This document provides 10 tips for getting started with writing. The tips include assuming the writing position, making a mind-body connection, filling the paper with anything, visualizing successful writing, changing point of view, switching writing methods, using brainstorming methods, picturing a scene with the five senses, framing material as a letter to a friend, and not starting at the beginning. The document emphasizes that starting to write is difficult but necessary to become a writer and that writing differs from speaking.

1. Putting a Toe in the Water: Getting Started
Prepared By:
Carlmae Tugadi

3. The Right Way to
Write
• Is there a right way to write?

4. Space, the Final
Frontier
• What is the effect of the
environment or the place to you and
your work?

5. Smashing the Sound
Barrier
• How do the songs or the sounds
affect you?

6. On your mark,
Get set….
Go!

7. Top ten ways to get
started writing

8. 1. Assume the Position
• Get yourself ready to write by doing the
writing things.
2. Make the mind-body connection
• To get started writing, relax your mind
and allow your hand to move across the
page.

9. 3. Fill the paper
• Write anything; be sure to fill the
entire sheet of paper.
4. Visualize yourself writing
• You can write more easily if you imagine
yourself writing successfully.

10. 5. Change point of view
• When you start writing, try putting
yourself in someone else’s shoe for a
change.
6. Switch writing methods
If you usually write using computer, try
pencil and paper. Often the changes in
writing method help you get started.

11. 7. Use a brainstorming method
• Think of a topic. Write nonstop for ten
to fifteen minutes on your topic.
8. Picture a scene
• Some people are intensely visual. Start
your writing by describing what you
perceived w/ your five senses.

12. 9. Frame your material as a letter
• Even though it’s creative writing,
imagine it as a chat w/ a friend. You’ll
relax and your idea will flow.
10. Don’t start at the beginning
• Compose your writing from the middle
out or from the end to the beginning.

13. The Least You Need to Know
• Like moving on, starting to write is hard
to do.
• Writing and speaking are not the same.
You can’t write the way you speak.
• You can’t win it if you’re not in it: you
have to get your ideas down on paper if
you want to be a writer.

14. Thankiie ! ^___^