We all have that
little problem with writing. Yet that's exactly it: writing. Sure we can talk
the talk (read: "I'm working on this great story"), but let's be
honest here. Actually writing it? Well, I'm sure we'll get to it sooner or
later . . . after that paper and those literature reviews. Did I mention those
chapters we're still putting off reading? Let's face it, we have a terminal
disease: GPA with a side of STUdebt problems. How are we, as students, supposed
to motivate ourselves to write if that’s literally all we do?
So let’s get
creative.
I’m going to show you
two great ways to get yourself started. The first method is one we’ve all been
taught in elementary school: the spider web method. What you might not know is
that this is called Clustering. Here
are three easy ways to get started:
1. Character
Clustering: Pixar uses this method. Their movies are
heavily character based and by branching off with different aspects of a
character, you can further understand them or what their motivations might be.
2. Prompt
Clustering:Ever seen a prompt or word that just
inspired you? Put that prompt in the center of the web. What did it make you
think of?
3. Plot
Clustering: All stories have a beginning, a
center, and an end. You could pick a major event or a small one. It’s like
mapping a big bang. In the center is your cause and all the branches are the
effects.
The second method in
getting started is Free Fall Writing.In this method there is minimal planning. You might know some scenes you want
to incorporate, but the idea is to start writing without inhibitions. You write
until you can’t anymore and let the story go where it will. There’s even a
challenge for it on a popular website (nanowrimo.org) where you use this method
to write a book in a month. It's fun.
Tips for Free Fall
Writing:
1.
Set
realistic word goals: ex. 300 words in the morning and before
bed.It’s okay not to meet these every time - we all have busy days, so be kind
to yourself.
2.
Try
to write every day: Writing is like exercise – even a
paragraph a day can push you farther than you could imagine.
Some
Final Words:
If you’re having
trouble picturing a scene or character – don’t! There are thousands of pictures
online and around you. Find one that is close to your character image. The
items in the picture might even inspire traits you hadn’t expected.
Honestly, we put a
lot of pressure on ourselves to write, but these small methods can help in big ways by
using them in small amounts each day. All you need, to get that piece started,
is yourself and the page. And maybe a drink.
Links
to helpful websites:
1.
Nanowrimo.org (Free Fall Writing
Challenge)
2.
Prompts-and-pointers.tumblr.com(Full
of great prompts and resources for character development.)
3.
Deviantart.com (A website for artists
to post artwork that may inspire you.)
Good info. Makes me think of the book by Stephen King "On Writing." He holds an entirely different position on clustering and webs. His book agreed with you on setting a schedule for yourself as well as on goal setting. I suggest his book as a good read for writing hopefuls in addition to your information. It was full of interesting advice.
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