Writing/Writers - how did you get started?

[Catsi]

I've always wanted to write. I sometimes have 'write' in my head if that makes sense and I enjoy that process and think, 'well if only I had have written it down!'

I get patches of story ideas as well that I'd love to pursue, but I feel like my writing technique is not up to scratch.

Does anyone here have any tips on how to just start. I'd love to write some short stories to help with my writing because I know I need to practice. And practice some more. And then some. But I find them intimidating. To tell a story in such a short form.

Do you just set yourself a scenario/topic to write about and go from there or are you the type with endless ideas? Any tips to get the creative juices flowing?

 

[milos_mommy]

The best advice I have is to set aside time every single day to write. It might be more some days than others, but if you can write for 10 minutes before bed each night, it helps IMMENSELY.

You can also look around online for different challenges or prompts. They'll be anything from a really specific topic and style (a memoir about a holiday, perhaps) or just a word or something (silver) and you can choose whether you do a poem, short story, etc.

Personally, it depends what I'm writing. I spend some time just free-writing, I'll either think of just a line of a poem or an anecdote and go from there, or for longer stuff I do it very formulated and planned out. If I write a screenplay, even a short one, I'll map out the plot points, then every single sequence, then do the dialogue/action for each one. I'll do really complex character profiles, various synopsis, write pitches, etc. before I ever start the whole screenplay.

Poetry and prose is quite different for me. Sometimes I'll make a plan - like I want to do a memoir containing 5 specific events, and I'll think about the events and writing style beforehand. Same with poetry. But sometimes I just do it completely randomly with no pre-planning, and switch stuff around afterwards to make it work.

 

[Saeleofu]

I wrote much more when I was in high school - I had to write essays all the time, so writing on the side wasn't really any different. So I'd have to agree with the "write every day" suggestion. I've gotten terrible about really writing, and mostly all I end up with now are blog posts, if that

If it helps, you can probably find writing prompts to get you started, at least to get you into the swing of things. Writing prompts help me when I'm just totally stuck, but they rarely go the direction I want them to go.

I've found dreams make a great basis to elaborate on, if you remember your dreams.

I've had soooo many ideas wasted because I didn't write them down when they were n my head

 

[Catsi]

I've always wanted to write. I sometimes have 'write' in my head if that makes sense and I enjoy that process and think, 'well if only I had have written it down!'

Bloody hell, I do need practice... this sentence made absolutely no sense. Basically, I 'write' in my head a scenario, description or conservation and it can actually be quite elaborate and even interesting but I fail to write it down! And the ideas are lost and they are never quite as good when you try to remember them.

Thanks for the tips - I'll aim at just writing everyday. I have to get used to the idea that not everything I write is something I'm going to pursue further. I'm naturally so task driven, that I tend to think everything I do must be awesome and a great idea (when of course it isn't). I need to learn to value writing for writing's sake.

You are so right, MM about how you approach things differently, sometimes depending on style but also depending on the content, how you feel that day etc. There is no real formula, although I'm sure I'll form my own preferences down the track.

Today is the day I start!

 

[Maliraptor]

Write. Just do it. Write every day even if it makes no sense. Stop trying to find the perfect word and just WRITE any word.

As far as bigger projects, some writers make outlines of their plot. I personally don't, but sometimes wish I did.

The other thing is, when you're ready, have someone who has a clue read it. I am lucky to have a mentor who is a great writer, and a great teacher, and makes me think hard about my plot.

 

[Romy]

Butt in chair. Write.

That's all there is to it. Writing isn't some mystical mode you get into. Some people have rituals they do before writing and if that works for you, cool. But they're not necessary.

A lot of people out there are in love with the idea of writing or being a writer. But they aren't in love with the Butt In Chair part of actually doing it.

Give your first drafts permission to suck. Many writers, even famous professional ones, write sucky first drafts. Just finish it, because once it's finished you can go back and start revising and that's where things really start to shine.

That said, good luck and I hope you enjoy it! The world needs more stories.

Moar stories! Go!