Originality Help!

by Abe
(New York)

Thank you for this amazing, clear and free website.
The way you start off teaching composition is by making a diagram (line graph) of how we want our melody to go. My problem is, is that I cannot figure out where to start! I can’t get that melody into my head! Every time I try to compose something, I find myself using tunes from other songs and subconsciously weaving them together! I can’t get anything original! Please Help!!