#123: Writer’s Mind, Beginner’s Mind

Hello Story Nurse,I want to write a novel. But I'm stuck. I have previously published non-fiction work in thesis, publication, monograph and script format. To me this kind of writing is, if not easy, intuitive. Pitching what I'm writing to the right audience is my particular strength. I've written for experts in my field and …

#117: Story Beginning Choice Paralysis

Focus on the opener as the reader's introduction to your world, your characters, your plot, and your style. You want to make an accurate first impression while putting your best foot forward.

#113: Getting Beyond the Beginning

What I don't recommend is beginning at the beginning. Since you need an ending to work toward, begin with that ending.

#60: Starting Small

You have to pace yourself, like an athlete with an injury doing slow small exercises before returning to marathon running.

#53: Avoiding Repetition in Episodic Work

When you're short on space, a cliché or trope can be the most efficient way to do what needs doing and move on to the real story.

#29: When Creation Feels like a Chore

If you still want to write even after you let go of any feelings of being obligated to write, take some time to think about why. Are there ways to access those motivations and keep them in the front of your mind so you can gain some satisfaction and joy from them?

#21: Stopping and Starting

Nothing gets in your way more than a creative writing degree and a lot of practice doing other kinds of writing, both of which fill your head with all sorts of ideas about what writing should be like.

#14: Where Do Characters Come From?

Since your circumstances make writing a bit challenging for you, you're responding to that by sitting squarely in your comfort zone. Every writer does this from time to time, especially when starting out, and there's no shame in it. You just need to recognize that it's what you're doing, and consciously make the decision to make yourself uncomfortable in the service of your art.