People who want to be a writer have asked me, “How do you start?” and “What do you write?” They think they’d like to write, but they don’t know how to get started.

If the above photo of a small one in my life is any indication, reading is an important ingredient. For those who read a lot already learn from that exercise and increase their vocabulary and knowledge of language. Thus reading is important.

Start writing something. Gather a notebook and pen and take it with you everywhere you go, for where you travel, ideas will present themselves. Do you travel? Carry a notebook with your camera and write about what you’ve seen. How did it feel to be in that place? Do you want to go there again?

Nova Scotia

My niece tells me that her son is interested in writing and that he’d like to follow me. So this post is for Reese who is now 12.

Write first what you know about. But don’t stop there. Keep on learning.

If you’re curious about something, research the topic and write about what you learned.

Keep a notebook with you always. Not your English notebook or Math notebook, but a separate coil-bound notebook of any size that you can carry with you. Carry a pen or two as well. Even coloured pens. They help stimulate the creative part of your brain.

If you have friends who write, sit down together and write. Talk about what you’re writing and encourage each other because writing is a solo adventure.

Learn your grammar in school, and work on your spelling. Those will be important as you continue to write, plus it will help you in your school work.

Be curious and ask questions. If someone offers a tidbit of something that interests you, ask the person to tell you more. If it’s a visitor who comes to your school to teach you something extra, pay attention and learn as much as you can.

Read plenty as I first mentioned in this post. Read about what you don’t know, and keep on learning. That will set you up well for writing.

What interests you? Do you play a sport? Do you play a musical instrument? Do you go biking with friends? Do you go places and learn about new things? Those could be things to write about.

And of course, write. Got your notebook and pen handy? Good. Here’s a prompt to get you started (and the best part, you can use your imagination):

What I saw that day on my way to school yesterday surprised me …

Reply to this post, and tell me what you’re writing about.