Article Surfing Archive

When it comes to writing often the hardest thing to do is to get the first sentence down, too many times we find ourselves with an idea we want to work on but end up sitting here staring at the blinking cursor because we can't seem to bring forth the right start. If that sounds like you there are a few things you can try:

Let your mind wander and just type the first thing that comes to you, while it may not necessarily be relevant to what you planned on writing about it can either set you off on a whole new journey or it can sometimes be just enough to trigger the words you wanted in the first place * remember the delete key can be your friend :-) the first sentence doesn't have to stay there.

You can try starting in the middle (while that has never worked for me * it does for others). Depending on what it is you*re writing try starting a dialogue between your characters * who knows they may give you the story starter you want.

Turn the radio or television on and use the first song title or words you hear as a basis for your first words * song titles and magazine headlines etc can be great prompts for your writing.

I*ve never been able to write to an outline * I*m one of those that needs to just get that first sentence down and see where I end up * often times it's a completely different place than where I started * but perhaps you could try developing certain aspects of what you want your writing, story etc to be: If it's a story pick a character and give them an unusual personality or habit, if it's an article try writing it from the opposing viewpoint etc.

If all else fails there is always the internet; a quick search and you'll come up with plenty of online story starters and writing prompts etc to get your creative juices flowing.

If there's one thing I*ve learnt when it comes to writing, it's that I shouldn't force it. No matter how great I think my idea might be if I try too hard it just won't work, it's better to put that idea on the backburner until the muse gives you the first sentence you need. If you*re lucky once you start working on something else one word or phrase will stand out as the best way to get started on your initial project.