the hangout for new and inexperienced writers of nonfiction
At Beginners Guide to Writing we specialise in helping new and inexperienced writers get started writing in a range of nonfiction genres. We provide one-to-one and group support, an online writing community where you can exchange ideas through our writing forums, a variety of writing, editing and proofreading services and a selection of books, courses and regular blog posts.
Should you stick to the facts in a memoir? A memoir is a literary work but unlike fiction it has to be based on truth. This can sometimes be a problem because when we recall memories we don’t necessarily remember things…
Write for yourself or for your readers - or is this the last thing on your mind? If you are a new or inexperienced writer thinking about whether you should write for yourself or for your readers might be the last thing…
Clichés - why you should avoid them like the plague Clichés are words and phrases that have been used so often they have ceased to have much impact. When they were first written they may have been original and colourful…
7 quick tips on how to be your own editor James Thurber is quoted as saying “Don’t get it right, just get it written.” But then what? Nobody, not even experienced writers get it right first time and so the next step after…
How to get started with local history research If you have a fascination for local history and aspire to becoming a local history writer, here are some hints on how to get started with local history research.
Planning an oral history interview - how to get started If you are new to oral history the first thing to do before you start planning an oral history interview is to be clear about the topic or theme you plan to focus…
Finding the time to write - 6 tips on how to fit it into your busy schedule For many of us, finding the time to write can be problem. There are so many things that seem to get in the way what with work, family, household…
Processing your oral history interview Once you have successfully completed your interview you are ready for the next and final stage—processing your oral history interview. Transferring your files The first step is…
Writing a travel journal - some tips on how to get started Planning a get-away? Going on a family or activity holiday or having a weekend break? Or may be it’s a once-in-a-lifetime round-the-world trip, a cruise, a touring…
Writing for family history magazines If you have started to write your family history and have some good stories to tell or if you would like to share some research tips and experiences, there is a potential market out…
How to write a blog post - getting the basics right If you have seen my blog posts Choosing a blog platform and Setting up a free WordPress blog in five easy steps you will have discovered that setting up a blog using…
Are hyphens really necessary? There is some controversy over the use of hyphens (even are hyphens really necessary) and no doubt the debate will go on. But what are hyphens and why do some of us think they are an important…
Start writing your family history while you are researching Most family historians are compulsive researchers which is what makes them the authority on their family’s past but when do you stop researching and start writing.…
Write your life story on a postcard - why not give it a go Life stories can be told in many different ways but typically they are written chronologically, starting with when and where you were born, where you went to…
Pen and paper or a computer - which do you prefer? Some people have a strong opinion about whether it is better to write using a pen and paper or a computer but I guess for most of us it is more a question of what is…
New year resolutions - why just make them at the beginning of the year Why do we think that the beginning of the new year is the only time to make resolutions? You can resolve (decide) to do something at any time of the…
How to get started as a writer with these 15 quick tips
If you are still at the I want to write but don't know how to start stage, then follow these quick tips on how to get started as a writer. Find a space where…
Write a family history that people will want to read Why is it that some family historians get so immersed in their family history research they think that everybody else will be equally fascinated by dry and dull lists…
Setting up your oral history interview Once you have made all the necessary plans for your oral history interview (i.e. choosing your interviewee, doing the necessary background research, deciding on your topic and devising…
Write your family history story by story Feeling overwhelmed about how to start writing your complete family history? Well, why not make it easier and write your family history story by story. Many family historians,…
Have you always wanted to write about your life and experiences but lack the confidence to get started?
Have you been researching your family or local history and want to start telling the stories you have uncovered?
How about a memoir which focuses on food?
Are you a keen traveller with stories to tell?
Do you run a family or local business with an interesting history which would make a great story?
Are you an enthusiastic scrapbooker who would like to go one step further and start telling the stories behind your pictures and photos?
If you have answered yes to any of the these questions and you are a new or inexperienced writer, take a look at Beginners Guide to Writing for everything you need to get started writing.
At Beginners Guide to Writing we have a great selection of information products and courses plus regular blog posts to help you start writing in a variety of nonfiction genres from life stories, family histories, memoirs and autobiographies to local and social history, travel stories, foodoirs, scrapbook- and photo-journaling, nostalgic memories and company/corporate histories.
If you have already started writing, then check out our Writing and editing services . At Beginners Guide to Writing offer one-to-one help and support via phone, email, Skype (or in person if you live nearby). It doesn’t matter where you are in the world we can work together. We also provide editing and proofreading services and we run workshops for writers of nonfiction.
If you fancy seeing your stories in print we can advise you on the different ways you can go about this. For example, if you just want to print a few copies for family and friends you could use a print-on demand-service or you could turn your stories into an eBook which you could upload to a website or to Kindle or Amazon’s e-reader. Just let us know what you want and we will do our best to advise and help you.
Would you look to join a friendly and supportive network of writers without leaving the comfort of your own home? Then why not join in on one of our Beginners Guide to Writing forums. You can ask for help or you can share your own experiences with like-minded people.
