Chapter 6: Where Do You Start?
The best way to start is simply to begin to write. Anything that writes will do, as will anything that can be written on, within reason, of course. The typical school rules do not apply here. Even the way you use the language is up to you.
Journalizing
Journalizing is simply keeping a collection of private or personal thoughts in a journal or diary. Do not worry about whether it is poetry or not. That is unimportant right now. No matter what, a journal is considered prose writing, so at the very least, you are a prose writer. The goal is to make the transition to poet, too.
Having a journal helps you to finely tune your thoughts, ideas, and goals. It also means that you are writing, something you must do to be considered a writer. Try to write daily. Consistency is a great habit. Even when you think there is nothing special to write about, do it anyway.
Brainstorming
Brainstorming serves the purpose of helping you come up with something to write down.
To do this, just write down lists of words, topics, or phrases that come to mind or that you might like to write about. You can even write down things that matter to you. Take only about 10 minutes to do this to avoid being overwhelmed by the idea of brainstorming. Whatever you have done by then is acceptable.
Again, don’t worry about other people and whether you measure up at this point. It is unimportant. The important thing is to get those ideas out.
Recap
It is important to start writing. Don’t procrastinate. Use a journal, diary, or notebook. Brainstorm when you don’t know what to write. Writing somehow takes care of itself from there.
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