Write: Tools for Beginners, Courses & AI Help for Getting Started
- Deborah Ann Martin
- Jul 24
- 6 min read
Getting started is often the hardest part. Whether you're staring at a blank page, unsure of your idea, or overwhelmed by everything you could be writing, it’s easy to freeze.
That’s why this blog is about taking the pressure off and giving you real support: writing tools, beginner-friendly courses, and AI resources that help you begin. Because writing isn’t just about talent. It’s about showing up, having the right tools in place, and letting go of perfection.
You don’t need to be an expert to begin; you need to begin.
Writing Is Personal, But You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Some people write to heal. Others write to earn income, share a message, or explore their creativity. Some are learning to write in a second language. Whatever your reason, there’s a tool, a guide, or a strategy that can help.
This blog is for:
Beginners who don’t know where to start
People who’ve started and stopped… and want to try again
Writers balancing busy lives need simple solutions
Those using writing for healing, clarity, or growth
People who speak other languages and want to express themselves
Wherever you fall, you’re in the right place.
My Honest Start: Scattered, Overwhelmed, and Trying
When I first started blogging, I didn’t have a schedule. I had poems I wanted to publish, stories I wanted to tell, and workbook ideas I wanted to organize—but I felt all over the place. One day I’d blog, another day I’d outline a workbook. Sometimes, I get things done. Other weeks, I didn’t write at all.
But when did I write? I felt better. Clearer. Like I had accomplished something real.
So if you’re feeling stuck, unfocused, or unsure, that’s okay. You’re not alone. Let’s find the right tools and support to help you get words on the page.
Just Write: Getting Your Thoughts on Paper
Before you dive into the steps to start writing, give yourself permission to let go of perfection. Right now, the goal is to clear your mind and get your thoughts down on paper. Don’t worry about punctuation, grammar, or structure—those things can be fixed later.
Focus on your brain dump. What do you want to say? What ideas or stories are floating around in your head? Write it all down in any form that works for you. It doesn’t need to be pretty or polished; just get the content out. You can always refine it later, but for now, let your words flow freely. Think of this as your first step in creating an outline or draft, one that will evolve as you continue writing.
This is not school. You can just write.
5 Practical Steps to Start Writing Today
Here’s how to stop overthinking and start writing:
1. Set a Tiny Writing Goal
Instead of saying “I want to write a book,” try: “I will write 100 words today.”Or even: “I will write for 5 minutes after dinner.”
Small goals build confidence, and confidence builds consistency.
2. Pick a Comfortable Tool
Some people love pen and paper. Others prefer typing. Others like voice notes.
Use what works for YOU. Don’t force yourself to write like someone else.
3. Use a Prompt or Guide
Don’t wait for inspiration. A prompt, course, or tool can give you structure.
(P.S. There are prompts below in The Prompt Corner if you need help starting.)
4. Accept the Messy First Draft
Your writing does not have to be perfect. In fact, it won’t be. Your job is to get it out. Edit later.
5. Use Tools That Match Your Style
You don’t have to use every new AI tool or join every writing course. Just pick one thing that helps you move forward.
Writing Tools for Beginners
So I was considered the smart kid in school. The geek. The nerd. But I couldn't spell. No matter what I did, I passed the tests only because I half memorized things. In school, I spent hours checking for grammatical errors. NOW, they have Grammarly and word processing programs, all of which have these features. NOW it's only a few minutes to check things.
Research took weeks. NOW. Chatgpt and other AI put it at your fingers in a few seconds. Where it took me forever to get my written work in the format that I needed. NOW it takes a few minutes or hours depending on the complexity. Putting note marks and giving credit to where I found the information, including seconds with AI and other tools.
Right now is the BEST time to write. There is a tool, a YouTube video about the tool, and an explanation of how it benefits you. There are tools to keep your information organized, tools to help you express your thoughts, tools to assist you in finding or creating illustrations, and tools for social media and promotion. There are numerous tools available, which can be overwhelming.
In this blog series, we will start highlighting some. Some links on this page may be affiliate links, which, if you decide to make a purchase, will earn a small commission for this website to help us continue producing content for you.
Don’t let the writing tools overwhelm you. Start with ONE.
Want a Bit More Structure? Beginner Courses to Try
Here are a few writing classes that help if you're starting from scratch or returning after a long break:
Skillshare: Intro to Creative Writing (Free trial available) – Covers character, plot, theme, and voice.
Coursera: Writing for the Web. Great if you want to blog or write content professionally.
Reedsy Learning: Free 10-day Email Courses Bite-sized lessons on self-publishing, nonfiction, and more.
MasterClass: Margaret Atwood on Writing. If you love fiction or want inspiration from a legendary figure.
Udemy classes.
Look for classes that align with your goals, not those that look flashy. If it's flashy, I automatically turn away. Read reviews, good and bad. Mainly the good. See how others are using that tool. Is that what you need to get unstuck or to move to your next step? Don't be afraid of learning.
A Note on AI and Writing
AI tools (like ChatGPT) can help you brainstorm, organize ideas, and get unstuck. They don’t replace your voice, but they can help you find it.
Use AI to:
Generate story ideas
Create outlines
Reword something
Brainstorm character names or blog titles
Practice writing in your second language
AI isn’t cheating. It’s just a tool. If you use it as a tool, you have a tool. An extremely useful tool. Only you can tell your story. You still do the heart work.
The Prompt Corner
The Prompt Corner is a place for your writing.
Stuck on what to write? Try one of these prompts to get your brain moving:
“I want to write about ___, but I’m afraid of ___.”
Describe your dream writing day—where are you, and what are you creating?
What’s a story or lesson only you could write?
Write about something you’ve survived that changed you.
Write the first line of your future blog, book, or story.
Just start. Don’t judge it. You’ll find your rhythm.
Free & Paid Tools to Support Your Writing
Looking for tools to help turn your writing into something more impactful? These resources can support your mission.
Check them out below and visit the Resources tab on our site for the full list. Try a new one each week to find what fits your writing goals.
Grammarly – Fix grammar and boost clarity
750words.com – Helps build a daily writing habit
Reedsy Writing Courses – Free 10-day email courses
Hemingway Editor – Makes your writing stronger and clearer
Some links may be affiliate links. If you choose to use them, it helps support our website at no extra cost to you. Want more tools? Check out the full list in the Resources tab of our site.
Want more tools? Check out the full list of writing resources on the resource page on our website.
Write with Us: Writing Tools for Beginners
This week is about starting. Not perfectly, not fast—just starting.
You don’t need a fancy desk or expensive software. You just need your words. So pick one small step this week—one tool, one prompt, one moment—and begin.
Next week, we’ll move into Stage 3: Organize – Productivity & Planning because even creative people need a system to stay consistent and finish what they start.
You’re doing it—one word at a time.
Comments