How to Get Yourself into Writing

STARTING something, they say, is the most difficult part in whatever we do or make. In writing, thinking or deciding what to write is the hardest part. Yes, deciding on your topic is part of the writing process, it does not only include the writing itself.

I can say, it is one of the reasons why many are easily daunted just by the thought of writing, like an essay. Remember when you were at school (for those who are working), how you would be mortified to find out that your exam includes an essay writing; or if you’re very much lucky it is the whole test. Yikes! Did you survive those moments? Or just like the majority of the population, you were barely breathing while waiting for the results. Have you overcome that fear? Is your reason something that goes like

“Yes, I was able to graduate and don’t need writing at my work now. Yey!”.

If that is your reason, well you’re maybe right but I would like to discourage you (haha) that sooner or later you will meet and face writing again. Like writing a letter for your boss, writing an explanation letter, writing  a proposal, an outstanding speech (sooner or later when you’re achieving much, you will be invited as speaker) even writing a good lengthy message for your love or writing your remarkable vow (for sure you’re very much hoping it would be remarkable) and what not.

Point is writing is a skill we need for survival and to have a meaningful life (at least an instrument for it). For some who are still at school are luckier because they have still plenty of time and opportunity to hone their writing prowess. As for you students, you know better than what we have done. (hahaha) You should love writing now; yes, you have no choice, jk.

Do not wait until you graduate and would find difficulty in writing your cover or application letter.    

The thing is, maybe you have developed fear and wrong thinking about writing because it was not introduced to you properly. Remember, the time you were asked to write about “My New Year’s Resolution” or “How I spent my Summer Vacation”, etc. Let's be honest that we have got tired of writing about them repeatedly every year; you could not blame your teachers. If you are the person who benefited from that exercises good for you but if you are that kid who just loathed doing it and ended up not learning from it, you’re not hopeless. Your teachers then would have given you titles or topic to write about or even prompt questions if you were lucky.

If you are not into writing but you are asked to do so, how would you get yourself into writing? Thinking of what to write is the biggest hurdle you would encounter than writing about the topic itself, this is also true for us who are into writing. Given, that the topic is already at hand, you still would have to think of what to write concerning the topic. All the loads of ideas overwhelming you until you just give up, convinced that writing is not for you.

I have listed tips that would hopefully help you get those ideas organize into writing.

1. Decide on what you know about the topic (if you already have the topic) or decide from what you know (if you don’t have a topic yet).

2. Write on what interests you. Believe me, you cannot write well enough on things you have no interest. If the topic given to you has in no way appealing to you, try harder digging into the topic until you find what interests you.

3. Know your goal/purpose. This would direct you on a specific path. For example, if you like to inform, entertain, persuade. This would get you on where you should start.

4. Relating your experiences to your writing would give you enough thing to write. I’m referring to not only your firsthand experience but also those from other people whom you know or even your experiences reading, hearing or watching about what you are writing. It will add flavor to your writing, something unique that would set you apart from other.

5. Write about what you don’t know. I know, I know, do not react yet. Yes, it is contradicting the number one tip but let me give you reasons. It’s true that you cannot write about what you do not know but… writing about what you do not know would compel you to study and learn more of it to write about it. Thus, gaining much from it. This is for the risk taker or those who love to challenge themselves.

6. Just start. If you didn’t succeed in any of the previous steps this is your last resort (just kidding). Getting over the intimidation of the blank space of your paper or computer would get you in starting to write and fill out the spaces. Start with a word, a phrase, any idea that comes to your mind. You may erase and write again and delete and revise but that would get your brain in organizing and deciding what to write.

That’s it! These are just tips I myself apply when I am writing. It may not be applicable or true for some; we’re all unique and wonderfully made by God.

P.S. If you also have tip/s that you know and you’re following, you may share it with me also. I would very much like to hear and learn from you.

P.P.S. Go and get yourself into writing that masterpiece you have been storing in your mind!