Simple question: How do writers like yourselves get your heads down and something on paper? I can never find time nor quiet, and starting to write I find is the toughest challenge all together!

So how do you guys do it, if there's a secret I want in ;)

Josie

I actually do that quite abit and then you get people poking over your shoulder "what ya writing" ;) But thanks thats really helpful, always good to jot something down before you lose it, which is what I have done, but I find it hard when you have a vivid idea of your story and then finding out where to start, how to begin writing the first draft until getting to that final piece? Its really hard ! :)

Wow since 4, cool. Thats an exellent way to start. Its always goood to have a plan ;)
I guess I just dont know where the story starts .. the imagination is endless ..and you may quote me ;)

Josie

I like having a purpose to a story or a moral. Its a key element I totally agree with you.

Also, Outlining is important to me. Some people disagree. To that I say, whatever works for you. I find the best method of outlining is to ask questions rather than write statements.. ex. instead of "He sat at the screen, unable to write for the life of him. He sat and sat, the words unable to escape his brain." i would write, "Where is he sitting, how is he feeling, and why is he feeling that way?" i find it allows me to add more detail, more feeling, to my work. Again, good luck. -Brad

I am lazy at writing, but sometimes I might be awake late at night and thinking, and then with all the emotions and thoughts, I feel compelled to write, and do write. But if it is a school assignment I wait till quite late(lol I have to stop that!), and then I think deeply about the topic and the words flow. But nothing beats that perfect claity you get once in a while which makes you write exactly what you feel.

For me I need a defined goal or project. If I know I've got to write something by a certain time then I will eventually write it! I never seem to know quite what will come out, but as soon as the pressure is on, I'm off on a new adventure of discovery. Unfortunately I'm not someone who will happily write regardless, I seem to need some kind of outside expectation to kickstart me.

If you're the same then it can be helpful to sign up to a few writing competitions. Once you've paid a small fee to enter then that tends to get things going...for me at least :)

Oh and also joining some form of writing group, class or community where tasks are set. Being able to discuss things seems to really get your head in the game.

Thankyou very much. I think to have a clear mind does really help, having no other stress and just creating your own world to escape into. Thanks for the comments guys :)

Thanks Sam. I admire your perseverance to write- shows a true mind set of a writer. I agree with you that some times words seem to tumble out before you have time to get them onto paper. Yes, I always have to be in a mood to write otherwise I end up with nothing.

I also do that- I think its my love for film linking in to litterature. Two subjects I want to furthur my education on.

Another few questions: Do you have a starting point or plan- I tend to not follow a plan and then the words come too quickly and I havent spent enough time on paying close attention to detail- not having a plan may be the block... Also developping a sense of style and character to my writing is hard- I try to focus on the main idea and work around it not really working on developping my style as a writer- but how? Last question : how do you capture a moment in words- make it feel as real as you see it so the readers may seen through the eyes of the poet/authour?

THANKYOU ALL SOO MUCH- you have helped me alot and I really think we can also help each other improve. I am loving this topic alot.

Josie.

i play the scenes out in my mind which gets me in the realm of my stories!! that way, i am more spurred to bear on in light of the fact that even i need to recognize what occurs next!!! simply accept the way things are and compose what initially flies in your mind, its more often than not the principal thoughts that are the best and you can simply backpedal to "change" it on the off chance that you have to. UK Dissertation Help