The Painful Process of Putting Pen to Paper

To write a story, you always need to start with an idea. Most people list ideas, plan out a map (similar to a comic book), or just take whatever comes in their head. This first part depends on how you like to work. Some writers plan out every detail of the story, while others can wake up in the middle of the night instaneously and have this nagging urge to write it down in the spur of the moment. For me, I am a little of both.1

Instead of going over all of the different ways to build a plotline, I am going to tell you my writing process. Bear with me, my brain is a very confusing anf complex place...I haven't even figured it out yet.2

Usually, I read a book, watch a movie, or listen to music. If I am reading a book or watching a movie or listening to a song, I visualize a scene I find very emotional. This can be funny, sad, gruesome, cheerful, or some other adjective. It is best to choose a scene that you can relate to. This can be due to past experiences, emotions you've had or whatever else. Then I try to put myself in the situation and see the surrounding through my own eyes. The writing gets much more personal and honest if you can put a little of yourself into the actual story. This causes your readers to relate to the writing too, which is always a plus. 3

After that, I start asking questions. 4

The five W's5

Who are these people?
What are they doing?
Where are they?
Why are they doing what they are doing?6

and most importantly:7

HOW did they get there?8

I know the hardest part to answer is the last question, but it is the most crucial. Again, I try to make the plotline a little more personal. I think about how I might've gotten into the situation.9

Was I quick tempered and now in a fight?
Did I stay silent too long and now a gang is after me?
Did I lie and now the truth is coming back to haunt me?10

These kind of questions depend on the scene, but are applicable to any type of writing. 11

If you do not do this, you would have to depend on your own imagination. Not to insult anyone, but I know it is hard for some people to come up with ideas on their own. We all need a little help sometimes. 12

Afterwards, I focus on the writing style I want to use. 13

Is it a folktale where everything is simple and the message is clear?
Is it an essay where I have to sound professional to impress someone?
Is it a fast-tempoed  action story where you have to keep the reader on their seat?
Is it a dreary mystery novel where suspense is always present?14

When you write, you need to keep in mind the genre you are writing, the target audience, and of course, the mood you want the story to have. This will give you an idea of how descriptive to be and how complex you want the word choice to be. 15

To describe, you need a big vocabulary. Even if you do not have a big vocabulary, I would just sit back and let the words come to you. When I write, I hardly use a thesaurus. Using one is not a bad thing, but chances are if you can't pronounce it or have never heard of it before, it is not the right word. Make it understandable to to you AND the audience. 16

The same does not go for the dictionary. It is always handy to have the help of Mr. Webster; no matter what you are writing.