2. 1. The idea comes first. A story may begin
with one idea or several. Look for ideas
that are original, different. If you can't
think of anything, try the library of ideas
that come from your own life. That is
probably your richest resource. Focus on a
specific memory. Was there a celebration
at which something funny happened? Was
there a time when you were very
frightened? What was your best holiday -
and what made it the best? Was there a
time when you had to be brave? Your
memory is full of material for stories.
BEING AN AUTHOR
3. 2. Expand your idea. An idea is not a
story but the seed of a story. Develop
your characters, make your story come
alive with details. Ask yourself questions
about the characters and the action until
you know all the answers. When you
know the shape of your story from
beginning to end, then you are ready to
write it.
3. Don't worry about putting a title first.
It's often easier to think of a title once
you've written your story.
BEING AN AUTHOR
4. 4. Write on draft paper and enjoy the
writing. Don't stop to check spelling or
punctuation and don't worry about words
missed or crossed out, or changes of
direction. Most stories have an energy that
can be lost if we leave them, to look at a
dictionary or if we get distracted by
mistakes.
5. When you have finished your story, take a
deep breath, and then read it through a
couple of times. Your "author" role is
finished and now it is time to be an editor.
BEING AN AUTHOR
5. 1. A tired mind doesn't produce a good story. Successful creative
work comes from the top 25% of our energy. If your story isn't
working, have an early night and come back to your story
with fresh energy.
2. Seek solitude to develop your ideas. Friends are useful for
helping you to generate ideas but you need to be on your own to
develop and craft the story.
3. Don't tell people your story before you write it. Each story
has a certain energy. You can get rid of that energy by telling the
story to someone, then, when you come to write it, the story will
seem flat and lifeless.
4. Above all, enjoy every part of the process. Writing can seem
like hard work but it is very satisfying. It also empowers us.
GENERAL HINTS FOR AUTHORS
