Even the most talented writers struggle with writer’s block at times. Let’s face it – writing, especially when you’re starting from scratch, can be difficult. This is especially true for those who don’t spend a lot of time writing. For beginners, creating a story may seem like an intimidating task. However, it doesn’t have to be.
Storying is a very personal process. It needs to be done with an open, non-distracted mind. If someone is too sidetracked by figuring out how to construct an organized paragraph, it is unlikely that his/her story will be expressed in the way that it needs to be.
Although many narrative tools like StoryPathing™ are focused on reflective writing, some may need a few additional steps to get to this point. This is where the time comes to get creative.
Ask yourself this question: what is your favorite way to express yourself? If it’s not reflective writing, it might be something like art or music. For me, it’s talking through my thoughts.
It’s important to start with this method before jumping right into writing. If you are someone who feels more in tune with art, try drawing some pictures in response to the reflective prompts you are given. If, like me, you do better talking, record yourself for a few minutes as you respond to a prompt. You also may do your best work when you organize things into lists or graphic organizers.
During this process, don’t worry about being perfect. This step is something that only you are going to see. Remember that the more comfortable you are, the more your story will come through. Once you have this step completed, you can move on to organizing your raw material into writing. You’ll find that it will be much easier than starting from scratch.
