Introduction to Ideas
“Well, the first thing you should have is an idea and then… Well, first you need something to write with. They… they know that. Well, obviously you need a writing instrument and you need an idea. I’m just not sure which should come first.
- Dr. Temperance Brennan, character from the TV series, Bones, on what advice she has for budding authors.
The idea is the single most important aspect about writing a story. After all, without an idea, you’re stuck with typing random words or scribbling gibberish on a piece of paper. But for some new writers, the initial idea never gets beyond a spark. A variety of forces keep that spark from spreading into a raging fire of a novel (or script, or novella, or whatever medium the authors choose to write in), and that smoldering pile of embers lingers in the back of the mind forever.
There are as many ideas on how to write as there are authors. Everyone has a different method of writing, a different path to success. Every writer has their own challenges and inspirations. Don’t get stuck taking one author’s road, because it may not work for you. That’s not to say you shouldn’t listen to the experts, because you should. Read every book on writing and publishing that you can get your hands on. Find blogs, read articles. Take their advice and use what fits you. Most importantly, find people who are in your situation – new writers who have not seen the other side of the publishing spectrum. They have useful insights that won’t be given by published authors, who sometimes advise on what to do, but not how to accomplish what they talk about.
So where does one begin? There’s the idea, and something to write with, so what’s next? That is simple.
Write it down.
Forget grammar, punctuation, spelling and syntax. Take a piece of paper and pen and write down your idea. Do it now.
You’re done with the simple part. Now that your idea is out of your head, you can work on building and expanding it into the great novel, novella, script, short story that you are aiming for. Push aside procrastination, ignore distraction, and persevere through any challenges life throws at you. Find the combination of forces that will stoke your flames rather than stifling them and just keep writing. You’ll get there.
Wednesday: Short story challenge progress
Friday: Links of the week
Monday: Finding your Ideas
