How to Start Writing an Interesting Story
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at fictional writing, but
realized you don't know where to begin? Here's a guide to help you
through the first steps.
Step 1:
Decide on a plot that interests *you*. You could have the most amazing
idea in the world, but unless you feel like it's that, it won't be any
good. To get yourself started, write (or type) down some key words
that bring vivid pictures to your mind. If you can't think of
anything, you can start broadly and work your way down. Just start
with anything that you find intriguing.(Ex: key words - secrets,
darkness, romance. Secrets ... family secrets, such as... history of
insanity. Darkness... a closet... or a basement... or an attic. An
attic. Romance... young love... forbidden young love...) Usually, if
you follow this thought pattern long enough, you'll find something
interesting. This process always works for me.
Step 2:
After you have a plot, or at least an idea of one, develop characters
you can be passionate about. Perhaps you can base them off of people
you know (I don't find this works well for me, but go with what you're
comfortable with). Get a base idea of the number, gender and age of
characters you want, and go from there. What does the character look
like? What are they passionate about? Who do they love? What drives
them? What are their fears? Work from the inside (Qualities,
struggles, secrets...) to the out (hair color, birthmarks, eye color)
or visa versa. Do what you are comfortable with.
Step 3:
Write your character profiles. You can write them in great detail or
very simply, depending on what you find works best for you. You'll
want to be sure to include the character's age, name, and at least a
brief description of them. Something that might help would be
including someone the character reminds you of, or that you would like
them to take after. This could be another fictional character, a
celebrity, a friend, anyone.
Step 4:
Write a detailed storyline. Include a point by point (or chapter by
chapter) base. Make it believable yet interesting, and don't let it
get too predictable.
Step 5:
Start writing. This is often the hardest step, but one way that can
help you get started is to not start at the beginning, as odd as that
may sound. Start right in the middle of the action, in a scene where
the story that you imagined has already started and write the
beginning later (You may find that a 'beginning' is not even truly
necessary to the story, depending on the type of plot you've written).
The main key is to just have fun, and make sure you like it.
More about writing at http://viewmywriting.blogspot.com
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