You say that you have an idea for a book, with the start figured out. But you are struggling with the middle and end. Here is the best advice I can give you, based on two failed attempts.
1. Don’t make an outline (Unless it is non-fiction.) The most spontaneous work is usually the best, just look at your literacy essay.
2. Start writing. When I started I knew who the characters were, why they are taking the paths that they are. But I didn’t know the finer details. I am not suggesting you just free write, and put down whatever pops into your head, even if it doesn’t work with the story. I am saying that while writing you tend to find where you are going along the way.
For example: Yesterday I was working on a long conversation leading up to a big scene. The characters have been through so much up till that point, I tried to kill them off a few times, that the started to walk to the danger thinking of all the crazy/funny things they could be facing. One even suggested evil bunnies.
What I am trying to say is if you start, you will figure out a middle when you get to it. The story will change and go on different paths you never saw coming, so don’t try to guess what they will be. Just start.
cool, i will do bath of those, i really have to get back into the details. thanks for the encouragement. that’s really a cool strategy, just let it play itself out. thanks again.
September 14, 2008 at 1:20 am
This is boring. Tell me something interesting.
September 16, 2008 at 9:48 pm
I agree, who is the real you?
September 17, 2008 at 3:59 am
You say that you have an idea for a book, with the start figured out. But you are struggling with the middle and end. Here is the best advice I can give you, based on two failed attempts.
1. Don’t make an outline (Unless it is non-fiction.) The most spontaneous work is usually the best, just look at your literacy essay.
2. Start writing. When I started I knew who the characters were, why they are taking the paths that they are. But I didn’t know the finer details. I am not suggesting you just free write, and put down whatever pops into your head, even if it doesn’t work with the story. I am saying that while writing you tend to find where you are going along the way.
For example: Yesterday I was working on a long conversation leading up to a big scene. The characters have been through so much up till that point, I tried to kill them off a few times, that the started to walk to the danger thinking of all the crazy/funny things they could be facing. One even suggested evil bunnies.
What I am trying to say is if you start, you will figure out a middle when you get to it. The story will change and go on different paths you never saw coming, so don’t try to guess what they will be. Just start.
September 20, 2008 at 6:13 am
cool, i will do bath of those, i really have to get back into the details. thanks for the encouragement. that’s really a cool strategy, just let it play itself out. thanks again.