Help! What should I write about?

I get letters from people all the time asking me “What should I write about”?  So rather than answer each one individually I thought I might make a Hub about it.  My Best answer?  Write what you know!

First and foremost, you must have a love of writing if you want to get into the world of writers.  You’ve heard the term ‘Starving Artist’ a time or two, I’m sure.  Writing is a form of Art.  You will need to be able to put the words together to make the reader want to read more.  If you cannot do this you will soon become the starving artist.

Just like a painter paints a picture, you have to be able to paint a picture in the mind of the reader.  

Are your colors clashing or do they blend nicely from one to the next?   Meaning, is your reader able to comprehend and understand what it is that you are trying to say.  Is your design haphazard or do you have some sort of form?  Do your paragraphs go smoothly from one to the next?  Granted, Picasso was one a in a million artist who could take odd colors and strange ideas to make them work.  

A musician moves you with the cords and words of their Music, the writer needs to do this as well with words.

Think of writing as composing music, you lay the ground work with an idea.  As you build your work, you need to hit a crescendo so the reader has been able to garner some sort of idea as to what it is you are trying to say.  During the process there are questions that need to be answered.  Are you trying to make the reader cry, laugh, or giving them information?

A carpenter who builds with wood makes sure that his pieces are cut properly and measured.  

You wouldn’t see a dresser made from a Master Carpenter slapped together and called finished.  He designs it, lovingly puts it together, sands it then he might stain it.  He then opens and closes the drawers to make sure they move smoothly, the way they are intended to.  With your words, you want to make sure they are ‘polished’ and ready for the world to see. 

As it is with writing, you write what you know.  You look it over, making sure that each word is properly placed for the maximum effect.  You need to make sure your work is pleasing to the eye.  

I have no idea who you are or where you are from.  Your world is different from mine, you see things differently than I do.  When it comes to writing, only you can decide what is correct for you.  What makes me comfortable to write about, may make you uncomfortable.  Making yourself comfortable with what you write can only enhance your work.

The words should feel smooth coming from your fingers rather than stilted.  Readers can tell the difference.  They can tell if you are talking to them or just making an empty speech.

Do your best to write something original.  The Internet is filled with the same things only switching the words around to make it appear different.  Taking an idea and expounding on it is great.  Learn about your subject, this way you can get a feel for it.  Form an opinion on it, whether it be good or bad.  If you do this and are able to express it in words, by the end of your Hub your readers may do the same.

If at all possible get someone to proof read your work.  They may notice something that has slipped by you, a phrase or wording that needs to be re-worked in order to be understood better.  Misspelled words are common, and may not be noticed by you in your excitement to publish your work.

Write what you know.  Start at the beginning, go to the middle and have a good ending.  There is no right or wrong idea to write about.  

If I have to tell you what to write, then who is doing the writing?  

Best of Luck to you in your endeavors!!  You can do it!  I know you can!