One of my favorite things in the world is going to the movies. I know it’s crazy expensive, but for me, it’s about the experience. Nothing makes me want to write, or gets my brain in better creative mode than a good movie and thirty gallons or so of movie theater popcorn. ( An absolute must for me.) Think about it, you have some previews that get you in the right frame of mind, then the lights dim, and suddenly your in whatever world the director has placed you in. No long boring intro, or character descriptions, just wham– story.

As a writer there are some good lessons there. When to start a story is hard. When I watch a good movie it is so clear to me how to start things, jumping right into the action instead of drawing it out with details that the reader needs. Those can always come later. Hook me like the first five minutes of a movie and you’ve got a great start to your story. So my best advice for new writers who are unsure where there story really begins– head to the movies and don’t forget the popcorn.