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How Do I Start Writing?

Kathryn Atkins

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In response to dozens of letters we receive every day, we had no choice but to include this brand-new feature under our writing tree. In this “Dear Aska” column for Ask A Writer, we will try to answer as many questions as possible from our faithful readers. It’s hard to choose, but we thought this one might help our newer writers get started and aid our “older” writers if they needed a kick in the ol’ writing “keester.”

Dear Aska,

I don’t know what to write about. Can you help? The empty computer screen stares back at me, and I can’t seem to get started!

Signed,

Blank Page

Dear Blank,

You are not alone. We hear this frustration quite a bit, and we have a GREAT idea for you. Here’s a trick that anyone can use. It’s called the “À La Carte Menu Exercise,” which always works.

Step 1. Make three columns:

Character

Setting

Situation

Under the Character Column:

10-year-old boy, Witch, Nurse, Undertaker

Under the Setting Column:

Church, Bowling Alley, Outer Space, Shopping Mall

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Kathryn Atkins

Author, poet, business writer, pianist, flamenco dancer, altMBA grad, Berkeley MBA. I like yoga, reading, traveling, family, friends, and dogs.