How to Write Well

The essence of ideas comes from storytelling and writing, The process of conceiving something and formulating it into a tangible art starts with our thoughts. It gets inspired by our moods, mental images, the environment around us, our emotions, visions, and dreams. Ideas are individual and personal. Ideas sometimes just happen, but we need to be open to the opportunity in order to recognize it.

Ideas start with a question, a curiosity, a possibility. Ideas - it is part of our imagination - a way to look at something in a different way and think about what could it be? Ideas create another dimension, something new, an unchartered path. One idea can nurture another idea, and in this way, the seeds of imagination spread and create a garden of newness. Very often you don’t know where your ideas will lead you. Like a shining star you feel compelled to follow it towards an unknown destination. There is excitement in this journey that takes shape step by step, word by word, thought by thought. Each step generates another, sometimes with expected results, and sometimes with surprises. This is part of fulfilling our ideas. Sometimes we take steps backwards, sometimes we go off path. With each endeavor we gain a sense of power that evokes a spark of motivation and drive to continue.

Ideas are everywhere. Many ideas come from within us. Some come from observation. Some from research. Our ability to daydream and imagine are the parents of our ideas. As we look beyond the initial thoughts, we need to ask further questions. Let your ideas merge to create something more than what was before. Explore the challenge and intrigue your mind so that new things can spring forth. If something seems too difficult, don’t be afraid to move into unfamiliar territory, to get out of your comfort zone.

Ideas reflect an openness, a constant seeking curiosity, and a courage to pursue these.

When it comes to ideas, it may not be where do you get your ideas from, but what do you do with these thoughts after you become aware you have them

Memories and moments in our lives inspire ideas.

Robert Frost was once asked what advice he would give a beginner writer who said they have important stories and ideas to tell people. He said he thought their chances of succeeding would be slim. But he said if someone wants to be a writer because of their passion for words and for writing, then that person “has a real chance of making it”. Passion in something is everything.

Writing has the ability to change the world. Words can inspire others, evoke emotions, influence, take people to far away places, teach, share, express and learn. Words have power, for they can persuade, motivate, inspire, and become a legacy for those not even old enough to read yet.

When you write it is important to keep your passion for writing fresh. Cultivate the idea that you will learn new things from your own writing.  

Writing is not a perfect art. You are enough. You are talented enough, creative enough, smart enough, knowledgeable enough, confident enough. Your ideas and words have meaning to those who read your writings.

Accept who you are and work with what you have been given. Write what you know.
Write even if it is not perfect on the first draft. Learn more, make it better, just write it. The rest will follow.

Be in tune with yourself. Give yourself quiet time, Exercise, Trust yourself. Don’t listen to the naysayers. Go with your instinct. Believe in yourself. Think positive. Live your dream, even if others won’t share in it. Take action.

Let your writing make an impact on the reader. Identify with the reader and let them be a part of your writing. Create a sense of intimacy. Make your writing compelling. Illuminate and educate those who read your words so they leave with something valuable. After perusing your writing, give them something to think about. Write in a style that is comfortable for you.

When you are doing research for your writing:

• Books give detailed information and analysis. It is important to note the date the books were written to make sure the information is current. 

• Journal Articles- give specific pieces of information It is usually more current than a book of the same time period

• Internet - It is always available. Educational and governmental sources are available 24 hours a day. The web has the latest information, encyclopedias, and authorative articles/ The most important thing with the internet is to make sure the sites are reputable. 

• Ask a librarian. Librarians are trained at internet search. They often know the right sources to seek out information and know how to get to it quickly.

What you write can be informational, instructional, a rant, a review, an opinion, top 10 lists, interviews, current events, storytelling, poetic, fiction, on any topic and anything you want to write about. Just make it interesting and engaging. Be sure to write for a reason. If you know why you are writing, you will connect with your readers better. Write with a strength, an honesty, and a sincerity. Write consistently and write often to create a trust between you and your readers. Read, revise, and rewrite so that the things you say flow and make a more interesting read.

Your thoughts mean a lot. Your writing is important. Writing reflects who we are and connects our innerselves to the greater world. Your word help inspire, encourage, stimulate, and keep the world moving. Your writing makes other people think about things and inspire them to write. It is a big world out there and connecting to each other makes it smaller, cozier, and in a way safer. Writing is important, you may never know who you helped or how it changed even one person. Write what you know, write what you want to learn, write what you feel. Write what you love. Your writing is important. You have something to offer us all, and the world awaits whatever you want to share.