What Should I Write? Write What You Love

There is an old saying about “write what you know.” But we shouldn't we also consider "write what you love?" If you are passionate about a subject it will be easier to write about, your excitement for it will shine through and keep your readers engaged. Writing can take a long time, especially if you are creating a full length novel. Writing what you love fuels your passion and keeps your interest for the long haul.

We are going to look at the books and movies you love, as well as your other interests, passions and memories to help find out what to write about. These can be a quick reference to turn to when searching for writing ideas and inspiration.

The first question to ask yourself is, what do you think would be fun to write?  Do you want to write a sweeping romance, a Sci Fi novel, poetry like T.S. Elliot, or a screen play? If you aren’t sure then think about what you enjoy reading the most and the movies you love to watch. Write in the genre you love.

How to Make a Story Inspiration Collage

Step 1: Gather Materials

• Clip pictures from old magazines of whatever reminds you of your story, the characters, the mood etc, or what interests you.
• Find pictures on the internet.
• (If you want) go out and take pictures of your own and print them.
• Clip out words from magazines or print any words that are related to your story, catch your eye or inspire you.
• Gather sequins, stickers or other artsy stuff you might want to use.

 Step 2: Make the Collage 

Arrange pictures and words on a piece of paper or in a journal. When you are happy with how it looks, paste them down (I use glue sticks). Add stickers or other accents. Have fun! When you are done with your collage post it by your desk or somewhere you can see it often.

What to do with the leftover pictures and words? Use them!

A Writing Journey

“Writing, like life itself, is a voyage of discovery.” – Henry Miller

First Lines

A Writing Discovery Exercise:

Use one of these as your first line and continue to write where it leaves off. Try to write continuously, without stopping or editing. See where it takes you. Enjoy!

• She was right.
• It was the end of Spring when it happened.
• He couldn't take it anymore.
• I had a bad feeling about today.
• It was the night of...
• I could see them.
• Dating can be hard for a...
• Tomorrow I'm going to..
• It began years ago. 
• He was afraid.
• It was a dark and stormy night. 
• She never expected it.
• Its strange to be here.
• Above all else, this is what I wanted.
• Once upon a time
• It all started with the cat.

Can you think of some more first lines to add to the list?

Liza from Middle Passages started with "I could see them." Check out what she wrote here.

Dreams of Becoming a Full Time Writer

I dream about becoming a full-time writer. I would write, write, write and work a part-time job for income. I want to publish, I want to make writing my life's work. I would love to teach writing workshops.

If someone wants to go into computer science, or become a doctor we don’t question if they are going to make it in their field. We question the people that go into the arts. The ones that want to be a painter, a dancer, a writer. We ask them, what are the odds you are going to make it? How are you going to make any money?

I’ve been reading this wonderful book called, The Right to Write by Julia Cameron. She believes that if you really want something and you are willing to do the work then the odds are in your favor, not against you. If you write often, and continue to hone your craft, then you will get published. For that matter, why not self-publish? Julia self-published The Artists Way and that made it big.

She suggested writing two letters. One letter is from your inner writer to your practical self, the other letter is from your practical self to your inner writer. I highly recommend this exercise if you are like me, struggling with the desire to become a full-time writer.  This could be great to do anytime you are struggling between different options in your life. You will be surprised what comes out of you, and the clarity you can find if you just write it out.

Start a Free Writing Journal

And I’m free, free writing

Yeah, I’m free, free writing...

Free writing gets us comfortable with allowing ideas to flow, and can be very therapeutic in its own right. When you free write it allows your subconscious to open, and thoughts will come from you that you didn't even know where there. I know of know better cure for Writers Block. The possibilities of discovery are endless!

Ways To Start Your Free Writing Journal

• Pick a journal or notebook out that you really like, you can find really good ones at book stores, or you can even find them at places like Target.
• Start a journal folder on your computer and open up a document file.
• Start a blog – no one has to see it but you.
• Start an online Journal or Diary at http://www.livejournal.com/ or  http://www.opendiary.com/

This space will be used for free writing, to let yourself write whatever you want, generate ideas, and be as creative as you want!

My Life Purpose-ular Cellular Phone

Yesterday you heard the phone ring, and it was your passion calling. You may not want to answer it but let me tell ya, they are the worst telemarketers I know. If you ignore them, they just keep calling back. So let’s answer it!

Ring, Ring, Ring, Ring, Ring.. Purpose Phone

Ping Pong Ping Pong Ping.. Purpose Phone

It’s no bologna, it ain’t a phony, it’s My Life Purpose-ular Cellular Phone...

Ok, now we're pumped!! Are you ready? The big question of the day is... What is my life's purpose? 

I have been having trouble lately trying to figure this one out myself. What to do with my life, what career should I take, what am I really here for? I think a lot of people struggle with this at some point in their lives. And this guide can help you find the answers. So, grab your papers and your pencils and let’s give it a try.

Ring Ring, Your Passion is Calling

Do you have a calling in your heart – to write, to draw, to make music, to anything?

Its time to discover what you are passionate about that gives you happy joy-joy feelings.

Make a “Things I love to do list.”

Write I love______ and write what you love in the blank. Do this again on the next line and the next, until nothing else comes to mind. There is no right or wrong, just write :) And if you want to, feel free to share.