Writing your own can often give you the same feeling reading a good book can. From learning the deep secrets and personalities of your characters to following their journey and growing with them. All it takes is a pen and pencil - or a word document - and you're off to spin yourself a new world or, perhaps, worlds. And it doesn't matter if your first attempt sounds like garbage to you and others. After all, there's a reason it's called the rough draft. But, don't worry, you'll become better each day you write.

 

As for how to start, that's up to you and your creative influence. Dreams? Amazing. Memories? Awesome. Observing random strangers when you're around people and your imagination running wild thinking of secret lives they could lead? That's perfect. And, hey, don't fret if you don't have any ideas right now, something will come your way, it's just waiting for the right moment to sneak up on you.

 

And we mustn't forget the most important part - the actual writing. Everything has its pros and cons and here are the ones I can think of.

• Pece of metal with code running through its system? While it's often clearer to read (depends on the font you use) you definitely need at least one backup. I remember not doing that and losing quite a bit of my work... *shudder*
• Paper and pen(cil)? While it's awesome for the person with a low budget or who dislikes technology in general, you better have good handwriting.
• Wood and knife? Be careful about splinters and make sure you use thin wood and don't forget about maybe cutting through the board completely.
• Stone and chisel? Guess I've appealed to a caveman though I do wonder how your reader's going to be able to carry a book made with more than 300 (stone) pages.

 

And what of where and when? Many think it has to be a designated place where everything has to be in perfect order before you can actually start. That's fine if that's how you do that. As for me, here are a few examples of places I've written.

• Porcelain Throne: Sure, it sounds weird but... when you have an idea you have an idea. The Mountains of Inspiration, Ocean of Imagination (used to be a lake but mine grew) and the Train of Thoughts don't really care what you're doing at the time. They're just there to get the ideas to you, no matter where you are.
• Tree: Perhaps this doesn't sound odd at first - nature all around, semi-natural outdoorsy music whispering (maybe yelling?) in your ears, nice (or perhaps awful) smells tickling (wacking?) your nose and the occasional bug biting you as you hang upside-down from a tree limb, phone in hand, perhaps attempting (or actually doing) a sit-up every so often to get the blood back where it's meant to be.
• School: Just like not every teacher has an eagle-eye, not every student is a slacker or gossiper. Some actually work hard and finish early and whip out their phones or go to a classroom computer to find a real challenge - writing a novel. Everyone may wonder why in the name of holy cows you work so hard and why your fingers are dancing around the keyboard but, one day, they'll know your greatness (or is hoped at least).
• Shower/Tub: For all those who own electronics - it's doable without the device being waterproof. Just lose those butterfingers and keep a grip. If all goes well, the worst that'll happen is a foggy screen that still works amazingly. And the best? A ton more words down. As for the old-fashioned writers, keep the paper and pen out of the shower - the tub is typically fine so long as you use the edge like an odd desk - and try not to let either of the others slip.
• Public Library: Try not to stay on the computer too long. Otherwise, I think you'll be fine. Unless they kick you out. Though I've always left before that point so who knows if that'll actually happen. Maybe the only time it will is if you bring food, drink, tent, matches, wood, sleeping bag and pajamas.
• Bedroom: This seems to be my favorite as I'll stay up until I'm supposed to wake up, spending that whole time either writing or climbing the Mountains of Inspiration. Or maybe diving into the depth of the Ocean of Imagination. I also know I'll definitely try to stay away from the Valley of Despair. Though there's no way you can keep me from the Forest of Seclusion, located near the station of the Train of Thoughts that rests on the Beach of Memories - every memory becomes a piece of sand or a shell or a plank of driftwood or something else that'll eventually mingle with the Ocean of Imagination - at the foot of the Mountains of Inspiration. (Whoops, I'm rambling.)

 

I think the final order of business is encouragement and distribution. Show your family, your friends, and, if you're brave enough, to a stranger who happens to have noticed you writing on a park bench. While the last one hasn't happened to me, I've definitely had my own dose of interesting sharing experiences.

 

-- Tyleenia, Weaver of Tales --