Where Do Our Ideas For Writing Come From? 3
I want to write but I don’t know what to write about
People ask writers how they come up with their stories, how they pluck characters and stories from thin air, how the ideas come to them. I don’t how a car works but know what I need to do to make it work. Similarly, I know what I need to do to have the writing happen – here is the 3rd of those things:
3. What annoys you?
So, what comes up from the deepest, most peaceful part of your being?
Weirdly, it is likely to be something very un-peaceful! Think about the thing that most annoys you. That which really upsets you. That which constantly niggles at you … what, in this illogical, insane, abusive and destructive world really gets on your craw?
Often, the answer comes from your childhood. Did you feel you weren’t listened to, were abused, were belittled were … whatever? Even with perfect parents, friends and teachers, everyone still dredges up and carries aloft some grievance.
Maybe it’s abuse of woman, of the environment, of children, of men, of money, of – yes, the list can go on and on.
So, think about:
· What you mainly complain about,
· Of all the dramas in the world, which ones seem to gleefully follow you, day after day.
That Point of Pain – yes, we all have one – can trigger your most passionate, transcendent and translucent writing.
So, still yourself, observe wat you focus on and what bothers you. That is your starting point – you!
This is an excerpt from Write That Book Now.