How to Start Writing a Unique Story
Many writers are faced with writer's block, yet books are still written. It’s down to the true writers to overcome it by with this popular yet unique method.
Start with something that you know, that you know very well would be even better. You may overthink it by listing all the topics you could write about and be overwhelmed with what direction to go in, or if even your material will be worth reading - is it unique enough?
To write Scab’s - One Man’s Torment, click to see what I am referring to, I initially thought of a problem that I am faced with daily: eczema. I’ve had it for over fifteen years now and it was and still is rather embarrassing. It’s also very annoying, and the only way to control it (that I know of) is to put my prescribed cream on.
Now, everyone has an ailment of some kind. It may not be a skin condition but it may be an issue with their body that they’re not comfortable with or simply wish it would just go away. Write about it. You can exaggerate to the ends of the earth and introduce characters that are far from yourself. Not only is it therapeutic to get express this torment you're faced with daily, it’s also a topic and a feeling that is unique to you. The detail you can go into expressing the feelings and emotions you go through can develop your characters and make for some really interesting reading.
The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen is an example of a story where a young, determined runner loses her right leg. It's a story of how she copes, deals and is encouraged.
We all have body issues in some way or another, therefore your audience can relate. These body issues may not become such a taboo if everyone wrote about them in some form or another. Readers can know they’re not alone and even take on another perspective - hopefully for the better. I’m just speculating, in an ideal world eh? I'm not preaching to be a psychologist either, I'm merely going off personal experiences. When it comes to writing, the fundamentals are still there.
Still Alice by Lisa Genova is from the point of view of a woman developing Alzheimer's, mental illness is a violent disease that shouldn't be taken lightly and should always be talked about, read about and written about to raise awareness and for people yet to experience the harsh realities of these issues to (hopefully) understand.
The overall advice I'm trying to give you here, is that if you’re struggling to get pen to paper: write about something you know. A problem, how you deal and overcome it (or how your characters deal and overcome), that's what stories are all about. If it’s regarding an insecurity, I can't guarantee it’ll cure the problem, but I'll bet money it will make you feel better, even for a little bit. From what I've found it puts everything into perspective as well as getting your creativity on the road. Bonus point: It gets you writing!
To read another tip on how to begin writing, see How to Begin Writing in 1 Simple Step
For recommended fictional books on disease and disability; The Mighty has a great list.
If you found this tip useful (or if you've found another method more practical) then by all means comment below. Share if you think others will appreciate!