As with any craft, you will need some tools to begin your writing: A dictionary, thesaurus and a good writing program, such as "Microsoft Word" or you can download a freebe called, "OpenOffice." It has a spell checker, etc., just like the big boy.
I've written several short storys and have had a small collection published at Amazon and Lulu.com. You can purchase my paperback or download it on your reader or computer. My book is entitled "Short Story Favorites". It has stories that are both fiction and non-fiction. All of these stories were written from several drafts.
It's a journey that you must take to write your final story, but it can be exciting. It's your drafts that produce that final "polished and professional" piece of work.
All those thoughts that are floating in your head need to be put some place safe or you will lose them. This is the first step and your story will begin to take shape. You can now see your thoughts on paper.
Are you ready to write? Then grab a piece of paper and a pencil. It doesn't matter what flows at first. These are just your thoughts, which are the beginnings of any short story. Don't worry about the spelling, grammar, etc. until you have put all your thoughts down. This is the first step in any written piece. You will be surprised at yourself, after you go back and read it. Magically, other ideas will come to mind and add them too, to your draft. Remember, this is just a draft. I think they call it "brain storming."
If you have a computer, make a file and store all your notes there. I carry a small notepad around with me. When a thought comes to mind, I write it there. These are your drafts. I've heard some writers complain about doing the rewrites. Frankly, I find it exciting and easier to build from those first drafts. I get so excited when my story begins to take shape. So go ahead and write what ever comes to mind. No one will ever see them, except you.
Does anyone else have tips to share? Feel free to post them here on my blog.
Where do you get your ideas for writing? I get mine from memories, family events, the news and even from photos. It's funny how photos can trigger off something. Two people can look at the same photo
ReplyDeleteand come up with a different interpretation.
All of the above feed your imagination and inspire you. So what will inspire you today?