At least once a week, I get an email message or a phone call from a befuddled writer: “I don’t know where to start. Where should I start?!”
Beginning writers and established writers both experience this state of confusion. Relax. Confusion is good for you. 
In my experience, when you’re confused, you’re close to a breakthrough in your writing if you’re an experienced freelance writer; if you’re a new writer, you’re finally ready to start writing, after years of being nudged in that direction.
Life Writing is the answer to your confusion
The answer to questions about your writing are contained in your writing. You already know what the answer is. This isn’t mystical kerfuffle; it’s the way it is. You’ll always find the answers to any challenges in your life (not just in your writing), by Life Writing: keeping a journal if you will.
There are many forms of Life Writing. However, my preferred form doesn’t involve writing your autobiography, it means writing in the midst of your life and confusion.
How to Life Write
Get a journal, preferably one with blank pages. Writing by hand is best for this kind of writing.
For each entry, write:
* the date and time;
* the weather;
* what you ate today; and
* describe your location.
The above facts will ground the piece (useful in all writing), and will remind you of where you were and what you were doing when you wrote the journal entry. Now just start writing - put your confusion into words. Don’t try to control what you write, just let words spill onto the page.
As you write, avenues will open up; avenues which you could explore, and choices you could make.
Keep writing, don’t decide too soon.
After a few days or a couple of weeks, you’ll need to make a decision.
A PMI (Plus, Minus, Interesting) chart is a great way to make a decision. However, do two charts for each choice.
For example, let’s say you were trying to decide whether you should go back to school and do a MFA degree, or write a novel on your own.
Do these PMI charts:
* I will do a MFA degree
* I won’t do a MFA degree
* I will write a novel
* I won’t write a novel
Once you’ve done the four charts (each chart should take you no longer than five minutes), the correct choice for you at this time will be obvious to you.
Enjoy your confusion: it’s a gift. It means you’re no longer stuck in a rut.
For more on using writing to get out of a rut, end procrastination, get motivated and write more, read my “Top 70 Writing Tips To Help You To Write More”.
Technorati Tags: journal, Life Writing, PMI, decisions, novel
Beat Your Paycheck! Web Writing SECRETS: How Make More Money With Web Writing Than You Ever Will With A Paycheck... In A Month Or Less By Angela Booth
Make Money As A Beginning Writer: Cash For Content
Seven Days To Easy Money: Copywriting Success
Fab Freelance Writing Ezine
