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I used to think that writers sat down and a work of art would spring forth from their fingers fully formed, like Athena from the head of Zeus. I know now that it doesn't work like that, yet I'm still in the process of trying to corral ideas and plots; get the laundry done; write down this amazing idea that I know I won't remember later, do the washing up; read a few stories and take notes; get everyone fed, walked, and watered, and then I can finally sit down and.... blank page.
What are your habits and routines? Do you have any tips for a relative newbie like myself?
Comments
I forget who said it, but there's a quote which goes something like, 'A first draft is just shovelling sand into a box, so that later you can build castles'. I totally agree.
I used to get so hung up because I couldn't even think up a topic for a short story let alone write one and my desire to write was always just a wistful dream.
One day I saw a travel writing competition and discovered that I could write real life stories with ease. I became a published travel writer. The fiction came later but non-fiction will always be more my thing.
'I want to learn how to write precisely,' she said but didn't turn up to the meeting. Presumably, she found a dictionary!
My novel was inspired by finding an 18th century gaming coin in the soil in our garden; while gaming is mentioned, and the inn that used to exist next door where it would have taken place makes an appearance, the story has very little to do with that - but that was the spark. You'll probably go off at a tangent from where you thought you were going, once the characters take hold of their story, but don't worry. That's all part of the process.
One last thing - definitely make notes. No matter how good your memory, you'll forget the one thing you really want to remember - it's guaranteed!