The Secret to Writing

Every new writer is looking for the secret or at least an easy to follow formula to great writing. Each hoping of that magic found within books written on the subject. So they amass a massive collection of books on the subject and I confess that I am one of them.

I sat at my desk, staring at a blank computer screen when my eyes wandered over to my bookcase. Five shelves tall with three of them sagging under the great weight of books. Specifically how to books on writing, some thick, some thin, some old and some new. That was when I decided to give my muse a break and have her go to school instead. I pulled a book off the shelf and began to read. A pen in hand and a pad beside me, I became immersed in the teachings of others, writing down nuggets of information that the masters released to be gobbled up by new writers. I did not concern myself with any sort of order, I just read and learned.

I continued along this path of reading and writing for several weeks, not realizing exactly how many books I had collected over the years. Then the day came when it was time to put everything in order so I could bask in the golden nuggets that I had found. I learned something invaluable and it is because of that, I made the decision to write this and share what I have learned - no two writers work the same way or at the same pace.

Equipment: These are the writer's playthings and instruments of wondrous creation. They range from simple pen and paper to large word processing systems and programs that help you plan and create your piece of work.

Workspace is also another important element, it can be anywhere from your own backyard to a simple desk or table to an elaborate desk to a posh hotel. Most all agree that one must find what works for them and I personally have several locations where I write. As I write this paragraph, I am sitting outside with my little portable word processor that runs only on batteries listening to the neighbors play their music too loud. I have become an "office supply junkie" - I am a collector of pens and paper in all of its wondrous forms. I have discovered that once the passion grows beyond your control, you will haunt office supply stores looking for that magical item.

Ideas: We all want them, we all need them, the interesting and wonderful thing is we all have them. Look around you and ideas are just waiting to be turned into words. Read books, watch movies, play games or just watch your pet run its life and chase lizards. Keep a place to catch those ideas for later consumption by your muse.

Characters: They are essential to all works of fiction as they are the ones who rule and run the world you have created. Now, that is where the books end in their agreement. From that point on, each one differs slightly. One would say to do a complete biography of your character to "get inside his or her head" and another one would state to only giving the bare essentials over to the planning stage so you do not change hair or eye color or even change a name and allow the character's personality be revealed while you write. While both are good strong ideas, I have discovered a happy medium between the two, but this may not work for another. However, it is essential that you keep some sort of notes about your characters to keep their names straight.

Plot: "To plot or not to plot that is the question." Poor William Shakespeare, he would be rolling over in his grave for the misuse of his infamous words, but they hold a kernel of truth. Some like to give themselves over to a detailed plot so when it comes to the writing, they know the direction they are going and never lose sight of their goal. Others prefer to let their fingers do the work of their muse and see what adventures she can take them on. I have discovered a happen medium between the two called storyboarding. Notes on cards or on slips of paper that one can play solitaire with until all the pieces click. Have fun while you are puzzling out your plot, you may never know what wonderful things await you.

All the authors whose books I read and learned from state that there is no secret to writing, but I believe they are wrong to a point and true to their word. There is no formula for writing best-selling work, but there is a secret. Moreover, what is that secret you may ask? Well, the answer is very, very simple - write - everyday, at any hour. Give yourself even ten minutes out of your day, but do it everyday. Everything grows stronger with work from bodies to minds and that is no different in writing. So for all newbie writers (including myself) to you I say - grab a pen, learn from those who have been published and write. Let your muse be your guide.