posted
Ok, so I've got a brand new idea to work on, but the problem is since I've never wrote anything, where do I start? I'd appreciate any seggustions! I do read David W's Daily Kick in the pants so I have some general idea, but I'm still very nervous. Guess I've got starters jitters or something. I need to be brainstorming, but how do I know when I've got enough to get started? How should i be taking notes? And where and what should I start writing with? How and when should I begin to get to know and understand my characters?
Posts: 61 | Registered: Nov 2007
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posted
I try to find the character's voice and the inciting moment when he/she/it becomes immersed in the story.
conflict? tension?
start writing a few hundred words...see where it takes you.
You might also check writing class forum. Kathleen has three topics with three stages. She is very helpful about nudging you in the right direction also.
posted
You should start your story at the moment when everything changed. If your main character's world is not shaken by the opening scene then you've probably picked the wrong scene.
Posts: 976 | Registered: May 2001
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posted
Dave's Kick in the Pants is great but probably more aimed at writers who have been doning it for a while--not that you wouldn't get some out of it. I would suggest Card's How To Write Science Fiction and Fantasy.
Then the parts that you can see clearly, just sit down and write. It won't be perfect, but so what? That's what editing is all about. Don't go back and edit right away though. Resist the urge. That's a trap. I once knew a want-to-be writer who spent years writing and re-writing the same chapter over and over.
Just keep going. You'll learn as you go. It's a good idea to find a critique group either on-line of locally. You learn by both having your work critiqued and critiquing others.
posted
I had a class where they taught you to freewrite. Just sit down and start writing what ever comes into your mind. Only do it for about 10 minutes or so, then look back and see what you have. Usually, there is something in there to start with, an idea, a thread, the beginnings of a plot.
I actually jot down unusual dreams and can get some useful ideas from that.
Many use outlines to put their thoughts in order--but be flexible when ideas appear that weren't in your original plan.
The best thing to do is to sit down and write. The help here is wonderful. Even if your 13 lines seem torn apart, remember that every comment can be a useful device for improvement.
Last thought: READ, READ, READ! The best wasy to learn how to write is to read well-written books. Read them for strucure and flow, etc. Take notes. (Yeah, sounds like a College course, huh?) Mimic the best and then find your own voice.
Gina
Added: A character outline helps me. Personality, quirks, flaws, background, struggles, occupation, age, etc. Get a picture of your character in your head then ask yourself what he or she would do in different situations. Let the character become a real person in your mind. If you went to a restaurant with them, how would they act? What would they eat? What would they say to a rude waiter?
I think there is a thread that was about character outlines. You can do a search, but I think it was recent.
[This message has been edited by stammsp (edited July 18, 2008).]
posted
Congratulations, Greenscreen! What an exciting place to be. Are you talking about a book or a short story?
How you start is something I think you'll have to play with a little. Everyone has their own process for just about every aspect of writing. Some people outline extensively. Some write massive amounts of back story and world details. Some just wing it. Most, I imagine, do a combination of the above.
You have your idea. You could brainstorm what your main conflict will be, how you envision ending it, what your characters are like, etc. Take notes any way you need to. There are a number of resources in books and on the web that suggest different ways. Find one that resonates with you. Don't be afraid to experiment. In early stages, especially, I suggest writing down everything and not dismissing things yet. Resist the urge to edit, and simply let yourself get lost in the creative process.
So, for now, the best way to start is, well, to just start. As one short story writer said, "Get black on white." Cause the only way the story is going to get written is by you putting words up on the screen, or on a sheet of paper or other writing material. So roll up those sleeves, sit your butt down, and get to it.
As for where, with what, and how you do that, well, I think that depends on the writers too. In need to be at a desk or table in my house. Some people can write anywhere, at parties, at cafes, etc. Again, experiment, and see what works for you. Listen to your instincts and respect them. They'll probably point you in the right direction. Tools: I do almost all my work on a computer (MS Word or Scrivener), but I have a notebook and pen handy, as well as all my character and world files so I can reference or add to them as necessary.
When do you know you're ready? You're ready now. It's going to be an ongoing process. As soon as you feel the urge, write. If you don't feel the urge, write anyway. Throw your character in a situation if you have to. Throw two of them together. The creative process will begin to build on itself. If you have an outline then start writing the first scene, or simply start at whatever scene strikes you and moves you. You will get to know your characters better as you write.
Don't be afraid because everything can, and probably will, get rewritten.
If you need more help with brainstorming and such, KDW, for the small price of a virtual chocolate bar, might be willing to give you invaluable insight. Post something in the Writing Class forum.
[This message has been edited by annepin (edited July 18, 2008).]
posted
For me I just start. I generally don't start writing unless I have the first scene in my head, and an idea of the ending. Then I sit down and give it a go on the computer. I allow myself a crude edit, becuase I do want it to be at least readable in case I need to go back a chapter to get motavted for the next.
I don't worry so much about the characters and all their motavtaions and such, as they seem to take on their lives as the story progresses. For me the first step is to write the book. Then when you edit you can figure where the characters went astray, or did they, maybe the story changed them and what you think is a mistake is their way of telling you, "hey I gotta grow, or even better regress."
Congrats on the idea, and good luck on the project. The best advice ever is simple "Write"
posted
Thankyou everyone for your advice and support! I'm kinda excited/nervous but I'm gona give it a go, the worse that could happen is that I have to start al over again (which considering in such a case I would have all the thoughts and notes from the previous try, wouldn't actually be a complete restart) I have one question left though. I am still unsure of which Format I want ot use to write this story. Some of the ideas I have would require research into things I know a little but not much about (or more specificly I know about some aspects bu not others) Should I go ahead and give it a go? Should I go to see if I can fit in one of my ideas, of course I should research the things I'm unsure of and decide but I'm a little unsure, what if my story evolves out of context for a particular format? The format ideas I have so far (actually I suppose I'm more reffering to setting) Historical Fiction (WWII), Alternative History (WWII) Fantasy/Alternate Reality (like elves with a bit more modern tech perhaps, or otherwise a made up planet with modern tech), Science Fiction Out there (like on another fictional planet with advanced tech) Science Fiction down here (after WWII?) I'm unsure of which I want to use. I guess I'll start writing notes and do a little WWII research, what do you think?
If I'm at all unclear I have a concept, a few characters, their relationship, and several ideas as to what they do in the story. I'm just trying to figure out when and where the story needs to take place.
You don't need to read all of it, but you should read what I say at the beginning. If you decide to try that, then you are welcome to post at the end of the topic, and I'll talk to you about what you've come up with.
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