Stop Staring!

Getting started, writing, procrastination

How does a writer decide what to write? You have a gift. It has been verified by those who have read you. They tell you things like, “You oughtta write a book!” And you think, “Yeah! I oughtta write…something.”

But what?

Few things are more frustrating than staring at a blank piece of notebook paper or the snow-white background of an empty Word document. Stuck! All dressed up and no place to go. What to do? What to write?

My thoughts on the subject are pretty basic, really. They are not revolutionary…BUT, I believe, they make for solid advice. So, here goes…

First, write about what YOU CARE ABOUT.

What is it that gets your juices flowing? Is it a hobby? A relationship? Politics? A sport? A sports team? Religion? Whatever it is, you have strong opinions about it. You have a wealth of experience with it. You have stories to share. You have suggestions to make. You have advice to give.

The thing is, when you write about what you care about, the passion is real. Your reader will sense that. He or she will be drawn in and carried along by the urgency, the personal investment, the empathy of your piece.

Second, write about what YOU KNOW ABOUT.

You are an expert on something. What is it? Are you a Geek? Gifted in the kitchen? A sports stats freak? A Bible savant? Share the knowledge. Share the love. Don’t leave the rest of us out here in the cold, baby.

Write a How-To piece; a cookbook; an editorial on the greatest team - or player, or whatever - of all time; a theological masterpiece..or whatever it is you have the goods on.

Maybe these observations are too basic to be of use to you. Maybe you already knew this. OK. Fair enough. BUT, I wrote something, didn’t I?

Your turn. Write on. Write away!

D. Gene Strother @ December 2, 2007