18 Best Ways to Start The Writing Process
Starting to write the first sentence can often present one of the most formidable hurdles for a writer. Continue reading to discover insights from eight authors on ways to initiate the writing process.
1.Start in The Middle
If you're unsure where to begin, don't feel pressured to decide immediately. The opening line of a book carries weight, but it doesn't have to be your starting point. Your initial words might become the middle of Chapter Three, and that's okay. As your story progresses, you'll uncover insights on how to backtrack. As characters evolve and the plot takes unexpected turns, the ideal starting scene may reveal itself to you.
2.Start Small and Build Up
You don’t have to set a Chevrolet on fire or have someone murdered on the first page to get the reader’s attention. We’ve all watched a lifetime’s worth of TV and movies that put big and often violent events into the first five minutes as a hook. The assumption is that we have the attention spans of chimpanzees. But hooks are hard to live up to; you can’t stay at that level. Besides, screen culture does violence better than written culture, so leave the big violence to the movies. It’s better to start with a small mystery and build up to a bigger one. The truth about a situation is always big enough to sustain someone’s attention.
Determine why you want to write. Is it for personal enjoyment, to share information, or to tell a story?
Knowing your purpose will guide your writing and help you stay focused.
4.Incentivize the Reader
I'm not big on crafting the perfect opening sentence, but I do believe in the power of the first paragraph or two. These initial paragraphs are key. Initially, I made the error of attempting to address questions about a character's motivations or crucial plot elements right away, believing that getting those out early would be most appreciated by the reader. However, I realized I was focusing on the wrong aspect. In those first few paragraphs, the reader isn't pondering questions about the characters or plot intricacies. They're simply asking one straightforward thing.
5.Allow Yourself Write up Badly
The most valuable piece of writing advice I ever received was, "Allow yourself to write poorly." Nothing freezes a writer in their tracks quite like the pursuit of perfection. You envision a story in your mind, gleaming and majestic, but when you attempt to transfer it onto the page, it mutates into something mundane, lackluster, and uninspired. Disappointment and discouragement become constant companions, mocking your efforts. You squander precious writing time berating yourself for not conjuring something extraordinary, and eventually, you produce nothing at all.
6.Choose Your Genre or Topic:
Select a genre or topic that interests you. It could be fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or any other category.
If you're unsure, experiment with different styles until you find what you enjoy.
7.Set Realistic Goals:
Start with achievable goals. Instead of aiming for a novel, consider writing short stories, articles, or blog posts.
Break down your writing goals into smaller tasks to make the process more manageable.
8.Create a Writing Space:
Find a comfortable and quiet space to write. Minimize distractions to help you focus on your writing.
9.Gather Writing Tools:
Choose the tools that work best for you, whether it's a physical notebook and pen or a computer and word processing software.
Experiment with different tools until you find what suits your style.
10.Develop a Writing Routine:
Establish a consistent writing routine. Whether it's daily, weekly, or another schedule, having a routine helps build discipline.
Set aside dedicated time for writing, even if it's just a few minutes each day.
11.Read Regularly:
Reading enhances your writing skills. Read a variety of genres and styles to expand your understanding of language and storytelling.
12.Start with Freewriting:
Begin with freewriting exercises. Write without worrying about grammar or structure. Let your thoughts flow freely.
13.Outline Your Ideas:
Create a rough outline before diving into longer pieces. This can be a basic structure to guide your writing.
14.Write the First Draft:
Don't worry about perfection in the first draft. Focus on getting your ideas down on paper. You can always revise and edit later.
15.Revise and Edit:
Take time to review and refine your work. Look for clarity, coherence, and style improvements.
Consider seeking feedback from others to gain different perspectives.
16.Learn from Feedback:
Embrace constructive criticism. Use feedback to identify areas for improvement and growth in your writing.
17.Join Writing Communities:
Connect with other writers, both online and offline. Participate in writing groups, forums, or workshops to share experiences and learn from others.
18.Continue Learning:
Writing is a continuous learning process. Explore writing guides, books, and online resources to enhance your skills.
Best Mentor Programmes and Intitutions Help You to Become a Writter and Earn Money
The University of Iowa Writers' Workshop:
Renowned for its creative writing program, it offers graduate-level workshops in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction.
The Gotham Writers' Workshop:
Provides both in-person and online writing classes covering a wide range of genres and skill levels.
The Iowa Summer Writing Festival:
Hosted by the University of Iowa, it offers various writing workshops during the summer for writers of all levels.
GrubStreet:
Based in Boston, GrubStreet is one of the largest independent writing centers in the United States, offering classes, workshops, and events.
The Writers' Studio:
Offers both online and in-person writing courses, focusing on the development of creative and professional writing skills.
The Clarion Workshop:
A science fiction and fantasy writing workshop that takes place annually, providing an immersive experience for aspiring genre writers.
The Bread Loaf Writers' Conference:
Hosted by Middlebury College, it's a summer conference that brings together established and emerging writers for workshops and discussions.
The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity:
Located in Canada, it offers various writing residencies, programs, and workshops for writers in a beautiful and inspiring setting.
The Loft Literary Center:
Based in Minneapolis, it provides writing classes, workshops, and events for writers at all levels.
National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo):
An annual online challenge that encourages participants to write a 50,000-word novel during the month of November. NaNoWriMo also provides resources and community support.
The Writers' Workshop at the University of British Columbia:
Offers a creative writing program that includes workshops in fiction, poetry, screenwriting, and more.
Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP):
AWP is an organization that provides support, resources, and opportunities for writers, including an annual conference.
Poets & Writers:
A literary organization that offers a wealth of information, resources, and tools for writers, including a database of writing contests, literary magazines, and writing programs.
Online Platforms ( Free Writing Skills)
Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and Skillshare offer a variety of writing courses taught by professionals in the field.
