Last week, I was asked one of what I privately call The Questions about creative writing (there are about ten of them, I might share another next week):

‘When you have more than one idea, how to you know which one to pick?’

Depending on who’s asking, and what level of challenge they’ve told me they’re up for, the are the answer will be one of these (all of them equally true):

1. You don’t. You guess. You write one and either get to the end of that (recognising the subjectivity of having ‘finished’ is the next level in the being-a-writer video game) and move on to another. Or, more often than not, you find different shades from both/all the options mixing in together as you go.
2. You don’t. You start writing anyway, not quite knowing which one you’ve picked and let the paving stones form beneath your feet. The result? Something that is a bit like one or all of your ideas. But you don’t get to choose. David Lynch’s man on the other side of the door with the jigsaw pieces gets to choose.
3. You don’t. You only know what article is due, or what callout is coming up, and you prioritise based on those external circumstances.
4. You don’t. You start writing one of them and either stay there or find your brain has rebelled and picked another.

You’ll have seen that what these all have in common is not just the two words they start with. What they really have in common is not remotely entertaining the alternative. Th alternative being, ‘You wait to be sure.’ Or ‘You don’t write anything because you’re not sure.’ Or ‘You wait to feel confident.’ Or ‘You wait until you have enough time.’

I love deadlines. They make us so much less precious about what’s in our heads. I love other people for the same reason. Other people remind us an idea can be good when it’s still incomplete, still developing. Discovering Chris Gregory of Alternative Stories loved the ideas behind Winter Spring did wonderful things for me. He was curious about what I was curious about. That shared curiosity meant I developed that idea and brought something into the world I might never have if I hadn’t shown him an incomplete, vulnerable idea.

I’m so glad I did.

That’s why I’ve invited Chris to run Writing Audio Drama for the Writers’ Gym this week. Everyone who books will receive a recording of each session as well as entry to the live workshops. I think this will mean as much to you as it has to me. As Chris says, ‘Writing can be a solitary game, but in audio drama you know when you’ve written those words other people will be bringing them to life with you.’

So, for anyone who’s ever asked themselves (or someone else) ‘How do you know which idea to pick?’, come and listen to your own answers. Because, I promise you, you’ve already got loads of them.

Come and Write This Week:

The Writing Room | 11am-1pm Monday 3 February
Free for everyone on my mailing list (if you’re reading this, that’s you!). No expectations, no readings, just an open chat box and ten minutes’ (totally optional) chat together at the end. Click here.

Writing Audio Drama: Week 1 | 1-2.30pm Tuesday 4 February
Audio drama has enjoyed a huge growth in popularity over the last few years. Major players are commissioning their own original dramas and there’s never been a better time to create your audio play. With producer and independent supplier to the BBC Chris Gregory, develop the skills to write your drama and the confidence to pitch it. Click here.

Monthly Writing Workout | 6-7pm Tuesday 4 February
Take your word-count for a workout at the Writers’ Gym. Creative exercises, supportive discussion, specific tips and techniques for the writer you are. A guaranteed boost to your knowledge, enthusiasm, confidence and your word-count! Free for members: type your discount code where indicated. Click here.

Writing Room EXTRA | 3-5pm Thursday 6 February
Members only: please check Voxer messages.

Coffee & Creativity, Olympic Studios, Barnes | 10-11.30am Friday 7 February
Grow your connections, build motivation and unlock inspiration in this creative networking event with a difference. Dr Rachel’s gently powerful facilitation provides a space to turn curiosity into creativity, wherever you are in your writing journey. Click here. Click here.

Lunchtime Writing Workout | 12.30-1.30pm Friday 7 February
Boost your confidence and your word-count with Dr Rachel Knightley’s lunch-hour writing workout. Whether you’re an experienced writer or just beginning, enjoy exercises, discussion, tips and techniques to build your strength, knowledge and creativity. Free for members: type your discount code where indicated. Click here.

If you’re not in the UK, find your timezone here.

You don’t have to be a member to join a Writers’ Gym session. Just sign up for any session. But if you’d like to access our weekly programme for free, and receive 30% off all our other events, email thewritersgym@rachelknightley.com or download a brochure at writersgym.com

For personal training and creative confidence for life, work and art, email info@rachelknightley.com or visit rachelknightley.com