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Fiction Writing Masterclass
Lesson 1: Getting Started With Fiction Writing
This week we’ll cover ideation, the importance of a writer’s notebook, how to create a writing routine, and overcoming imposter syndrome.
This is the first lesson in an 8-part series on writing fiction. It has been designed to take you through the process of writing a short story from start to finish. For more information, including the content covered in each lesson, check out my introductory post here.
Grab a pen and piece of paper.
Write down three words that come to mind when you think about writing.
For me, it’s creativity, self-expression, and individualism.
Interestingly, the way I view writing as having intrinsic value actually increases my motivation and creativity, and is more likely to result in a regular writing practice because I derive pleasure from the process.
If instead, the words you chose were extrinsic, for example, to make money, win a competition, or for adoration from others, then you are less likely to enjoy the writing experience as your motivation comes from the result of writing but not the process itself.
While many of us dream about being rich and successful writers, research¹ shows that by leaving these expectations at the door and simply just writing for the pleasure of writing, we are more likely to produce higher quality work. Indeed, this is good news; focus on what you want to write and naturally, you will write well.
Motivation aside, we must not forget that writing is a craft, and there are numerous elements required to create a fully formed story. From character creation to world-building, we’ll cover everything you need to know over the course of 8 lessons.
In this lesson, however, we’ll focus on the essential pre-planning and ongoing accompanying tasks required as part of the writing process, starting with the all-important writer’s notebook.
The Writer’s Notebook
“I kept always two books in my pocket, one to read, one to write in.”
— Robert Louis Stevenson
