How Do I Start Writing? Part 1 (Tuesday Tip)

#tuesdaytips – It is as simple as simple can get.

I am in a number of Writing and Writers groups.  I interact with people who like to write.  One question that I get asked a lot is…

How do I start writing? 

That question is a strange commotion that feels newbies with so much excitement, fear, anxiety, eagerness, and angst.  They want to write.  They have an idea, but they do not know where to start.

That questions feels old heads with excitement, memories, and enjoyment.  It reminds us of ourselves.  It reminds us that we have grown and flourished.

 But, alas, rarely does the answer an old head give satisfy the newbie.  Because the answer to the question is the simplest thing…

WRITE!

 Since I know newbies do not like that answer, here is my Tuesday Tip.

 

It starts with an idea.

Get a journal, binder, or notebook for the idea.  Write the idea on the third page of the journal.
The first two pages are buffer pages so that no one sees your idea if they open up the cover.  (This is just something I do.)

Alternatively, you can use a notetaking app to do this.  I use Evernote.  Google Keep or MicroSoft OneNote are some other good apps.

Time frame: 1-3 days

 

Decide on what parts go with the idea.

Take a few minutes (about 5-10) to brainstorm what parts go with the idea.  (E.G. for a novel… characters, setting, plot, conflict, etc.)
This will help you see the benefit of brainstorming and help you think about the idea.

Using one page per item, write the name of the item and definitions of the item, your definition of the word and the dictionary definition of the word.
This will help you see the benefit of researching and help you learn your craft.

Time frame: 1-3 days

 

Get the parts together

Create sections for the parts... E.G. Novel - Characters, setting, different points, plot notes, etc.

Use removable tabs by Post-it to create the sections.  Leave 3-5 pages between each section to write on.

Write down ideas and thoughts on the appropriate section when they come to you.
Just write.  Do not focus on organizing them.  Just write!

Time frame: 3-6 weeks

 

Organize the parts

Pick a time and organize those ideas in some way.

Decide what is worth keeping for this idea and not worth keeping.  (Have an extra notebook to transfer the not worth keeping idea to it.  You may be able to use it later.)

Figure out why you want to use it for this idea.  Decide how it will work within the idea.

Time frame: 1-2 weeks

 

Organize your ideas

When you're ready, begin organizing them in a way that will lead to a story, a book, an article, or a text.

After that, create a story map or outline.  You need to decide on a structure for the project.  Even if it is not a formal outline, you need some kind of structure.

Time frame: 1-2 weeks

 

Visit next week for Part 2