New Beginnings 3: For Writers

“All great beginnings start in the dark, when the moon greets you to a new day at midnight.” – Shannon L. Alder

“Now, as we close one chapter, the pen is gradually inking up, preparing itself to write the next.” – Mie Hansson

“The thrill of new beginnings is immensely alluring!” – Avijeet Das

“The magic in new beginnings is truly the most powerful of them all.” – Josiyah Martin

https://bestwriting.com/quotes/new-beginnings

Sometimes We Plan New Beginnings, And Sometimes New Beginnings Are Forced Upon Us

Like many people, writers plot and plan to start over, to make new beginnings in their writing goals. They plan new books, poems and writing projects at the start of the new year. But also, like many people new beginnings maybe foisted on them by fate, circumstance or some unseen force.

But you can create your own strengths or forces to help you choose your new beginnings or cope with unseen changes in your life. For many a deep faith may help people through, but for those with a faith to believe in or for those who don’t, the following are good guidelines to help you.

• Resourcefulness: ‘The defining force in life is the ability to be resourceful with conscious focus and intention. Focusing is a matter of listening to your inner voice.’
• Focus: ‘Keeping an open mind without other’s influencing you is the first step to unleashing the unlimited power within you. This is called focus. You’ve been given the power to develop ideas and exercise free will and that energy can only be fully realized with a keen sense of who you are and the fulfillment your desire.’ 
• Emotional Fitness: ‘Emotional fitness means clearing the mind of negative thoughts so that you can cut through the clutter and achieve balance.’
• Connection: …’connection to others means love and love means a generosity of spirit that is a constant reminder that we live abundant lives. Connection removes the scarcity mentality.’
• Certainty versus Uncertainty: ‘If too much uncertainty shapes your world and produces an image of chaos and negativity, your life is severely compromised by fear and anxiety’…Take time every day to listen without distraction…in meditation and create room for your inner voice to speak to you.’ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/5-invisible-forces-that-shape-your-life-the-guru-abides_b_6835810

New Beginnings Can Be Very Exciting

When writers are inspired and something sparks their creativity it can be very exciting but somewhat daunting. This is when it is a good time to jot down all the ideas racing through your mind. Decide what you need to research. I find research can be wholly captivating and can lead you to further ideas. At some point you will decide to begin your story, poems or novel and will have to decide where to begin.

Here are some good suggestions that might help you to start:

• Begin with action or dialogue
• Ask a question
• Describe the setting
• Begin with background information
• Have the main character introduce himself or herself https://k12.thoughtfullearning.com/minilesson/starting-stories-5-great-beginning-strategies

Characters Facing New Beginnings in Their Lives Instantly Creates A Story

We have all been through change but some go through bigger changes than others. We can identify our own feelings from past experiences when we had to deal with starting over. Tap into those feelings when you are writing your character’s story.

Explain why your character needs to start over. To do this you need to bring in their past too and give the back story.

Outline the struggles the character may need to face to accept change and give a hint of what the future might hold.

Here is an example of a brilliant beginning that reveals a real change in someone’s life but the way the character responds is definitely different…

Mother died today. Or maybe, yesterday; I can’t be sure. The Outsider by Albert Camus (1942)