Hey there, fellow wordsmiths!

Stuck on how to start your next writing project? You’re not alone! We’ve all been there, staring at that blank page, waiting for inspiration to strike. But don’t worry—I’ve got some tried-and-true tips to help you jumpstart your writing journey. Let’s dive into these six awesome strategies to get those creative juices flowing!

1. Create an Outline

First things first, let’s talk outlines. Before you dive headfirst into writing, take some time to map out your story. Think of it as your writing GPS—without it, you might end up lost in the wilderness of your own imagination! A detailed outline should include key plot points, character arcs, and major events. This will give you a clear roadmap to follow and can prevent the dreaded writer’s block. Trust me, your future self will thank you!

Personal note: I was a happy pantser for years… and struggled to finish books for years.  AI is helping my ADHD brain organize and outline my plots before I start writing, which has been a HUGE game changer for me.  I want to put in an important note here, though.  When I say “outline”, I mean it’s a basic framework.  I leave plenty of room for creativity and leeway to modify stories as needed, and often unexpected things come out of writing, but having a basic framework in mind can be a big help to assist you in starting or completing a project.

2. Set Realistic Goals

Next up, goal-setting. We all dream of finishing a novel in a weekend, but let’s be real—writing is a marathon, not a sprint. Break your project into manageable chunks and set daily or weekly word count goals that are achievable. Whether it’s 500 words a day or 3,000 words a week, setting realistic goals helps maintain consistent progress and makes that huge project feel less daunting. Small steps add up to big achievements!

Personal note: From start to finish, a project always seems to take a bit longer than anticipated because there’s usually a few wrenches that get thrown into the mix while you’re trying to work.  My advice: Be kind to yourself! Be consistent, but don’t beat yourself up if you miss a day or you fail to meet a writing deadline.  Sometimes, we need to rest or to take a win elsewhere. Just get back up into that saddle tomorrow!

3. Research and Gather Inspiration

Feeling uninspired? Time to hit the books—or the movies, or even real life! Spend some time researching your topic or setting if your story requires it. Immerse yourself in books, films, or historical events related to your theme. This can spark fresh ideas and add depth to your writing. Sometimes, the best inspiration comes from the world around us. So, go ahead, dive deep, and gather those nuggets of creativity!

Personal note: Let’s chat about that time that I went for a walk and listened to 20 minutes of Taylor Swift, came home, restarted my project that I’d been working on for years… and had it finished within the next two weeks.  Seriously, inspiration can hit like that… and I find that music is often the key for me.  And often, it’s Taylor’s music specifically.  I wrote an entire book in about a month during the fall of the pandemic… all while listening to Folklore on repeat, which is still my favorite album.  My girl’s got the jams, and yes, I’ve had The Tortured Poets Society on loop since it dropped.

4. Develop Your Characters

Characters are the heart of any story. Spend time creating detailed backgrounds for your characters. Understand their motivations, fears, and desires. What makes them tick? What are their quirks? Strong, well-developed characters can drive your plot forward and engage readers. Think of them as your new best friends—get to know them inside and out, and let them lead you through the story.

Personal note: Figuring out my character back stories is one of my favorite parts of writing.  Sometimes, if a character isn’t clicking for me, I go on a side adventure with the character to better understand them.  That may mean a novella or short story or writing scenes that never make it into a novel.  Even if it ends up on the cutting room floor, it’s still helpful to flush out the character to understand who they are, what they stand for, and what you need from them.

5. Establish a Writing Routine

Consistency is key to productivity. Establish a writing routine that fits your lifestyle. Whether it’s writing for an hour every morning or dedicating specific days to writing, having a routine can help you stay focused and productive. Find what works best for you and stick to it. Before you know it, writing will become a natural part of your day, and those pages will start piling up!

Personal note: I write late into the night, falling asleep at my computer sometimes.  I don’t recommend it, but it’s the only way I can get things done with a full-time job and other personal responsibilities.  It would be amazing to be able to write full-time but that’s not an option right now, so I have to find consistent time to ensure I’m making progress on projects. One thing I’ve noticed in my personal experience is that it helps to strike when inspiration hits.  I will often hyper fixate on a story for a period of time.  If I can get the story out on paper quickly, while I’m still finding inspired (can be weeks or months), these are the books that get published the fastest.  Stephen King said it best (and I have never forgotten it): Write the first draft quickly.  “I believe the first draft of a book—even a long one—should take no more than three months.” (Note that he means first draft complete, not book complete.  Editing and finalizing the draft may take several to many more months.)

6. Find a Writing Community

Last but definitely not least, find your tribe. Join a writing group or community, either online or in person. Sharing your work with others and receiving feedback can provide motivation and new perspectives. It’s also a great way to hold yourself accountable. Plus, having a supportive network of fellow writers can make the solitary act of writing a lot more fun and rewarding. You’re not in this alone—there’s a whole community out there ready to cheer you on!

So, there you have it—six tips to kickstart your next writing project. Remember, every writer faces challenges, but with a little planning, goal-setting, research, character development, routine, and community, you’ll be well on your way to crafting your next masterpiece.

Happy writing!