As a Writer and Artist coming up with engaging ideas, plots and stories that grasp the readers like a Tiger charges for its prey can often be a difficult task. The way I combat the sometimes debilitating Writers block due to that fear of failing at the above mentioned task is to read other peoples stories this always opens my mind to a world of hidden thoughts in the dark abyss of my brain, moving me towards creative thoughts and ideas relevant to my own writing, since I am concentrating on what I am reading, it does not even have to be any particular genre it could even be the magazines left in the bathroom for several months. We all know " those" magazines, the one's left just in case there is an extended stay on the pot!
When reading someone's articles or stories, often the reader has their own ideas on how they would like the story to twist and turn or how they would prefer the relationships to intertwine. Or ideas just simply pop into the reader's mind. All of these thoughts and ideas should be written down immediately.
I'm not suggesting for you to rewrite someone else's work NO do not do that that is plagiarism and illegal and NOT your work. ( I'm not yelling)
I am just stating what and how something works for me and you can try this technique as well. For me I am able to build on these thoughts for new stories. For example; in the story your reading maybe there is a heroine who is meek, soft and kind but in need of a reality check and this irritates you throughout the read. How would you write down your idea of a heroin and what kind of setting and background or history would she have. Once you develop a character you have the beginnings of a story, it is easier to develop other characters around even just one character if you are already getting to know this character intimately. From there you will ask yourself
* who do you want this character to meet or interact with
* Is this character happy, sad, missing something in her/his life, what are the goals of your character?
* Are there important people in her/his life? Who are they? What is their story?
* How do the characters interact
And that is how the art of writing starts. I could go on and on as you can see how your ideas can spread with just a simple seed planted for that initial idea or character.
This is not too difficult is it? Not yet at least, Writing does not have to make you anxious or stressed out. But it will. Being a Writer is like any other career or job. You have obligations, timelines, goals and responsibilities. Even if you are your own boss and do not have someone to answer to, a career as a Writer Artist is very rewarding but also comes with no guarantee of success. You will need to be committed, goal oriented, and driven. Being organized also helps but really if you just have a pencil and notebook that is all you need to start your writing career.
You can put aside all the information above aside for a moment, because all you really want to do if you are thinking about being a Writer Artist is Write!
Write in a journal, write on a notepad, write on random pieces of paper, just write.
Many Writers are also Illustrators, a Writer often will draw or paint their characters or scenes which is wonderful to see in the books but also not necessary, your readers imaginations will take over and do that work for you when they read your creative writing. Describing the scene or the character is an exciting part of writing, the Writer is challenged with writing interesting and creative characters and story plots and twists. Not all books need twists and surprises to keep readers noses in your books. If you are interested in what you are writing surely there are others who will enjoy your book as well. You just got to know who your readers are and how to get your books in front of as many of them as you can. Take me for instance, I am not interested really in doing videos but I feel it is a necessary part of getting my books seen by the public, on the upside I can get immediate feedback, on the downside some feedback will likely be negative so be aware you must have thick skin and know you cannot please everyone. If you are happy with your work then be proud and keep marketing and producing more works.
As for this Author Illustrator, I have so many ideas flowing out of me I haven't enough time to get them in the book format. Currently I have 12 in various stages of writings. I could never imagine having a corporate timeline or deadlines to work under. And those are just the ones I started...
Happy Writing!
Happy Writing!
Continue to spread joy & happiness in the world, and may this world find peace.
