CREATIVE WRITING: HOW TO START

Why you can be a writer

Storytelling is hardwired into our brains. We tell stories to make sense of the world. Through gossip. Recounting a moment from work. Or explaining a memory from childhood.

Our brains naturally construct narratives to explain our experiences. It’s how we process reality. That’s why writing isn’t some magical ability that only a few possess. It’s about learning to translate those internal stories onto the page.

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WIRED FOR STORYTELLING

The human brain is constantly making sense of the world through narrative structures. We’re not passive observers of reality. We actively create meaning by interpreting events through stories. This is how we process the chaos of life into something coherent.

What’s more, our brain is always looking for cause and effect, even if it’s just an illusion. When we don't have all the facts, our minds fill in the blanks with narratives that explain what we see. That's why writing isn't about having an extraordinary imagination. It’s about paying attention to those unconscious stories our minds are already creating.

If you’ve ever thought: I can’t be a storyteller. I don’t know how to start… The answer is simple. You already have. If you’ve ever described your day to someone, you’ve told a story. If you’ve tried to figure out why someone acted the way they did, your brain crafted a narrative to make sense of it. We tell ourselves stories all the time, sometimes without even realizing it. The next step is recognizing that these stories can be turned into something more.

HOW TO GET STARTED

Stories often start with desire. In storytelling, characters are driven by what they want. And that’s no different in everyday life. The things we notice, the stories we remember, and the events that stick with us are all tied to some form of desire. It could be the desire for understanding, for connection, or even something as simple as curiosity. This is the same engine that powers both everyday storytelling and great fiction.

How do you get from the story in your head to words on a page? You don’t need to sit down and create a whole world from scratch. Start small, and start with what’s already there.

Note down observations throughout the day

Pay attention to the moments around you. Did someone give a side-eye on the bus? Why? What’s their story? Did you overhear a curious conversation at the café? Note down these observations. You’ll be amazed how these tiny snapshots of life can become the seed of a story. We are constantly interpreting the world around us, trying to turn random events into coherent stories. This is what you’re tapping into when you note observations. It’s your brain’s natural drive to make sense of the world.

Write down memories and turn them into stories

Think about a memory that stuck with you. It doesn’t have to be dramatic. It could be a small, seemingly insignificant moment. Write it down. And as you do, think about the emotions tied to it. How can you turn that memory into a narrative?

Our memories themselves are narratives. We don’t remember events exactly as they happened, but as stories shaped by our perspectives and emotional responses. By writing down memories, you’re already engaging in the act of storytelling, because every memory is an interpretation, not just a factual recounting of the past.

Modernize your favorite tale

Take a story you already love. A fairy tale, a myth, even a favorite movie. Then, put your twist on it. How would that story unfold in today’s world? Could you change the setting or make the characters more relatable to your life? Retelling old stories in new ways is one of the oldest tricks. Many stories are built on universal patterns, which we often refer to as archetypes or shared narratives. These are the stories that humanity has told for centuries. Stories of heroes, struggles, and transformations. When you modernize a tale, you’re tapping into these universal structures, giving them a new face while drawing on deep-rooted storytelling traditions.

EVERYONE CAN BE A WRITER

The best part about writing is that it’s not about perfection. It’s about expression. Don’t worry if your sentences aren’t perfectly polished or if your ideas don’t seem grand enough. Just start writing. Let the stories in your head find their way onto the page. You’ll be surprised at what comes out. With practice, those stories will only get stronger.

The next time you catch yourself telling a story to a friend or thinking through an event in your life, remind yourself. All you need to do is start writing. Found this motivating? You can continue below.