Don't Know Where to Start

[Donnabing]

I have always had a deep desire to be a good writer. I have a problem that I can't seem to reconcile though. I have so many great ideas running through my head, and I can't possibly think of a way to start something. I want to write a sort of personal statement...you know, who I am and what I beleive. Just for my own satisfaction. But I don't know how to start it.

I also have a desire to write a fiction novel about a young girl that runs away from an abusive home and learns how to survive in the woods on her own. But how on earth do I start something like that? Have any tips? Thanks.

 

[GodFlute2]

Well, starting at birth is always a good start. Or as a flashback of how someone got to the point they're at now, is fun sometimes...

 

[loveliving]

have you taken any writing classes? That's the best way to get started imo-they have plenty of centers that provide them as well as conferences.

 

[Clem is Me]

Five minute pastiche. WHenever you get an idea write a five minute description of it. Go away and read it over a day or two later. See if it grabs you.

 

[ConstanceB]

I have always had a deep desire to be a good writer. I have a problem that I can't seem to reconcile though. I have so many great ideas running through my head, and I can't possibly think of a way to start something. I want to write a sort of personal statement...you know, who I am and what I beleive. Just for my own satisfaction. But I don't know how to start it.

I also have a desire to write a fiction novel about a young girl that runs away from an abusive home and learns how to survive in the woods on her own. But how on earth do I start something like that? Have any tips? Thanks.

Here are a couple of books that you might enjoy: "Ellen Foster" and "Julie of the Wolves". One is about a girl in an abusive home (!) and the other is about a young girl surviving in the frozen wastelands (!) Study how each book introduces itself -- pretty interesting.

Outlining your story is always a good way to start. If you are planning on selling a novel, you will end up sending them a detailed outline anyway (they demand it). If you do that, then fill in a little more and more and more in each part of your outline, then insert description and dialog, why, the novel will write itself.

Okay, about beginning a personal statement. When you were born, as suggested, works. That can, however, end up as a bunch of facts dump-trucked on the page. Here's a thing we used to call "power writing". It is a formula, but a good one, and when your brain is stuck, it can get you jump-started:

Introductory paragraph: Tell quickly what you are going to tell. Three major points is a good start; so you have your beginning sentence (strong, attention-grabbinb), each of your three points as a separate sentence, and then a bridge sentence.
First point paragraph: About five sentences, written logically.
Second point paragraph: same.
Third paragraph: same.
Conclusion: Review what you've told us and why we should care.

If your personal statement is going to be longer then five paragraphs, that's great. Essentially follow the formula above, though. That "three point" thing is famous. If I were writing about, say, the Bible, here are three points (in this case, points of view) -- Scripture as viewed by: Jews; Christians; Moslems.
Or, three points about the Bible -- it is not inspired by God; it is inspired but not necessarily factual; every "jot and tittle" is inspired and unflawed. Or, three points about the Bible -- how men are seen; how women are seen; how children are seen. Or, three points about the Bible -- salvation messages; how-to-live info; history.

Get it? You can approach your essay/statement from any angle, but the three (or five) point paper is typical and well-accepted.

Good luck! cb

 

[Lyle]

You want to be writing Creative Nonficition. Start with the line, "i remember......." t6hen move from there. I owuld suggest picking up some books about writing creative nonficition and these will get you going very well

 

[Tissue]

My advice for you, though I hate to follow it myself, is to put together a writing journal. As those fine people above have said, you should write about stuff that's happened to you, and put it all together in the journal. You don't really need to write something beautiful, you just need to write. Every once in awhile, go back through the journal and look around at what you've written. If you can lift one good sentence out of a journal entry, than it's a huge success.

This is good advice for practically all realms of writing, whether poetry or prose. You won't get anywhere by not writing. Find a creative outlet, and run with it.

 

[silentpoet]

Just start, and don't worry about it being good(you should see some of the awful stuff I have written). Worry about it being writing. Get the thoughts down first(this is about the stage I am at) and then work at fixing it up. If God wants you to be a writer he will help you improve your skills.

 

[Donnabing]

Thanks so much. I have taken this advice and put it to work! I started writing in a journal again....Ive had so many journals, but I never seem to be able to keep it up, so we will see how that goes. I also have started just writing down ideas and brainstorming what I think about things. Thanks again, any more advice is always helpful.

 

[silentpoet]

Sometimes I just have a name or an idea for a bit of a story and I write it down. I have some stuff that may be waiting quite awhile until I have the ability to equal the story. One thing I have discovered is that God will not let you loose a story idea if He wants you to have it.

 

[heron]

It's a great story idea. Immerse yourself in it. Decide where you want this woods to be, and research the types of trees and soil and terrain she'll find...maybe even the edible goodies she'll find to survive.

Once you pick the area, see if there are entrenched mindsets of the people there. It's a lot of work, but you'll feel a completeness when everything fits factually.

Your actions and events will fall into the facts.

Visit the area, if you can. Hang out where you can find out more about abused people. If your friends mention previous abuse, take the time to find out more about their experience. Your ideas will fall into place.

Don't be afraid to take the time. I remember the drive of knowing I needed to write, but sensed I wasn't prepared. Start your project on as something that will take as long as it takes. The process is more enjoyable when you're not on a personal deadline. You have your story, and it's not going away.