Writing for beginners
This one is for anyone who wants to start a writing practice but isn’t sure where to start.
The easiest way to start is to get a journal, a pen you like, and at the top of the page, write down a few words.
For example: bumblebee, stars, sticks.
Start to write about whatever comes into your head and don’t think about what’s next. When you get out of the way, creativity works its magic. Look at the words to remind your mind to include them, and it will weave an unexpected story for you. I just came up with these words they were the first ones to pop into my head.
You could also use a sentence starter.
For example I love this starting line:
It’s too late…..
This is one of my go-to starter lines because my mind has endless scenarios to dive into with it. I hear characters say this line. I hear my depression use this line. It’s a powerful starter.
If you’re trying to get in touch with a character, go through their purse or trash. Write down the contents of what this character carries around or throws away. This gives you so much insight into who your character is and how they spend their time. It tells you if they have money, if they are lonely, if they are going somewhere, and how they might spend their days.
If you’re looking for a book to inspire you, check out Writing Down the Bones. This book will teach you to write from stream of consciousness, where you get out of the way and let the words fall to the page.
Obviously, the well-known Artist’s Way is a go-to. If the morning pages sound scary, replace them with a meditative walk, lying quietly on your back for 5 minutes. I can say this because I did them for years, and I’ve found alternative ways to quiet my mind without them.
If you don't know about the morning pages, read more about them in this post.
The Artist’s Way in Real Life:
GetWellwithDanielle • Jun 16
I was assigned The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron as homework from my creative writing teacher in high school. It was my second year working with her, and we were doing an independent study.
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