The following is a basic set of ideas for how you can become a
creative writer. There is no perfect method and everyone has different
approaches. Like any construction project, it can sometimes be messy
involving false starts and dead ends. Don't give up. It gets better.
The steps outlined in this section are what works for me. I hope
that they will give you ideas into what might work for you. Let’s
begin with some basic questions you might have about getting started.
First, it would be a good idea to work through any insecurities
you might be feeling.
Q: I’m not a very good writer. In fact, I struggle
to put my sentences together.
A: Don’t let fear of writing keep you from trying. Most writing
is never perfect on the first draft. Keep your ideas flowing. For
what it is worth, I am always a bit insecure when I have to write
an article or edit a business letter. I think it is healthy and
keeps me from being anything close to arrogant.
Q: What do I write about?
A: It can be anything. It is valuable to write on something in your
life that you feel passionate about. For example, what events stand
out from your experience? Did you have a crisis in your life? How
did you get through it? Was there a specific event or a person in
your life who stands out?
Q: Who will care about my story?
A: It could be something your family might feel is an important
record of something you experienced. It could help others who may
be struggling to overcome a similar situation.
Q: There is so much that I could write about. It’s
overwhelming. How do I get organized? What should I select?
A: Scoping and organizing are an important part of the writing process.
You may want to write an outline of the topics you plan to cover.
Q: I’m sure others have more exciting stories and
can write better than me.
A: Writing does not need to be a competition. Enjoy creating your
story, tune out the feelings that your story might be less than
someone else’s.
Q: How much time should it take to write my story?
A: Don’t approach it that way. Instead set up a quiet time
in your daily schedule when you are most creative. Find a place
where you can concentrate without interruptions. Turn off the phone,
radio, music player and the TV.
Q: What if I have a bad day or two and don’t work
on my story?
A: We all have bad days from time to time. Use the following day
to think about your story and then go back to your writing without
feeling bad about a missed day.
When I have a “writer’s block” I go for a walk
on the beach to clear my mind.
Q: How do I construct my story?
A: Every story has a beginning, a middle and an end. Here are the
links to each phase of your story:
The Beginning
The Middle
The End
