PICK A TOPIC - ANY TOPIC
by Thomas Sweeney
Fiction or non-fiction, that is the question.
Should you write about something you invented or something that really happened? Fiction is
easy because you get to make up everything from scratch; no limitations. Non-fiction is easy
because the story already happened, so all you need to do is fill in the details. Really, it comes
down to your preferences. Would you rather be the reporter of an intriguing story or the all powerful deity of your own universe?
Either way, you win.
For many new authors, the biggest challenge can be deciding what to write about. There are a whole host of reasons these beginners hesitate. Some are afraid of expressing their emotions and thoughts. Some don’t believe they’re good enough. Some can’t
believe anyone would be interested in anything they have to say. Many will talk about it and never start for fear of failure. All
these people have the same challenge in common; fear.
FEAR: False Evidence Appearing Real
Human beings are motivated by two basic emotions; pleasure and pain. The pursuit of pleasure includes everything that inspires
joy, satisfaction or happiness; things like food, sleep, exercise, sex, shopping, dancing and much more. The avoidance of pain includes anything that causes discomfort; things like going to the dentist, emotional distress, physical harm, hunger, violence and
many other examples. Fear is introduced when the avoidance of pain is engaged. The most significant challenge with fear is that it
isn’t real. Fear is an invention of the human mind. It’s a decision. Don’t misunderstand this comment. Pain can be very real and
an extreme motivator, but fear is a conscious decision or creation of the psyche in an effort to avoid pain; physical or emotional.
Conquering fear is the first most important step towards picking what to write about. You don’t have to be fearless.
Just be willing to take action in the face of your fear; be courageous.
Your ideas are interesting because they’re not mine.
Everything about your life is very interesting to me simply because it’s not my life. Reality television and videos prove this point
everyday. Your life is a very powerful first subject to write about. When you write about your life, you can begin by being very accurate, but then expand and exaggerate as you get further along. Suddenly, your life is extremely exciting and creative. This is a
perfect first step in becoming an author.
Write about anything and watch what happens.
You could start writing about your trip to the toilet this morning and have it turn into the next big mystery thriller. You never know
until you try. However, you must start writing. No matter what, you have to start stretching your creative muscles and training
them to expand and develop. Write out a shopping list and use each item in a sentence. What kind of a story could you create
from that list? The options are limitless. Sometimes writing indiscriminately or without direction is a great way to start getting
words on paper, then let the subject develop on its own.
You can’t lose with writing.
No matter what anyone ever tells you, you’ll never regret writing your thoughts and ideas down on paper. It’s one of the most liberating and powerful exercises you can ever practice. It can become addicting, so be prepared to want more everyday. Just be sure
to pick a topic; any topic.
Thomas Sweeney is the author of The Harem, a founder of the World Wealth Network, and musician who had a hit song reach #1 on MP3.com, beating out Blink 182
and Alanis Morissette. You can connect with Thomas via his website, www.theharembook.com.