by Harper Gallagher

Created on: July 21, 2008

Way back when I was in school my English teacher told me something which I have heard repeated over and over again. "Every single person has one idea for a book in them and some people have a lot more than that." He and all the other people who have since echoed that sentiment are absolutely right anyone you meet has one story in them that they deep down would love to tell the world. Of course that isn't to say that it's either a good or even interesting story.

Regardless at some point in your life you'll be quite happily getting on with your life when out of nowhere your own personal muse will smack you between the eyes with your very own big idea. Wonderful but suddenly you're stuck with the problem of how in hell to put that big idea across to other people.

First and this is very important, take notes for your idea. They don't have to be detailed, they don't need characters or really all that much of anything. These notes are quick important details jotted down quickly so that you won't forget your idea. On the laptop I use for my own writing I have those initial notes for something in the region of fifty pieces, some novels, some short stories even some screenplays. Most of those notes are less than a hundred words but they're more than enough to jog my memory and bring the relevant idea back into sharp focus.

Now assuming you don't already have one what you really need is a space to write. For most people this will be at their computer where ever it happens to be placed in their home. But for those lucky enough to have a laptop the options are pretty much limitless. But remember that human beings tend to be easily distracted by anything bright, shiny or new that crosses their path and that distraction could spell a premature end to your burgeoning writing career. Just like studying for exams back in school you need to be able to concentrate on what you're trying to do so make sure you at least try to eliminate most of the things that you personally find distracting.

So far so good next you need to do something which few people are any good at. You need to set in place mechanisms to discipline yourself. Writing anything takes time and since time is a finite resource you really will need to put time aside for writing. For some that may be two hours each day while the kids are in school, or waking an hour earlier to write before going to work. Go with whatever works for you, but make sure you leave time to relax and live. Make sure that when you are in your

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