to begin to write; to begin writing
to begin to draw; to begin drawing; to begin painting
締め切りが近づき、慌てて論文を書き始めた。
With the deadline approaching, I hurriedly began writing the paper.
彼女は十五歳で小説を書き始めている。
She has been writing novels since age fifteen.
手紙を書き始めたものの、うまく言葉が見つからなかった。
I started writing the letter, but couldn't find the right words.