IVY WRITES
Getting started with writing is always intimidating. There are so many forms of the art, so many ways to channel your inspiration, and so many styles to try out. If you feel the want or need to write, but aren't sure what to write about, start brainstorming. Of course, we've all heard the term before, and it is easier said than done, but can be rewarding if you work with it in a way that's right for you. Here are some of my favorite brainstorming strategies to get my inspiration channeled into concrete ideas:
Music - Listen to music you enjoy and connects to your general inspiration. If you feel like you want to write a romance, listen to romance music, or calm classical. If you want to write an action story, listen to rock and roll. If you want to write something sad, listen to a song that gives you that sinking feeling in your stomach. Chances are, if you close your eyes and just listen to the song, your brain will start constructing what it is wants to get out of your mind and onto paper. You'll see a scene unfold behind your eyes, and if you like it, start there. If you don't like it, skip to a different song. The idea isn't to figure out what you're writing, it's to give you a starting point to build around.
Pinterest - I know it's cliché, but Pinterest has saved my life more times than I can say. If you have a general vibe of what you want your story or poem to be about, type it into the Pinterest search bar and let the images do the work. You might see an image that resonates with you, or matches up with a potential scene in your story. The idea is that you have the vibe in your head, the feeling, and the images give you a visual aid that you can use to create something tangible. Say you want to write a fantasy; type it in. You'll see an image of a horse in the woods and suddenly your protagonist is running to his steed, barely escaping a brush with death in the quiet green forest.
Words - This one could be the most difficult, but is potentially the most creative and serves as a way to use your ideas as the only resource. Pull out a piece of paper and a pen, pencil, or any writing utensil that sparks joy. Start writing down words or phrases; anything you can think of that might help your inspiration. If you want to write a poem about a haunted house, you might write things like, "door," "attic," "wailing wraith," and even things that don't seem as related, like "angel," "fire," etc. Any words you can think of might unexpectedly spark an idea that carries your entire story.
Every writer is different, and these are just some things that work for me personally. Try them out, and if they don't work, that's okay. Find something new. Go for a walk. Everything, and I mean everything, in your day-to-day life has the potential to spark inspiration. The most important thing is not to feel discouraged - it's an art, not an exact science; part of the beauty of writing is its unpredictability.