Writing is one of my favorite things to do, and I like to get a good plan, but keep it spontaneous at the same time.1
If you're anything like me, I like to have a general idea about what's going to happen, one major point in the story or the "climax" as my English teachers call it. Once I have that figured out, I figure out how I'm going to lead up to that point by coming up with vague, basic ideas.2
Once I have my climax, and the points leading up to it (I guess that's called the "rising action"), I sit down and write the first few paragraphs, trying to make them as gripping as I can so that the reader doesn't start snoring before the action (or rising action, to be more specific) begins.3
Now, be sure you don't plan too specifically (when I do this, I tend to get bored while I'm writing). I like to keep myself guessing, and I find that when I don't excessively plan, the plot flows more smoothly. (Oh, I can put this here!) This method also works wonders for the dialogue.4
Plus, if you have your climax planned out first thing, you can add in little secretive bits (for instance, if someone is evil pretending to be good, and the reveal is your climax, you can add little hints in the beginning) to hint at what's to come. The best stories I've read on here have done this, and it makes it all that much more interesting.5
I'm sorry if this made no sense, I tend to just plan things extremely slowly, and get ideas at the most random of times (for instance, upon waking, or in the middle of class). Hopefully this helped; it's helped me so far.
Author notes
I realized that I am HORRIBLE at explaining things.
A contest entry
- A way to write a story. by Much Dipstick.
100 points, ended July 19, 2008, 5 entries
Bronze trophy winner
• next story in this contest, remove from contest
What do you think?
Comments
1 - 6 of 6
-
Hi
This is rather the method I've been using in the past and spontaneity is important, but I'm learning to better develop my major characters by using a character profile. I've also now started role playing with another writer, co-writing, and that has been coming along very well, especially with dialog.
Andy
-
-
You seriously commented on every entry in this contest.. very low.
-
-
A good writer is one that can give and take constructive criticism and any other comment thrown their way. Why is it bad to comment on every entry?
-
Hmm.
I try to offer a good comment about everything I read at Storywrite. I wasn't trying to be 'low'
. Hope you don't bear a grudge, I would like to enter.
Andy -
-
I don't think there's anything wrong with that. There was nothing low about what you said anyway, and yeah, I do those things too, come to think of it.
I have character profiles for the characters in my chapter story and they help me a lot when there are little things I can't remember, like birthdates or things like that.
-
-
-
-
Not bad.
Adding your comment:
1 - 6 of 6
