Getting Started

Three simple steps to start writing

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Hullooooo and welcome. Let’s get going.

Getting writing is easy (if you haven’t done so already).

1. Write what you want to read.

   Don’t worry about rules, trends, or self-doubt. There are many ways to begin. Usually, there is a niggling spirit or force we have to give in to. Yup! Some of us understand this. You? Any nudges?

My tagline is ‘Write and let the magic come.’

2. Journaling is a fancy word with many definitions. For me, it’s scribbling ramblings into my nicest, hardback notebook. (Hardbacked because they’re precious, morning, mind snippets. Yes, there may be wise jewels in my noggin’ that need keeping).

My current writing mentor/tutor (yes I have one too) brought me back to free writing on the page with a pen/pencil. It’s liberating and unlocks the cogs of creativity.

Step One. Let it flow. No judgment. Without set purpose or editing. Write for approximately 15 minutes or until two pages are full.

Photo by Ray Hennessy on Unsplash

If you are already a diary or journaling writer you might want more ideas.

Reading and Watching Stories. What type of material do you gravitate towards?

Step Two. To write you should read. Most of us have a style of story we enjoy more than others. This may be the type of story you will start with. Devouring books and stories will help you find your own voice and inspire you to maintain your writing. Read varied sources and read for pleasure too (not studying etc.).

If you love a happy ever after, then perhaps children’s literature or romance is for you. If you like gritty stories with murder, then obviously crime might appear in your work, etc. What you like to read or watch might give you a slight direction for your own work.

Do you have a favorite author? Too many to mention here? Great!

3. Prompts push you to begin. If something catches your eye or imagination note it down and write about it. Like what? Objects. Photographs. Words. Quirky Thoughts. Ignore nothing. Look out for the magic.

For instance; I love old photographs, music, hats, and houses. I also have characters who come and sit on my keyboard and make me write about them.

I know how that sounds. :)

5 Prompts below:

Thoughts – what if you discover an ordinary object in an unusual place. Like, a TV screen up a mountain. Write.

Smell or sound – think of your childhood. Pick a happy place. Describe it.

Listen to a piece of music. What comes to mind?

Item of clothing you see somewhere. What person wore it or discarded it? Why?

Character prompts. Who are these people? What are their stories? Pick one.

I can hear you scrolling and muttering –

But, write what?

Step Three. Write by the seat of your pants. Just start. If you’re in a writing group (Your Writing Space for instance) you’ll see and hear others’ work. If you read widely you’ll learn about short stories, flash fiction, poetry, personal essays, memoirs, and anthologies.

But if you concern yourself too much with the process or purpose you’ll never begin. It’s fine to have no clue as to where you’re headed or what the piece will be. I like to write by the seat of my pants (pantsering). It’s a fun way to begin.

And of course, some people know their plot before they start. Good for them! If this is you, I’m jealous!

Of course, there are mountains of information on the next steps. For now, just have…

Writing Fun!

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