To paraphrase Elizabeth Barrett Browning, how does a writer begin? Let me count the ways: first with an idea, then writing words to develop an idea.
Facing a blank sheet of paper or computer screen frightens writers sometimes, especially if their minds match. Although, some people imagine a complete story, and then sit down and write, many can't. So, maybe with a little help, filling the blank places won't be as hard.
Several ways to find ideas to use in writing exist. We'll look a some, but to discuss all the possible ways would take a book. Therefore, the easiest ways will do for us to start.
Read newspapers and magazines, at least skim them. A headline, a thought, or a quote may trigger an idea for a story. Take notes or clip the information that interests you.
Write a list of song titles or lyrics that appeal to you. I entered a contest a few weeks ago that gave song titles for prompts. Two captured my attention resulting in a poetry win and a second place in short stories.
Save photos or clip pictures from magazines. One way to start writing is to view something that gives you a scene or some action that will lead to a story.
Jot down snippets of conversation that catch your attention. Not only might one trigger a story, but the conversation could be usable in dialogue, make it more believable.
Use a real experience as a way to begin, whether from your life or someone else's. One saying is to write what you know. For some of us that would be rather limiting, but anyone can include some experiences and then expand. Using the experiences of others can lead to interesting stories, too.
Use your imagination. Some people imagine stories until real in their minds. They then write down a fully developed story, needing refining and polishing.
Once you have an idea, how do you fill a blank sheet of paper or computer screen? An idea is barely a starting point; more is needed. Several ways to come up with material come to mind:
Free write words and phrases that come to mind about the idea you've chosen. Simply list the thoughts that pop into your head. After you've written at least part of a page, look at the words and phrases. Start putting those alike together. You've started.
Ask who, what, where, when, why, and how about your subject. Answering the questions will then give you a beginning.
List any information or details you have about your subject.
Try mental role playing. Using your imagination, take the part of different characters you may use, become each one. Play out the "story" in your mind. Write the rough plot, characterization, and so forth.
The ideas given aren't the only possibilities, but they are a start. Therefore, on your mark, get set, go. You're on your way.
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About the Author
Vivian Gilbert Zabel taught English and composition for twenty-five years, honing her skills as she studied and taught. An author on
http://www.Writing.Com/, a site for Writers, with portfolio
http://www.Writing.Com/authors/vzabel, her books, Hidden Lies and Other Stories and Walking the Earth: Life's Perspectives in Poetry, can be found through Barnes and Noble or Amazon.com.
