Getting ready to write a book/short story

     Did you recently come up with an idea for a book, short story, or writing assignment for school? You probably already have a basic outline of what your story will be about. Sadly, you don't know where to go with it next. That, my friend, is why you are on my blog. (Or...maybe you're just bored and looking up random stuff, or this is for a friend's paper...)

Anyway, here are a few tips for you.

1. Write it all down! This helps a lot. Get some paper and write down a possible name for your story, characters in it, descriptions of the characters, (for example: John: Tall, black hair, dark eyes.) Write down any titles of chapters, the scenes, and literally EVERYTHING. Revise later. 
2. Read any stories like the kind you want to write (if you're in a rush, read this really fast, and scim over the other example stories fast too), and get your ideas from them. Just make sure you don't copy it. 
3. Don't just sit in a chair and kill yourself trying to come up with ideas. Once, when I had started writing a book, I came up with ideas for literally 2 or 3 weeks, and then wrote my book. However, I'm not saying that you should take a complete break and play a video game. These are definitely not good for coming up with ideas. Instead, take a walk. I know it sounds old-school, but try it once for 10-20 minutes and see if it helps. If not, trash it. Try doing something else while subconsciously thinking about your story. 
4. Be original, creative, and fast-paced in your writing. You're first page should be explosive, fast-paced, and not boring. Make the reader want to read more! 
5. Have fun!