A Guide To Writing

For some people the art of writing comes easy; whether they’re writing a non-fiction article or letting their imagination carry them away as they work on their full length novel. Unfortunately for others, we often find ourselves sitting here staring at a blank piece of paper or watching the cursor blink on the screen in front of us.

For those lucky enough to have never succumbed to writer’s block they probably have no idea of just how frustrating it can be: you want to write, you have the time to write, it seems though that the words just won’t come. For some it seems as if the muse has wandered off to greener pastures never to return again.

For those of us that often find ourselves struggling to get that first sentence down there are a variety of ways we can try to overcome our muse’s obstinance. Remember though that what may work for one writer may not work for you.

For me personally I find my ability to start writing depends entirely on me getting that first sentence. Once I have that, for the most part I can then just type as fast as the words pop into my mind, the problem comes though with not knowing how to start whatever it is I am writing, whether it’s an article or short story etc. even if I know where I want to take my words if I can’t begin it just won’t happen. In that instance I tend to look for a word or phrase that sounds like a good starting point (that particular phrase may soon get deleted once I finish, but usually it’s enough to get me going).

Others can kick-start their writing by outlining what they want to write about and then just picking a point and starting whether it’s the beginning, middle or end.

Some people find that if they just let their minds wander and write without thinking is enough for them to be able to turn around and start on their chosen subject, as if getting the creative juices flowing is enough to bring their muse home.

If you’re struggling with your writing or having trouble coming up with a subject to write about perhaps you can try some of these ideas:

Take a look out your window and just write, describing what you see outside.

Pick a favourite television show or movie and give it a new outcome.

Take some headlines from your local paper and give it a new meaning.

Find a site that lists some story starters or writing prompts (there’s many available)

No doubt there is many other ways to help you get pen to paper or finger to keyboard it’s just a matter of finding which one works best for you.