journal

My husband tells me I need to start writing.

"But," I protest, "I haven't figured out what I want to write about."

I know I'll probably write some kind of fiction.  I also know I have to write about what I know about: nothing before 1990 and only places I've lived in or visited.  But if I'm going to write some type of lengthy novel, I've got to have content.  And that's where I get stuck.

"Just start writing," he urges.  "Pick a theme, pick a place, pick a character, or anything, and start writing."

I sigh.  He's right.  I should follow my own advice I give to my own creative writing students.  Keep a writing journal.  Start writing and stop trying so hard.