Writing is like everything else in life, you have to start somewhere. Just get writing, whether it’s on the computer or a notepad or even the back of an envelope. My best poem was written on the back of one as I was waiting for the breakdown recovery man.
Do you remember when you were at school on your first-day teacher asked you to write a story called ‘what I did on my holidays,’ how many of us wrote fiction or non-fiction? Looking through old school books is quite inspirational. Many stories seem to be quite interesting and certainly worth a rewrite and bringing up to date.
Do you have pets or children? They are all good subjects to write about and many people use dreams as a basis for a story. I write a journal when I travel as my mother did giving endless ideas for stories both fiction and non-fiction. Something as simple as a delayed flight or a disastrous hotel can have stories woven through them. Remember to acknowledge pre-published work or someone else’s ideas otherwise there may be a copyright issue, this also is required with photographs and sketches. Most people do not mind you using their work if it is recognised as theirs and not yours but if you can, always check with the author. If you are quoting from a historical publication often the copyright is no longer an issue and it will state if it is in the public domain.
Does writing run in your family, and are you trying to follow the same path? My mother was an author and journalist and when I was starting to write for publication I tried to follow what she had done. Although I had some articles published in a similar vein it was clear to me that I was struggling and becoming frustrated when it was obvious that I needed to find my own path and ideas. Just because a relative is successful does not mean to say that you can do the same with a positive outcome.
After several false starts, I have now found my niche in the writing world. It is unique to me and through hard work and persistence it is paying off. You can find me at www.thewritersandreadersmagazine.com which I publish bi-monthly in print and on Kindle. It is a selection of short stories, articles, and poems from different authors along with book promotions and other interesting sections. Recently I launched www.thejuniorwritersandreadersmagazine.com along the same lines to help anyone 18 and under with their writing, and also a platform for children’s authors. Both sites are worldwide and contributions come from all continents.
So, you can see it’s not all about writing that bestseller there are other avenues to explore with your writing. So, good luck and don’t give up.
©stormgrayson