“Most of the basic material a writer works with is acquired before the age of fifteen.” — Willa Cather

Have you ever considered such a thing?

If you are 15 or younger and are reading this, take it to heart. Think about these things–your recent thoughts, hopes, and dreams are interesting, so write about them!

If you are older than 15, try looking back at your past and think about how your writing is influenced by it. What themes show up again and again? How do they relate to things you’ve experienced?

Spend some time writing a list of things that are important to you and have been for at least 5 years. Then, write about them (doesn’t have to be coherent; can even be a list if necessary. Then, write a story focusing on at least one of them.

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