My problem is just getting started. I feel like I've got several stories on the fuzzy outsides of my sub conscience- but I can't seem to bring them farther out then that- at least not to a point that I feel like I can actually sit down and write. I have this desire and this need to develop what I feel is this talent I've been given- but where to start? That is the eternal question. Suggestions for developing a basic plot/outline? Where do you start from at the very beginning?

Even if you don't have a complete plot, do you have a couple of scenes in mind? A few events? A character? Get those down. It's okay if it's not the beginning of the story.

For that matter, even after starting a book, I rarely write in the plot's chronological order, often jumping ahead to scenes I know are coming and that I'm excited about. Sure, they often change when I reach the point of bridging to them, but I think they come out better when I'm on fire to write them rather than waiting to get there.

As for beginnings, UGH. I always rewrite my beginnings a dozen times. I've reached the point of not committing that anything I write will be the first scene in a book--I just start writing. I can always back up further and write what came before or throw out what I wrote and go later.

So I say just get down what's already in your head. You'll probably find new connections and ideas, plus a new excitement to writing more of it down if you just put something to paper.

I like to think out the story, while I am at the gym. It is much better than watching daytime tv and it helps me keep my mind off of the fact that I am actually exercising. Ugh. However, I agree with annettelyon. Don't let yourself be psyched out by thinking you have to have the perfect beginning and start your story from there. However, a good tip is to always start the story on action. Give yourself something to draw the readers in.

Thinking ahead is one of my favorite tricks, too. That way when I do sit down to write, I don't have to figure out what comes next.

YES! I do that, too! I call them "brainless moments"--times I can let the story or characters flit around in my head because my brain isn't otherwise engaged. One reason I rarely listen to music in the car--I like to let my creative mind wander to my work in progress.

Thank you all for the good ideas. I've read/discussed/thought a lot about this and I just need to set time aside every day to write. It's not just going to 'happen' if I don't start right? (I know- I'm a genius).

I think that is the hardest part about all of it. You can dream about it, research, plan things out but if you don't actually make yourself sit down and write it just stays a dream.

911 is right; you just have to DO it. Easier said than done, however--so give yourself a reward at the other end. Sometimes just the promise of an awesome truffle if I finish a chapter is enough to keep my fingers typing. The inner writer is like a child--seriously, it's scary how well bribery works.

LOL! Good point. Chocolate is an incentive. Always.

Start writing your ideas down. Whether you are really plotting or not doesn't matter. I don't plot much, but as I write, I get ideas. Don't worry about getting locked into one idea. Start several different stories. Then work on the one that is more compelling to you.