How to start writing: Seven ways to turn the spark of an idea into words on the page

Do you have an idea for a novel, memoir, short story or poem, but aren’t quite sure how to begin?

Starting a new writing project can feel intimidating. We convince ourselves we need a fully formed idea, a detailed plan and complete confidence that we’ll reach the end. But books rarely arrive whole. They can often begin with something much smaller: an image, a place, a character, a voice or a question that we become obsessed with.

My latest article, ‘How to start writing’, offers seven practical ways to turn that initial spark into words on the page. I look at how to test whether an idea has legs, make an overwhelming project smaller and begin wherever the energy is – even if that means starting halfway through or writing the ending first. There’s also a simple ten-minute exercise to help you find your way into your story.

You don’t need to see the whole journey before you set out. And September, with its new term, back-to-school vibes and autumnal feel, is the perfect place to start (or restart) that project.

If you want to read the full article, it’s free to read here at Wild Writing with Sanjida.

If you’d like practical advice, encouragement and the company of other writers, do think about joining Wild Writing with Sanjida. Paid members can take part in our weekly online writing sessions, with lunchtime and evening options.