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Where do writers start

They start with an IDEA or two…..
Writers’ ideas can come from

their own experiences or those of others. Ideas can be triggered by words, phrases or whole conversations that are heard every day. Incidents and characters can stimulate thought whether it be simple or complex.

anything and everything – family concerns, animals, school, sport, fear of the dark, clouds, the weather. The list is endless. The author takes the ordinary and changes it into something unique.

things they hear, see or feel. Some writers start with “place” such as farm, beach, river and work on the characters that work, live or play in those places. They are always on the lookout for ideas.

their note book where they jot down ideas as they come. Those scattered notes, doodles and squiggles, sketches and scribbles can be the start of something either in the present or the future.

What works for me may not work for you.
I always write my first draft manuscript in long hand.
Rarely would I type it up on the computer until probably the third draft.
I refer back to my notes, wondering and reflecting on things, including new notions and thoughts, playing with words and making connections that are unique.

This is all part of the process.
The process can take a long time to reach a point where the writer is happy with the story.

Finding ideas

Read as much as possible – newspapers, magazines, children’s picture books in stores and libraries. It might be a picture or a painting, a photo or even a sound that can trigger an idea.

See what is out there, what children are reading and what authors are writing

Think about what interests you.

What do you care passionately about?

Spot the trends and be on the same wavelength as children.

Talk with children and spend time with them to find out their interests.

Brainstorm or mind map by starting with a central idea e.g. first day at school and then spider out lines with other ideas such as bullies, friendship, loneliness. What are the connections? Empty your brain on to the page without worrying at this stage about spelling, grammar or punctuation. Ideas will come about the beginning, the setting, characters, plot and the ending.

Be alert to your senses so that the story comes alive. Things relating to smell, taste, touch, sight and hearing can also be starters.

Go for a walk and clear the head so that a number of decisions can be made