Have you ever wanted to start a blog or write an article, but never knew where to start? I have been there, and I know many of us feel that way. I'm new to Odyssey and semi-new to writing for audiences in general, and I was clueless. I opened a word document to start writing... and nothing; I had absolutely nothing. I couldn't come up with a relatable situation or witty piece. I couldn't even come up with a solid idea. I just sat and stared at a blank document. I continued to stare at this document for three days until my first idea came. Like all great ideas, mine occurred to me in the shower. I decided to write my first article for Odyssey about writing articles. Here are a few tips that got me started.

1. Be Creative

When I started getting myself together to write an article, I had no idea what I wanted to write about. So, I wrote everything down. Every idea, thought, joke went down in a notebook, on a sticky note, or even on my hand. I have to carry a notebook around with me basically everywhere I go because if I don't write something down I am going to forget it less than 10 minutes later. You never know when inspiration will hit you. Let your creativity come and don't let it escape.

2. Be Consistent

Now, I'm not saying you should write an article or an entry every Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. while sitting at your office desk. I am saying to make goals for yourself and stick to them. Find someone you trust to keep you accountable. If you want to write an article every week, then say it and do it. If you want to make a video post every other week, then do it. Having some kind of plan will get you really far and it will be better for your viewers if they can expect something from you consistently.

3. Be Clear

When you are writing an article, make sure you are clear. Don't fluff up your writing with an elaborate sentence structure or words that you don't understand the meaning of. Write how you speak. Your readers don't want to get lost in your article or have to re-read it a half dozen times. Keep it simple and straightforward. If you want to be witty or sarcastic, that's awesome just be clear.

4. Be Confident

You are not wrong. Whatever you are writing or posting, be confident in that. There is no wrong way to write and no wrong thing to write about. If you want to write 3,000 words about your new kitten, then do it. Someone else out there is bound to also really like kittens. If you want to write about sports, the Bible, or Chick-fil-A every week, go for it. You should write about what you know and love. Don't get stressed if you read other's work and it's nothing like yours. Everyone has a different style. How I write and what I write will be different from you and that's okay.

I am so excited to start my journey here at Odyssey. If you are thinking about starting a blog or writing for a local newspaper or magazine, then I encourage you to do so. Writing is fun, and it's even more fun when people read and like what you have to say.