From bloggers to journalists, this question seems to trouble the most. Many of us, including myself, have spent hours, days or weeks cogitating on it without a satisfying result. The fact is that in order to be able to write a story, first you need to write.

As I mentioned above, I spent some time asking how to write a story. Actually, I’ve spent hours reading writing blogs and websites trying to get a concrete answer. The problem is that there isn’t one. In fact there are many answers to this question and all start with “it depends”.

It depends what you want to write. A news article, a review, short stories, novels, screenplays? There is a different answer for each one. However, you can master them all by following one simply and highly popular writing tip - keep your story flow like a river’s stream.

This is basically all you need to know about writing, if you ask me. Everything else will come to you naturally.

The next step imperious for your writing career is to write. Yes, it is as simply as that. When you’re at your computer googling writing tips, how about opening you Microsoft Word (or any other software you like to use) and write. What about? Anything, just write.

If you start writing for a magazine, newspaper or online publication, don’t demoralize yourself when the editor criticizes your work. In fact, this is the best thing that will help you become better. The editor knows exactly what you did wrong and if he/she re-writes your story, take a look at it, compare your article with the other and analyze your mistakes.

Being a journalist is not very easy. Sometimes you have to emulate a specific style that your new magazine follows. This is quite hard even for an experienced journalist as he has his own style, but for beginners this can be hell. I faced this problem on different occasions, as all freelance writers do eventually.

The secret is to understand that style. To do so read their materials, write something and compare it to one of their articles. This might take some time but eventually you’ll get it.

Another quite frustrating side of good writing is re-writing. If time allows, sit back and do something else for a few hours, clear your mind and then come back and read your article. You’ll probably re-write your story completely, and that’s a good thing. (This article was not re-written, I’ll do a “Before and After” piece in the near future)

Additionally, there are various journalism courses online and I strongly suggest you take a look at News University’s website. By following their courses you can become a good journalist in no time, but don’t forget to practice. As for blogs, I sometimes read Daily Writing Tips.

As you probably know, almost every successful writer has a few tips to offer. My personal favorite is Steven Pressfield’s. Here is what he says:

“Three steps.

First, take Robert McKee’s three-day course: Story. He gives it in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Dallas, London, everywhere. Check his website, www.mckeestory.com.

Second, read my book, “The War of Art.”

Third, sit down and do it and don’t quit no matter what.

P.S. If you do Step Three, you can skip One and Two. “

Basically, what you need is the will to do it.