Probably everyone has heard one adage or another about the first step. Well, that first step certainly applies to your writing, too.
Having a desire to write a novel or children’s story is one thing, but taking the first step to bring that desire to fruition is impressive.
Having an idea for a story is another thing, but taking that first step and bringing that idea through to the end of a completed manuscript is even more impressive.
Here are a couple of tips to get started:
Your idea must be put into writing, whether handwritten or typed on your laptop’s keyboard. From there you need to add notes as to what your story will be about. Do you know what the setting will be? Do you have a main character in mind? Will it be a novel? Will it be a middle-grade children’s book or possibly a picture book? Do you know how you want the story to begin and where you’d like it to end? Do you know what the conflict will be?
Once you have your notes down, turn them into an outline. You might add character sheets at this point. Or, if you’re a pantser, simply start writing your story and watch the characters reveal themselves.
Below are a few other quotes on that first step that I hope will inspire you to get your story started today:
“Without that first step, there is no journey. Without that first step, there can be no creation, no story.”
~ Karen Cioffi
“The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.”
~ Chauncey Depew
They say it is the first step that costs the effort. I do not find it so. I am sure I could write unlimited ‘first chapters.’ I have indeed written many. ~ J. R. R. Tolkien
“Take the first step, and your mind will mobilize all its forces to your aid. But the first essential is that you begin. Once the battle is started, all that is within and without you will come to your assistance.
~ Robert Collier
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
“The first step in solving a problem is to recognize that it does exist.” ~ Zig Ziglar
“Have a bias toward action – let’s see something happen now. You can break that big plan into small steps and take the first step right away.” ~ Indira Gandhi
And, of course, the quote in the image above:
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” ~ Mark Twain
So, if you have a desire to write a book or have an idea for a story, get started today – take that first step and bring it to life.
Maybe you have some notes on a story or an outline – take that first step to turn your notes, outline, or even your draft into a complete manuscript.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP TODAY!
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.
OTHER HELP I OFFER:
HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN'S FICTION BOOK
A DIY book to help you write your own children’s book.
FICTION WRITING FOR CHILDREN eCOURSE
4-Weeks / 8 Sections Guided Self-Study Mentoring Program
You can contact me at kcioffiventrice@gmail.com.
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