Hatrack River Writers Workshop: Where to begin?

my profile login | search | faq | forum home

»	Hatrack River Writers Workshop » Forums » Open Discussions About Writing » Where to begin?

Author

Topic: Where to begin?

franc li
Member
Member # 3850

posted

I'm trying to decide where to begin my next rewrite of my novel. The novel is "about" the problem of authentic religious experience for a person with mental illness.
My first version started with me going to a therapist about leaving the church when I was 18.
My second version was near the same time period, but precipitated by one of my professors killing himself.
Another starting point that has been suggested is an in medias res depiction of my psychotic break at 22.
Most recently I was thinking of it starting with me as a 4 year-old, praying about something that was bothering me.

Posts: 366 | Registered: Sep 2006 | IP: Logged |

franc li
Member
Member # 3850

posted

Actually, I eliminated two beginnings just in the process of putting together fragments for F&F.

Posts: 366 | Registered: Sep 2006 | IP: Logged |

wbriggs
Member
Member # 2267

posted

So, to rephrase what the story's about:

Are you exploring a milieu? Not.
Are you exploring a question (idea story)? Not, I think.
Is it a character story? Is MC looking for a new role in life?
Or is it an event story -- something happens to disturb the universe (psychotic break, e.g.)?

According to OSC's Characters & Viewpoint, character stories start with the intent to change role, and end either with the change or the decision to not change.

Event stories start with the disturbance, and end with a new equilibrium.

This might help you decide where the story should start.

Posts: 2830 | Registered: Dec 2004 | IP: Logged |

Printer-friendly view of this topic

Hop To:

Contact Us | Hatrack River Home Page

Copyright © 2008 Hatrack River Enterprises Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Powered by Infopop Corporation
UBB.classic™ 6.7.2