Thread: Starting New Work

Howdy,
I just wanted to start this discussion, to share how I begin to write, and discover how others begin to write (if they would kindly share, I won't steal your style or anything, it's just interesting to know )

Sometimes it takes forever for me to write, because it is hard to start...when the only thing that comes to mind is the ending!
Everytime I begin to write, I see it like an upclose film reel, with no sound. I always see the end, and then have to backtrack (like rewinding a film) to the beginning, finding out every little detail in between.

So....how do you all write?

Crazy enough, I usually get the title first. Or sometimes a random thought will hit me (not literally) while I'm driving and I have to scramble to reach a piece of paper and a pencil. By the way, steering wheels make lousy writing desks. Plus, I don't recommend writing while driving.

I sometimes get ideas like that too (not driving of course), but in the strangest situations! I always have to find something to write on too...or I'll lose it. Though I can't hardly ever come up with a title until there are at least a chapter or more. One I am working on has three different chapters all ready, but the title isn't fitting well, trying to find a new one.

If you're writing a work of fiction, sometimes it's best to write the three-sentence sales pitch for it first. Or what you might put on the back of the cover. It can help keep you on track.

Originally Posted by Hawke

By the way, steering wheels make lousy writing desks. Plus, I don't recommend writing while driving.

I second this. Having spent above ten years in the driver training industry I can say too, with a degree of certainty, that I don't recommend writing whilst teaching people to drive. Daydream by all means, and drift off to that place you plan to set your novel. Maybe even a brief doze. But write at your peril. Sudden and heavy braking does not mix with sharp pens which may be rubbing gently across one's brow, or stroking the tip of one's chin. There will be blood and ink and cursing.

Sometimes there is an ending that I am heading for, as when someone asked "Where do flies come from and her friend replied "Round my sister's house", sometimes there is something that has intrigued me, as when a friend asked me why I didn't answer a phone call, I showed him the caller was named in my directory as "Ignore" and he showed me one in his that said "F*** off". Sometimes I have been reading, (Herodotus was one example) and thought "I could make a great modern version of that story". Sometimes I have been bored for something to write and have simply written a description of a physical object or an event and, lo and behold, one thing led to another.

I generally get the germ of an idea and then let it simmer for a couple of weeks until the plot works its way to the forefront of my brain. Then I begin writing in my head while driving (which I do a lot of, since I go between schools fixing electronics stuff). By the time I'm at the keyboard, I'm ready to write. If it's a story, it usually comes out in nearly finished form. If it's a novel, and I don't have time to complete it at the moment, I'll write the first chapter and then leave notes for later, at the end of the chapter.

And, as for you who are cautioning against plotting and driving, If you don't like the way I write, stay off the sidewalk.

JohnB

Inspiration is a funny thing. I think for me it is more about being in the mood to write. I recently posted a story called "A Box in the Attic" in the non-fiction thread. I wrote it on Valentine's Day. My intention that morning was not to write anything, but instead to find a picture from when my wife and I started dating 32 years ago. I merely wanted to get it and scan the picture to put on Facebook. Instead I started thinking about the emotions I was having while searching for it. I knew I had to write them down for my wife. She liked it.

For me, sometimes I have a strange dream. And then ideas start to brew from that. Or somebody says something that strikes a spark in me. It does indeed come from funny places sometime My challenge is usually weaving the pieces together, especially the middle of the story... I am new to this place so I am excited to learn and read from everybody!

A Four Step Guide to Writing

Step One: pick up a writing utensil
Step Two: place a piece of paper on the desk in front of you.*
Step Three: concentrate really hard. be sure to screw your eyes just right (as if thinking. if you are alone, crazy eyes will work, too)
Step Four: use the writing utensil to form words on the paper. random words can work at this point, though it isn't recommended for the novice writer.

* paper can be substituted with any number of flat objects, including your neighbor's freshly skinned cat that you just ran over.

Another "Just Write" proponent here. Sit there, play around, write whatever you want—that's my approach. Although I typically have a good idea of where the story will go. By no means the whole thing though. A lot gets invented on the fly.