You get ideas from daydreaming. You get ideas from being bored. You get ideas all the time. The only difference between writers and other people is we notice when we’re doing it.
– Neil Gaiman
While taking my programs, many people have said that the hardest part of writing is starting. It’s not that they don’t understand their topic or don’t know what they’d like to put on paper; it’s more they just can’t seem to figure out HOW to put their pen to paper.
Regardless of whether you’re writing content for your business, a book, fiction, non-fiction or a blog, vision is one of the most important components. This involves picturing the words, the story, the flow and identifying who you’re writing for and why before actually typing the first word.
It may seem odd, but having that clear picture in your mind will help you create a well-rounded piece. A well-rounded piece has the power to evoke emotion, educate and leave a mark. For me, writing begins with dreaming. Before I sit down to write, the first thing I do is stare out into space. No, really. Sometimes I’ll find a comfy spot to sit, close my eyes and allow my mind to just drift. Other times, I let my mind run free as I scrub the dishes or vacuum the floors.
There’s no guidance involved at first. I just follow where my mind takes me and then slowly introduce the topic that I need to write about. For example, if I’m going to write about a young girl travelling through the woods, I allow myself to see the tight curls on her head, the way she gleefully runs unafraid of any holes or bumps along the way. I’ll take note of the colour of her clothing, the way the woods smell, the little rustles from the birds, the squirrels, and take in the noises I wouldn’t regularly notice. I’m a bystander standing quietly observing, using all of my senses to take in the scene.
Next, while still daydreaming, I introduce the facts. If I’m writing a piece about boundaries, I imagine how my reader would be feeling. Why are they interested in learning to set boundaries? What struggles have they already overcome? What may they be experiencing? I imagine they are standing there in front of me, asking for support, and I speak (write) to them in a manner they will understand and respect.
With my mind still open and free, I then lift my hands to the keyboard and write as though I were talking to my readers. I allow the
conversation to flow, envisioning the natural progression of the conversation, the tone, imagining how my readers may react and anticipating the questions they still have. What may they need additional support on, and what rebuttals may they have?
After that, I continue writing without judgement or editing and continue to allow the words to flow. Anytime I feel myself becoming stuck or blocked, I step back and close my eyes and go back to the scene in my mind. I’ll talk to my readers, walk through the setting and get lost in the story before putting pen to paper again.
Are you ready to kick-start your writing plans?
Are you ready to kick fear and anxiety to the curb when it comes to writing?
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