Welcome to the first post in my new How-To blog series! I’m diving right in … but be sure to read all the way down for some amazing resources on other sites that might have what you’re looking for.

Before you start writing, you have to have an idea, right? So let’s start with how to write the story:

Get Creative!

Whether you write poetry, micro or flash fiction, full-length novels, or friggin comic books, you have to have an idea of what you want to write about. And then you have to write in the way that works best for you.

Let’s start with the basics:

• THE WORK SPACE: Writing can be really tough! Find a place to write that works for you and make the time to do it a little every day. Your space should fit easily into your daily routine, be comfy and accessible.
• DO IT YOUR WAY: If you need peace and quiet when you write that’s where your space should be. Or if you want to sit in a Starbucks and tap-tap-tap away on your laptop or phone, or go old school with a paper and a pen, then that’s what you should do. Remember, this is your space to get creative, so you need to feel comfortable!  You know ANNA TODD, world-wide best-selling author of the AFTER SERIES? Yeah, she wrote all her books on the social media site for writers: Wattpad. Even after she landed her six-figure deal from Simon-Schuster because WATTPAD was her virtual office, necessary to her creative process. 
• DON’T GET DISTRACTED: Don’t get caught up in the distraction of the FIRST-LINE! Yes, they are important to engage readers, but you don’t need to worry about that when you’re just getting started. You will go through your book so many times and make so many changes along the way, those first few words will come when it’s time. 
• JUST WRITE: If you’re having trouble getting started, do something that inspires you! For me, I am inspired by music. Most of my plots and characters have been formed around songs! The main character in my Threestone Trilogy, G, was formed from the song “Be Somebody,” by Thousand Foot Crutch. His nemesis, Daemon, came from the song, “I Never Told You What I Do For a Living,” by My Chemical Romance. 
• DON’T LIMIT YOURSELF: This is probably the most common mistake most of us writers make. We think there should be limitations and rules about how we write. Don’t get me wrong, rules may work for some people, but they don’t work for me. If you start thinking about the things you aren’t supposed to do, you’ll never get around to what you want to do!  So, set the “writing rules” aside and let your imaginations run wild!(Ironically, I just realized I’m writing a list of rules!)

Okay, that is all for now. What about you? What activities help you get creative? I’d love to hear about it in the Comments section!

Want more advice about writing that book? Click here for more amazing tips and advice.

Be sure to click and follow so you don’t miss next week’s post on Developing Your Story!