by Gordon Hamilton

Created on: March 29, 2009

The entire writing process is fraught with difficulties and pitfalls, one of which is that a writing idea which we may have later proves not to be viable. We therefore have to be sure when we have such an idea that it is of sufficient quality and depth that we will be able to write a quality article, short story or novel around the idea in an effective fashion. This means that we should test the writing idea before spending too much time developing it and there are a number of ways in which we can do this.

As writers, we should be carrying either a notepad and pen or a Dictaphone around with us at all times. This is for a variety of reasons but the principal one is so that when we have an idea, we may record it and not risk forgetting it, either in whole or in part. Inspiration for writing ideas can strike us at any time and in any location, perhaps triggered by something we see or even hear, and we have to ensure that we make the most of these ideas.

When we have our idea written down or voice recorded, we have to spend some time simply mulling it over. The time we require to spend doing this will vary hugely depending upon the nature and length of the writing project we intend undertaking. We have to develop the idea first of all in our minds and by adding more brief notes to the original before we get to the business proper of writing our piece.

Depending upon the nature of the idea and the length of the piece of writing we wish to produce, we may wish to discuss it with someone else in its infancy. If the idea is for a novel and we are already a published novelist, we may wish to test the water with our publisher or literary agent regarding the concept. They are after all the people whom we have to impress in the first instance with our writing so their input at this stage may be valuable in not only testing the idea but in ensuring our work is not rejected out of hand at a later stage, when we will already have invested so much time.

We may have a good friend, family member or even colleague whose opinion we value with regards to our writing. We could therefore in this respect test the idea by discussing it briefly with them and considering any input they may have around it. This could be very beneficial in helping us develop the initial idea.

When we have undertaken these initial tips for testing the writing idea, it is time to begin the process of developing the idea in full and hopefully producing a further piece of quality writing.

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