I've had many people ask, "I'd like to write my story, but I don't know how to get started." 

I've offered small workshops on getting started but find it hard to find a time convenient to get all those interested together, so I've decided to write a few blogs about how I got started writing and how you can get started too.

I recently read this quote about the art of storytelling.

“Storytelling is among the oldest forms of communication. Storytelling is the commonality of all human beings, in all places, in all times.” ― Rives Collins

We each have stories to tell.  Stories about our own lives, experiences, thoughts, reflections, worries and concerns, joys and sorrows.  We also have the stories that have been told to us through other's experiences.

I think the hardest part of starting a story is the start.  We don't know how to gather the thoughts needed to focus on, as we tend to want to write the entire story in one sitting.

Obviously, that's the wrong way to start.  Let me help you get some focus on how to begin, and then we'll work on the next step as we go along.

Step one:  Focusing

Answer these questions to get started

1. What type of story will you be writing. 

• Biography
• Autobiography
• Short story or a book
• Actual or fictional
• Genre - Romance, Science Fiction, History, Poetry, Funny, Dramatic, etc.
• What is the setting? 
• Who
• What
• When
• Where
• Why
• Who is your intended audience? 

Anyone, everyone, family only, friends only, children, adults, etc.

Spend some time getting your thoughts in order.  If you're really serious about writing, you'll need to

start here with your preparation.  Feel free to reach out to me with your questions about this initial stage.  We're not writing yet, so don't worry about that.  Just focusing on what you want to write is a great way to get started!

More instructions next week!  Happy thoughts as you begin your story writing adventure!