am a great writer. i do like art and other creative things. also, i don't know how to be an lgbtq writer. please help me.

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Karen’s Answer

One suggestion is to check out Theprose (search online). They offer "challenges" of topics you can write about -- some very short and others vary in length and wide variety of topics. You choose which you want to post about. Readers will often leave comments. You can also post a challenge by identifying a specific topic you want writers to address.

With every good wish.
Thank you comment icon Had never seen TheProse before - thank you for that! Karli Helm
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LaRinda’s Answer

As a newbie, you should probably aim for something simple. Start by writing a short story. Put the characters into familiar situations. Describe how they interact with the world around them and each other. After that, write about what happens when they break out of their comfort zone and try something new (there may be consequences). This helps you develop your character's motivations and personality traits. If nothing else, tell your story about coming out, how you felt, how you feel. We all have a story and our story might help someone else not have to have the same experience.

I also, recommend you join a writing group and get some critiques. It's the best way to improve your writing, and it's a great way to build community with other writers.
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Karli’s Answer

An exercise I like to do is to write like no one is watching. Journal, or start a private blog, where you're free to write about whatever you'd like. This keeps the wheels in your brain oiled and the creative juices flowing.

I've found that going into something without focusing on the outcome can be really helpful. Sometimes the outcome will reveal itself to you in the process! Just be sure to jot down ideas as they come to you so they don't slip out of your mind.

Hope this helps!
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Byron’s Answer

Talk to as many people as possible from different walks of life. Strike up conversations with strangers in places you wouldn't think, like the grocery store or waiting in line for food.
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Barbara’s Answer

I would recommend finding your own writing style. Look around at how some of your favorite authors write and see what works for you. Pick up some books or look online to find writing guides to help you start out. Oftentimes, people write about how they feel, or develop characters based on people in their own lives. The world of writing stories, poetry etc. is up to you, as the author to convey your message.

Keep a small journal or book of ideas with you. You never know when inspiration may hit you! It's great way to be able to jot down that quick phrase you heard or liked, or if you read something that you liked in another story, you can always use it as inspiration for your own story.

Have a trusted friend or family member read your writing and provide feedback. Too often, when we read something, it makes sense to ourselves because we wrote it. Getting the perspective of another can help clear up any confusion that might come across in your writing.

Don't be afraid to write, no matter how long or short it may be. Be creative, be confident, and be you!
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Jacob’s Answer

It's wonderful that you have a passion for creative writing and are interested in exploring your identity as an LGBTQ writer. Here are some recommendations to nurture your creativity and develop your writing skills:

1. **Write Regularly:** Dedicate time each day or week to write. Consistency is key to improving your writing skills.

2. **Explore Different Genres:** Experiment with various writing genres such as fiction, poetry, memoirs, or essays. This can help you discover your unique voice.

3. **Join Writing Communities:** Connect with other writers who share your interests. Consider joining writing groups, workshops, or online communities where you can receive feedback and support.

4. **Read Widely:** Read books and works by LGBTQ authors to gain insight into different perspectives and styles. It can inspire your own writing.

5. **Keep a Journal:** Maintain a personal journal to jot down ideas, observations, and reflections. This can be a valuable source of inspiration.

6. **Attend LGBTQ+ Events:** Engage with LGBTQ+ events, discussions, and literature. These experiences can inform and enrich your writing about LGBTQ+ themes.

7. **Research LGBTQ+ History:** Learn about the history and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community. Understanding the context can help you write more authentically.

8. **Seek Feedback:** Share your work with trusted friends, mentors, or writing groups for constructive feedback. Embrace critique as an opportunity for growth.

9. **Practice Empathy:** Develop empathy by putting yourself in the shoes of characters with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This can make your writing more inclusive and relatable.

10. **Explore Personal Experiences:** Draw from your own experiences and feelings as an LGBTQ individual. Authenticity in your writing can resonate with readers.

