I had my first chance this week to visit a classroom and talk about being a writer. At first I had no idea what to say. I have just started this writing game. It’s not like I have stories of hobnobbing with famous writers. I decided to simply give them some practical advice.

One of the most difficult things about writing is getting started.  That blank page can be frightening.  The students could certainly relate to this.  I shared with the students some strategies for coming up with ideas. We talked about combining existing ideas into something new. For example, George Lucas combined sword-wielding knights and space ships when he created Star Wars. I also talked about looking at the world around them for inspiration.

The students were very attentive and they asked a lot of good questions. They also came up with some amazing ideas. I am sure their stories will be very interesting. Hopefully they will find this advice useful the next time they have a showdown with the blank page.