Think of the thing you are most ashamed of in
the world.
Write that thing down and build a story around
it.
Imagine you are Cervantes, writing the first
modern novel, and invent your own style because
you have to. Because nothing like it has gone
before.
Imagine the person at school who hated you most
in the world is going to read that story. George
W. Bush, write a story from the perspective
of Osama Bin Laden.
Make that person love the story.
Make that person cry and laugh, even as they
are trying to hate you.
Let the story off the lead and let it run around
and mess up the flowerbeds.
Read what you have written and if it makes you
feel embarrassed then you are halfway there.
Think of the saddest day of your life. A day
you couldn't have thought about picking up a
book, let alone reading one.
Write for you on that day. Write until you make
yourself laugh and cry on that day.
Be the arm around your shoulder in your darkest
hour.
Add a couple of deaths and the chance of redemption.
