Work, Imagination and an Open Mind

Just the other day I was wondering how many brilliant ideas have been wasted. How many inspirational dreams have been thrown away as too crazy? They are discarded either because their creator fails to recognise their brilliance or because they don't believe they have the ability to nurture those ideas into a story written on paper. I have a theory that no idea is stupid or too crazy and that all that is needed turn it into a brilliant story is a bit of work, imagination and an open mind.

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Work

This one is fairly obvious. Writing a story involves work and dedication. However, if you enjoy writing, enjoy the feeling of a keyboard beneath your fingers or a pen running across paper, then the process of writing shouldn't be too difficult. I find the most difficult aspect of writing to be editing, however, it is a necessity and your story will shine more strongly for it.

Imagination

Many ideas start out as merely an idea for a character, a snippit from an imagined scene or perhaps even a question asked, "What if...?". These are not enough for a story on their own, but every thought and idea can become a story with a little imagination. That character, what is his background, his goals, his personality, where will he go? That scene, what leads up to that point, what will transpire after? Questioning and examining your ideas will sprout more ideas. Your first idea is merely a seed from which others will grow.

Open Mind

Talk to others about your ideas, present your story to them, and receive feedback. This is crucial in building your story in to the best it can be. Also, while talking about your ideas you may find that other ideas emerge that were hiding while you were cooped up in your writing den. However, an open mind is needed here. Advice given by the people you talk with does not have to be followed but it does need to be listened to. Listen attentively and think about every piece of advice they give you even if it is criticism. Think about why they think that way. Is it that they don't like your style of writing or is it based on valid points that need considering?

I believe that anyone that doesn't mind putting pen to paper and daydreaming for lengths of time can become a writer, they merely need to make the decision.


Scarlett Van Dijk

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