Every January, our thoughts turn to new beginnings and what the year ahead will bring. Some of us set goals, others just take things as they come and perhaps even ignore the symbolism of new year = new beginning.

But everything you do will start as a new beginning, and this includes writing stories. Some people have trouble deciding how to begin their story, yet the concept itself is a beginning; an idea yet to blossom into a fully fledged plot.

These days, we know the beginning of a story is likely to determine whether readers ever see the later parts where the wonderful twist or dramatic event will occur. If the first line isn’t a grabber, many will put it down and move on to something else. Gone are the days when a writer could open a story with, “Once upon a time,” or spend several pages, even a whole chapter, creating a setting in which the story would occur.

I often find it easy to begin a story. Perhaps not always with the killer first line that will eventually open the narrative, but I generally have a scene or some dialogue at least loosely worked out before I start. The trouble is, I think of too many interesting beginnings, then wander off to work on something else. This is partly because inspiration for new stories so often comes when I’m already working on another one.

The thing to do when this happens is to keep notes, even an outline sketch of what you have so far. You can come back to find this great opening and concept, and decide what it needs to become a full fledged story.

Sometimes I’ll actually start writing the story and complete a page or so to get the narration in my head written down, then add plot notes for the direction I have in mind for the tale. I’ve come back to projects after months, even a year and have been able to pick up the idea again, based on the points I’ve recorded.

Every writer’s process is different. Some might have trouble with beginnings, yet write amazing middles and/or endings. The common advice for this is to go ahead and start writing, knowing you’ll come back to change the beginning after you’ve written the end. This is also a good method for making one reflect the other for a well rounded plot arc.

It’s good advice and generally leaves a reader who was intrigued by the beginning, satisfied with the end. I’ve been known to do it the other way round, writing the ending to come full circle from the beginning I settled on before.

Just like in life, every new chapter creates an opportunity for a new beginning. Where do you want that chapter to go? What setting can your goal happen in and what action needs to occur to get you there?

Am I talking about a story, or about life? You could say both. Stories reflect life, even the most fantastical ones, so as the hero or heroine of your own story, where do you want your narrative to go this year?

In the meantime, are you starting any new stories this month?