Writing Suggestions

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When I write, unless I am co-writing, I generally have a relatively simple storyline in my mind. As the story develops, so does the plot. However, I'm changing my style of writing in many ways. Trying to improve.2

Having a well thought out storyline is not necessarily a bad thing, as long as I am not bound by it. I believe that spontaneity adds life to a story. In a story, the first few paragraphs usually set the mood. Often I will begin with dialog and introduce my characters in that fashion. The setting is also important to the mood. I like to play with that. For example, I might begin a dark story with a nice Spring afternoon. That tends to throw the reader off, unless they are accustomed to my dark stories. 3

I think it is wonderful to entwine humor in a serious story, though this I am not particularly good at doing. I have a couple of successful examples. Unfortunately, in my dark writes I tend to fall into a pattern and they become formula stories. I usually write stories in which the villain triumphs because they are less common, though in my case, more common. It is good to come up with the unexpected, unexpected failures or accidental successes. Flawed characters are also good. Too many characters are predictable.4

Knowing where your story is going is great, but it is brilliant if your reader doesn't know. The element of surprise is a gift. Twists in a story make it more enjoyable. That is one of the reasons I feel spontaneity is so important. It keeps me open to unplanned ideas. The feeling of spontaneity can be planned, but it's difficult. 5

So, as for a storyline, I suggest a general direction with a hope for delicious distractions.6

Characters are a different matter. Your key characters should be well thought out and have specific traits so that they are not stereotyped, unless of course that is the goal. For this you can develop profiles and try to place yourself in each character as you write their parts. Your characters should act and think differently. This is something I'm definitely trying to improve on myself. What follows is an example using a suggested character outline provided by Escape-ism.com. This profile is for a novel. Escape-ism.com is a site recommended by tallblondie.7

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1.First and Middle Name: Walker Murry
2.Last Name: Crosby
3.Age: 48
4.Gender: Male
5.Nationality: Third generation American. Born in Bronx, New York. European Ancestry.
6.Bodily Appearance: 6'1”, 220 pounds, Solid Build, Healthy, Dark Hair, Deep Blue Eyes, Hairy Chest.
7.Origin. Born in the Bronx, New York, 6-11-08, Parents alive and living in Orlando, Florida. Grew up in street gangs, petty crimes and graduated into making hits for the Gambino family. Separated himself from the family and went independent with the Swiss international crime syndicate. Attended the University of Texas at Arlington where he met his wife, Nancy Ann Jordan. His major, Business Administration in which he acquired his Masters.
8.Love Interests: Loves his children dearly, Patricia Ann – 14 and Michael Ray – 17. No longer in love with his wife, Nancy. Has a girlfriend of three years, Marcie – 25, from France. He loves her, but she's a paid mistress. He never intends anything beyond a long term relationship with her as his mistress.
9.Likes and dislikes. Likes Coke, Dr Pepper, and an occasional beer. Likes to smoke, but limits himself to five or less a day. Prefers Salem. Enjoys sex. For his age, he is quite active sexually. When away from home, he uses escort services. He likes people to be straight with him. He has no appreciation for weak.
10. Virtues: He has his own code of ethics. He is very honest in his way. Dependable. He is loyal.
11. Vices: He does not consider his pleasures or ways vices. In his view he has no vices.
12. Ambitions and Desires: The accumulation of wealth and toys. Sexual gratification.
13. Conflict: Sometimes has a conflict between honor, loyalty, and duty.
14. Vocation/Calling: Independent hitman – high-paid contracts generally. Been killing for more than twenty years. Graduating to the international killing market and assassinations. Self taught expert in hand to hand combat. Marksman with rifle and pistol. Familiar with many ways of killing including poisons and explosives. Owes a chain of Burger King franchises. Five in different cities. Resides in Newport, Rhode Island. He has significant holdings in a shell company recently opened, South Sea Investments.
15. Additional Notes: Has a small mansion in Newport, a sailing yacht with diesel engine, a cherry red Rolls Royce convertible. He likes to flaunt his legitimate money and power. Wife is estranged, but they stay together for the kids.9

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This profile will give you an idea of what I mean. For a short story, the profile would likely be less in depth.11

Planning settings and scenes is fine, but when your characters interact, try to step inside their shoes and view things from their perspectives.12

As to the ending, if possible, let it be a surprise.13