1. Creating an idea for your story.
As I've mentioned in previous blog posts, carrying a writers notebook is an essential part of being a writer. More often than not, stories that I have written have originated from something in my writers notebook. Write anything down that interests you: something you hear, see, touch. Something that grabs your attention slightly or intensely. Writing down overheard conversations is a good way to spark inspiration, especially quaint phrases or pet names you hear.
Alternatively, brainstorming is a quick way to expand on an idea you have.
2. Planning your story.
Planning is critical in securing a smooth transitions between sections of your story and will stop you rambling. Follow these six guidelines and stick to these sections, your plan can be as detailed or brief as you like.
- Introduction
- Beginning of action
- Rising action
- Climax
- Decline in action
- Resolution
A lot of people like to start writing their story with the ending, even if it's only the penultimate line or stanza so they have something to write up to. You could even start in the midst of the action, it's down to what works best for you.
CHARACTERS
Characters are the glue that holds your story together so it's worth investing time in planning or creating them properly.
1. Creating a character profile.
I am fairly new to these method of planning however it has become essential to me in the process of writing. First, imagine your character in your head (this might not come to you straight away) and begin to ask these basic questions (also write this list down in your writer's notebook so you don't forget).
What is their name?
Are they male or female?
How old are they?
How do they dress?
Do they have any unique character traits?
Describe 3 things about their appearance.
Do they have family?
Who is their best friend?
Where are they from?
Where do they work? Do they enjoy their job?
As you complete these basic questions and begin to build a clear image of your character in your mind, you can move onto the more personal and intricate details about them.
What is their deepest secret?
What is the worst thing they have ever done?
What were their motives?
Do they regret/praise their own actions?
What do they want most right now?
What's stopping them? What's driving them?
What use will it be to them?
Will they commit a crime to get what they want?
Are they essentially good or bad people?
What is their biggest downfall?
Can it be changed?
2. Get to know your character.
To make your story realistic to the audience, you need to be able to believe in your character and also connect with them. If you don't really know who you're writing about how are the audience supposed to grasp it?
To combat this error, refer back to your character profile daily and write a few sentences involving your character. It doesn't have to be overly descriptive or well thought out, just jot something down each day, as soon as you wake up or right before bed (it sometimes help to keep your notebook at your bedside so you don't forget to interact with it).
i.e. - 'She looked down on him on the patio from her bedroom window. Her gaze was that of disgust. Lighting that soggy cigarette up reminded her of the time she would go to the warehouse with the boys and blaze up a spliff on the damp stolen sofa'.
A few sentences every day is all you need to refresh your character in your mind and also think of new possibilities for their fictional life. Remember, a character doesn't have to be made up entirely, a lot of writers like to take the semi-autobiographical approach to their characters i.e. - Scout in To Kill A Mockingbird was based on a young Harper Lee.
SIZE MATTERS
1. One of the most if not the most important thing to consider when writing is how concise your writing is. If you can say it in one word instead of three, then do it. Remember that each sentence should be moving the plot along smoothly, if a sentence isn't contributing to the plot or our understanding of the story at all then get rid of it. You may argue that Charles Dickens was notorious for indulging in the sin of waffling and still became one of the greatest novelists in the history of literature but contemporary writing you'll find is straight forward and to the point.
ENJOY IT
The most important thing to remember is that your story doesn't have to be conventional in any way. That's the best part about writing - you can make it anything you want it to be. If there's a place you really want to visit, then write about it. Or how about creating your own fictional world where things would work exactly how you'd like them too or people dress the way you wish you could or the way you already dress - Harry Potter is a good example of this. The possibilities are endless so take your opportunity now to create something memorable and something you can be proud of.
Happy writing!
