AUTHOR TOM SWEENEY
PICK A TOPIC - ANY TOPIC
by Thomas Sweeney
Fiction or non-fiction, that is the question.
Should you write about something you invented or
something that really happened? Fiction is
easy because you get to make up everything from
scratch; no limitations. Non-fiction is easy
because the story already happened, so all you need to
do is fill in the details. Really, it comes
down to your preferences. Would you rather be the
reporter of an intriguing story or the all powerful deity of
your own universe? Either way, you win.
For many new authors, the biggest challenge can be
deciding what to write about. There are a whole host of
reasons these beginners hesitate. Some are afraid of
expressing their emotions and thoughts. Some don’t
believe they’re good enough. Some can’t believe anyone
would be interested in anything they have to say. Many
will talk about it and never start for fear of failure. All
these people have the same challenge in common; fear.
FEAR: False Evidence Appearing Real
Human beings are motivated by two basic emotions;
pleasure and pain. The pursuit of pleasure includes
everything that inspires joy, satisfaction or happiness;
things like food, sleep, exercise, sex, shopping, dancing
and much more. The avoidance of pain includes anything
that causes discomfort; things like going to the dentist,
emotional distress, physical harm, hunger, violence and
many other examples. Fear is introduced when the
avoidance of pain is engaged. The most significant
challenge with fear is that it isn’t real. Fear is an invention
of the human mind. It’s a decision. Don’t misunderstand
this comment. Pain can be very real and an extreme
motivator, but fear is a conscious decision or creation of
the psyche in an effort to avoid pain; physical or
emotional. Conquering fear is the first most important
step towards picking what to write about. You don’t have
to be fearless. Just be willing to take action in the face of
your fear; be courageous. Your ideas are interesting
because they’re not mine.
Everything about your life is very interesting to me
simply because it’s not my life. Reality television and
videos prove this point everyday. Your life is a very
powerful first subject to write about. When you write
about your life, you can begin by being very ac- curate,
but then expand and exaggerate as you get further
along. Suddenly, your life is extremely exciting and
creative. This is a perfect first step in becoming an
author.
Write about anything and watch what
happens.
You could start writing about your trip to the toilet
this morning and have it turn into the next big mystery
thriller. You never know until you try. However, you must
start writing. No matter what, you have to start stretching
your creative muscles and training them to expand and
develop. Write out a shopping list and use each item in a
sentence. What kind of a story could you create from
that list? The options are limitless. Sometimes writing
indiscriminately or without direction is a great way to start
getting words on paper, then let the subject develop on
its own.
You can’t lose with writing.
No matter what anyone ever tells you, you’ll never regret
writing your thoughts and ideas down on paper. It’s one
of the most liberating and powerful exercises you can
ever practice. It can become addicting, so be prepared
to want more everyday. Just be sure to pick a topic; any
topic.
Thomas Sweeney is the author of The Harem, a
founder of the World Wealth Network, and musician who
had a hit song reach #1 on MP3.com, beating out Blink
182 and Alanis Morissette. You can connect with
Thomas via his website, www.theharembook.com .