I start every writing project with a pile
Every writing project starts with an idea. While the idea is percolating, some writers have a habit of writing notes on napkins, scraps of paper, even the palm of their hand. Others tell their story ideas to friends or anyone who will listen. Whatever way your ideas come together, you probably know more about your next writing project than you realize.
My last post talked about starting with a Mission Statement to clarify your concept, and help you stay motivated throughout the writing process and beyond. Creating the Mission Statement is part of the first step of my 3-Step Prep (fully explained in my e-book Writing Unblocked).
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Make a pile
Organization rockstar Marie Kondo says, “Only by creating one big pile are you able to see how much (of something) you have.”
The second step of my 3-Step Prep starts with a real and virtual "big pile." Dig out all of your paper scraps, notepads, journals, and any other notes and put them in the pile. I also add a stack of reference books when applicable. Add photos, magazine clippings, maps, illustrations, graphs and any other memory-joggers.
Go through the same process with your computer. Create a “big pile” folder and collect all your emails, relevant websites, contacts, photos, spreadsheets and other digital notes and images.
If your idea is relatively new, your big pile might not be very big. That’s okay – every project has to start somewhere. If it’s an idea you’ve been playing with for some time, you might find yourself with an abundance of ideas.
See what you have
Maybe you only have an idea and a character description. Maybe you have boxes of outlines, journals, timelines, concept sketches, and more. Either way, it’s time to figure out what you already have. Maybe you’ve been imagining these characters and their world since you could build them from Legos. Maybe you’re writing about something you’ve never experienced personally. Looking through your pile will show you what you already know – and what’s missing.
What’s missing?
Even if you’ve been thinking about your idea for decades, chances are there are some things missing from your pile. Maybe you know a lot about your opening and the ending but not much about the journey. Maybe you know your main character well, but haven’t really thought about the rest of the characters. Maybe it’s clear you need to research an occupation or location. It’s good to get a sense early on of what it will take to create the best version of your story.
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Have fun
For me, this process is enjoyable and energizing. Seeing what I already have makes me feel empowered, and seeing what’s missing gets me brain storming. Whether I have packing boxes full of notes, or a small stack of cocktail napkins – making a pile lets me know where my concept stands and helps spark new ideas.
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