The starting point of writing can be both practical and conceptual, depending on the type of writing and the writer’s approach. Generally, writing begins with the following core steps:
1. Inspiration or Idea Generation
Think of writing as starting with a spark. You don’t need a fully formed idea; even a tiny hint of curiosity is enough. Maybe you’re walking down the street, and you spot an old bookstore that makes you wonder about its history. Or you hear someone say something that strikes a chord, and you think, “That would make a great line in a story.” Inspiration is all around; it just needs to be noticed.
- Finding a Spark: Many writing projects start with a spark of inspiration — a thought, image, or question that intrigues the writer. This can be a story idea, a concept to explore, or a problem to solve.
- Research and Exploration: For some, writing begins with investigating a topic to deepen understanding, especially in non-fiction or technical writing. Research might involve reading, interviewing, or observing.
- Identifying Purpose and Audience: Knowing why you’re writing and who you’re writing for helps shape the content and tone from the beginning. This can be a broad consideration at first, refined as the writing progresses.
Example: Say you’re writing a blog on productivity. Your spark could be a personal experience, like a morning where you felt unusually focused after trying a new routine. You jot down “Morning Focus Hack” in your notes and think, “I could explore why that worked and share it.”
Takeaway: Don’t wait for the “perfect” idea. Write down anything that interests you, even if it’s just a few words. Keep a notebook or use an app to capture those moments.
2. Outlining and Structuring
Once you have that spark, it helps to organize your thoughts. Think of it like sketching a map for a road trip: you want a rough idea of where you’re headed, even if you take a few detours. Outlines don’t have to be detailed, just enough to guide you. Start with a simple structure, like beginning, middle, and end, or main points you want to cover.
- Organizing Ideas: After brainstorming or gathering inspiration, many writers outline their main points, plot elements, or sections. This can be formal (like a detailed chapter breakdown) or informal (a rough list or mind map).
- Setting a Direction: Creating a structure helps provide a road map for the writing, giving a sense of flow and ensuring ideas connect logically.
Example: Let’s say you’re ghostwriting a thought-leadership piece. Your client wants to talk about “Resilience in Business.” You might outline the main points like this:
- Start with a personal story about a business setback.
- Discuss lessons learned from that experience.
- Wrap up with tips for building resilience.
Takeaway: Keep your outline simple at first. Think of it as a rough sketch rather than a finished plan. It’s just there to help you get going.
3. Drafting — The Act of Putting Words on the Page
This is where the magic (and the challenge) happens! Once you start writing, let your ideas flow freely. You don’t need perfect sentences or structure at this stage—just get words on the page. The goal here is to break through that blank-page feeling by writing anything, even if it’s rough.
- Freewriting or First Drafting: Writing starts to take shape once words start flowing. In this phase, the goal is often to get ideas out quickly without self-editing, letting thoughts develop freely.
- Experimenting with Voice and Style: For creative writing, the first draft is also where writers experiment with tone, voice, and style, playing with how they want to sound and connect with the reader.
- Overcoming the Blank Page: The start of actual drafting often feels like the “true” start of writing. Overcoming the inertia of the blank page is often the hardest but most crucial step, even if the words are rough at first.
Example: For a copywriting project, imagine you’re working on a headline for a new eco-friendly product. You might start by writing a dozen rough ideas, like “Green Living Made Easy” or “Eco-Friendly, Every Day.” They don’t all need to be great; the point is to get them out there so you can refine them later.
Takeaway: Start writing before you feel ready. Aim for a “quick draft,” where you write without overthinking or editing. Think of it as the foundation you’ll build on later.
4. Revisiting the Central Idea or Message
As you write, it’s normal to feel your ideas evolving. Maybe you started with one idea, but now you realize there’s a different angle you want to explore. Take a moment to reconnect with your central message—why you’re writing this piece and who it’s for. Adjusting as you go is a natural part of writing.
- Clarifying the Core Message: Even during drafting, writers frequently refer back to their main idea or thesis to ensure they stay on track.
- Adapting as Ideas Evolve: Sometimes, the direction or purpose of writing becomes clearer only after starting, leading to adjustments in the outline or tone as the writer gains clarity.
Example: If you’re ghostwriting an article about self-care for a wellness coach, you might start with a general outline. But as you write, you realize the client’s story about burnout is powerful. You decide to shift focus, putting that story at the center to make the message more relatable.
Takeaway: Don’t be afraid to adapt as you write. If a new angle or idea feels right, adjust your approach to keep it focused and relevant.
Final Practical Approach: Start Anywhere
Here’s one more tip—don’t feel like you have to start at the “beginning.” Sometimes the best way to get going is to write the part that excites you most. If the middle of your piece feels clearer, start there. You can always circle back to the introduction or conclusion later.
Example: You’re writing a persuasive essay, and the supporting arguments are clearer to you than the introduction. Start with those! Getting into the flow with the parts you understand well often makes writing the beginning easier.
Takeaway: Start wherever it feels easiest. Writing any part of your piece gives you momentum and helps ideas fall into place for the rest.
In a nutshell, writing begins wherever there’s a spark. From there, outlining, drafting, and refining the central idea all come together. The key is to start, even if it’s messy or out of order, and to allow yourself to adapt along the way. Every writer’s process is unique, but these steps can guide you through the starting phase smoothly.