How to Start Writing: Complete Beginner's Guide to Your First Story
By TagTwist Editorial Team9 min readWriting Basics
To start writing, simply pick a story idea that excites you, set aside 15-30 minutes daily, and begin with a simple opening sentence. Don't worry about perfection—focus on getting your ideas down first, then improve through editing and practice.
Step 1: Choose Your Writing Setup
Essential Tools
- Free options: Google Docs, TagTwist, or even pen and paper
- Writing apps: Scrivener, Notion, or Microsoft Word
- Mobile writing: Wattpad app, Google Docs mobile
- Distraction-free: WriteRoom, Cold Turkey Writer
Create Your Writing Space
- Find a quiet corner or use noise-canceling headphones
- Keep water and snacks nearby to avoid interruptions
- Turn off notifications on your devices
- Have good lighting to reduce eye strain
Step 2: Find Your Story Idea
Idea Sources
- • Personal experiences and memories
- • "What if" questions
- • Dreams and daydreams
- • News stories with a twist
- • Overheard conversations
- • Writing prompts online
Story Starters
- • "I never expected to find..."
- • "The day everything changed was..."
- • "Nobody believed me when I said..."
- • "I had three wishes, but..."
- • "The letter arrived 10 years late..."
Step 3: Start Writing (The Messy First Draft)
Your first draft doesn't need to be perfect—it just needs to exist. Here's how to begin:
The 5-Minute Rule
- Set a timer for 5 minutes
- Write continuously without stopping
- Don't worry about grammar, spelling, or quality
- If you get stuck, write "I don't know what to write" until ideas come
- When the timer stops, you've officially started writing!
Simple Story Structure
- Beginning: Introduce your main character and their normal world
- Middle: Something happens that changes everything (the conflict)
- End: Show how the character deals with the change
Step 4: Overcome Common Beginner Challenges
Writer's Block Solutions
- Skip ahead: Write the scene you're excited about
- Write badly: Give yourself permission to write poorly
- Change perspective: Try writing from another character's viewpoint
- Take a break: Go for a walk or do something creative
Perfectionism Fixes
- Remember: first drafts are supposed to be rough
- Focus on finishing, not perfecting
- Set word count goals instead of quality goals
- Save editing for later—just write now
Step 5: Build a Writing Habit
Daily Goals
- Week 1: 100 words/day
- Week 2: 200 words/day
- Week 3: 300 words/day
- Month 2+: 500+ words/day
Time Blocks
- Morning: 15-30 minutes
- Lunch break: 20 minutes
- Evening: 30-45 minutes
- Weekend: 1-2 hours
Track Progress
- Use a word count app
- Keep a writing journal
- Join online communities
- Celebrate small wins
Step 6: Share Your Work
Once you have a complete first draft (even if it's rough), consider sharing it:
- Join TagTwist for collaborative feedback and community support
- Find a trusted friend or family member to read it
- Join local or online writing groups
- Post on platforms like Wattpad or Medium for wider feedback
Your Writing Journey Starts Now
Remember: every published author started exactly where you are now. The key is to begin, be consistent, and keep improving. Your first story won't be perfect, but it will be yours.