11. **Submit Your Work:** Consider submitting your writing to LGBTQ+ publications, anthologies, or literary magazines. It can be a great way to get your work out there.

12. **Read LGBTQ+ Literature:** Delve into LGBTQ+ literature to appreciate the rich history and diversity within the community. It can inspire and educate you as a writer.

13. **Set Writing Goals:** Establish clear writing goals and deadlines to motivate yourself and track your progress.

14. **Edit and Revise:** Writing is rewriting. Don't be afraid to revise and refine your work until it's the best it can be.

Remember that your unique voice as an LGBTQ+ writer is an asset, and your experiences can bring authenticity and depth to your writing. Embrace your creativity, stay true to yourself, and keep honing your craft. Writing is a journey, and with dedication and practice, you can continue to grow as a writer and storyteller.
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Esteban’s Answer

The best advice I can give to you, is to separate yourself from your ego. When you start to write just for yourself, without worrying about what your readers will think, is when you will achieve true artistic freedom. Write what you would love to read in a book. Don't worry about pleasing the masses or wondering how they will feel about a certain subject matter. Just be yourself and it will all fall into place.
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Caitlyn’s Answer

First, read as much great literature as you can. I wrote an article about this. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/top-100-must-reads-aspiring-writers-caitlyn-johnston Be able to discern between excellent writing and bad but fun writing. For example, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, The Scarlet Pimpernel, The Long Dark Teatime of The Soul (Douglas Adams) and The Hobbit (Tolkien) are brilliantly written, and you should read them even if they sound boring. Conversely, The Vampire's Apprentice series and Mercedes Thomson werewolf books are really fun but literary abominations. But there's enough amazing brilliant literature in the world that you don't need to suffer through material you're not interested in.

Next, take writing classes and workshops. Learn to hear other people's feeedback and criticism and understand it's not a personal indictment. All writing must be edited and improved, and *none* of the suggested changes mean you did a bad job. BUT only take suggestions from people whose writing you respect. Understand that "I like it!" or "I hate it." is not feedback or criticism. Neither of those statements do you any good whatsoever because they give you nothing to go on.
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Ashton’s Answer

Hello!

One of the best things that can help your writing... is reading. And there are so many brilliant LGBTQ+ middle grade and young adult books out there now in all kinds of genres.

Combining interests in writing and art, it can be really fun to develop some characters. Write a profile for them, draw them, make collages based on them, take a silly internet quiz as them, explore their relationships to each other. This is not only very fun, but can also give your characters so much depth. Then use them in some short stories. If something inspires you, keep going. If a character needs some changes, change them. Have fun and enjoy the process.
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Tom’s Answer

Start writing, listen to feedback, read as much as you can, and learn as you go. Or, attend seminars, read books on the subjects you want to write, and learn as you go. No matter how you do this, reading and simply writing are going to be the best ways to get into writing, since doing it and learning on the fly is usually one of the best methods. Too much planning can ruin the best writing, especially considering that whether this is a hobby or if it becomes something more, just writing will move you forward.
Just write, and see what happens.
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Ryan’s Answer

As a young creative writer, here are some valuable tips to help you on your writing journey:

Read Widely: Dive into books—both classics and contemporary works. Reading is like attending writing classes; it exposes you to different styles and techniques
Write Regularly: Practice makes perfect! Write whenever you can—on the bus, during weekends, or in the margins of notebooks. Carry a notetaking app on your phone to capture ideas on the go
Be Authentic: Write like yourself. Embrace your unique voice, imperfections, and twists of phrase. Authenticity is key to engaging storytelling
Keep Everything: Don’t discard unfinished pieces. Those snippets and anecdotes are valuable experiences you can draw from later
Study Your Favorite Authors: Analyze why you love their writing. Learn from their sentence structure, dialogue, and flow
Remember, writing is a journey, and every word you put down brings you closer to your creative goals!
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