I was just texting with a friend of mine that I haven’t spoken to in a while. She’s had this story rolling around in her head for a long time, yet hasn’t written a word. We all allow everyday life to take precedence, but sometimes you just need to hunker down. Sometimes it’s a matter of being overwhelmed. Are you like that? Just don’t know where to start? As Julie Andrew sings in the Sound of Music, “Let’s start at the very beginning…a very good place to start.”
Begin writing. Don’t worry about plot, characters or point of view. All that can be handled later. Set yourself a goal of so many words per day, and carve out the time. Begin to discipline yourself to write something every day. Even if it is just an idea for a story, write something. If you don’t feel like writing, read about writing. Begin the journey with a few good resource books. I’ve mentioned these before, but two of my favorites are Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott and On Writing by Stephen King.
Once you begin, I promise you will want to keep going. Those characters in your head will see the light at the end of the tunnel and clammer to be released. Enjoy the experience. Keep me posted on your progress.
