A Creative Tool Box for Writers
How
do we write books? How do we tell our stories, whether it’s a novel, a memoir,
a screenplay?
I
work with new writers almost every day, whether as students, contest entrants,
or clients, so I get asked about “process” all the time. I’ve learned a whole
bunch about how people write over the years and I’ve discovered two things:
1.
Everyone has a process.
2.
Any process can be tweaked.
My best suggestion for any new writer is to write. A lot. About anything. Don’t
worry about getting it right or perfect. It doesn’t have to make sense. Just
write. Learn your own process, even though it may change over time.
Maybe
you know exactly what your story is about before you start. Or, you invent it
as you go along. Most of us land somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, with
an idea of what we’re writing but allowing some inventive creativity as it
flows from our fingers.
Any
way you write is okay. Really. Allow yourself to find your path.
Then,
take a deep breath. Take two or three more. Now’s when the hard work begins.
