So, yeah. I want to write.

So, WRITE, already. The thing is, I don’t know what to write about. Does anyone, really? I’ve been told I have ‘some kind of imagination’, or words to that effect, based on some of my quirkier poems. But I haven’t written for quite a while, at least not consistently, which could well be part of the problem.

I think, sometimes, I do have it in me to tell one helluva tale. I just need to sit myself down, focus and start writing. And then, just keep at it.

Who (or what) shall I write about? Who are my characters? What is their history, their back story? What do they want? What dilemma(s) are they facing?

In what genre do I want to frame my story? Let’s consider a few options.

There’s drama, maybe something based on my own life, a memoir of sorts. A mystery, maybe? I’d love to pull off a good thriller. Something quirky really appeals to me. A classy horror story would be pretty awesome. Fantasy, perhaps? Science fiction — doubtful but I won’t rule it out. Speculative also interests me though I don’t know that I’m crystal clear just what that would entail.

Two categories that don’t really trip my trigger are comedy and romance. Shrug. Who knows? Maybe I would really excel in writing humorous stories or the so-called ‘bodice rippers’. There’s also the chick lit genre but then again, not at all the type of books I myself enjoy reading.

I’ve identified some areas of interest as well as some that I’d rather avoid.

But, how to actually BEGIN? That’s what has me stumped.

Do I just START somewhere, anywhere, even if all I have is a vague idea? Here’s the biggie: Do I need to KNOW where the story will go, where and how it will end up before I write a single word of it? Maybe I should take a writing class, try to find someone to guide me, to point me in the right direction? I think that’s what I’m trying to accomplish with this blog post, come to think of it. Anyone, anyone?

I believe I have it in me to DO the thing; I just don’t know HOW. I enjoy reading the books I’ve accumulated over the years ABOUT writing. Loads of good information but am I simply postponing the work of it, the actual DOING of this thing called writing in favor of just thinking about it, of just talking about it? Maybe I’m lazy or just procrastinating? I’ve started several pieces but then get caught up in the am-I-doing-this-correctly merry-go-round and I set them aside, never (or rarely) to return.

Or do I simply not (yet) have a story in me to write?

So many questions but I’d like to believe that by articulating these concerns, I’m taking those proverbial baby steps. Maybe I’m already pointed in the right direction?

Can anyone help me? Or is this something I just have to figure out by myself? Inquiring minds want to know…