Where to begin with a story?

Question

I have a fabulous idea, but I'm totally stuck on how to start.

Main chars: Kate and Zandy (girl and guy) who have been best friends since either of them can remember. I have a lot of the middle and end in my mind, but the beginning is hard, you know. Please help!

Answer 1

That sounds like a good place,

"Kate and Zandy, best friends as long as either could remember, . . . "

Then how did they grow up, what did they do, examples of thier friendship early on, what they are doing now, preview of struggle in the middle, etc

I'm writing a story myself and am also stuck as to which direction to start in, I have lots of ideas but its like a jig-saw puzzle, trying to see how it will fit together to make the picture I want

Answer 2

If you haven't read them yet, check out these books for help in your writing:

1) "On Writing Well" by William Zinsser-- This is an excellent reference for any kind of writing. It will make your emails, essays, stories, and other writing clearer. I recommend this to everyone who wants to improve their writing skills.

2) "Bird By Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life" by Anne Lamott-- This is slightly more geared towards fiction writing, but can be helpful when you are attacking ANY large project in your life. Definitely a must for creative writers, students, or people who are looking for an entertaining book on writing.

3) "Writing Down the Bones" by Natalie Goldberg. You didn't mention if you want to improve your writing for school, work, or if you are a creative writer. This definitely targets creative writing, and focuses on the practice of writing. I write a lot of poetry and am working on a novel, and this is incredibly motivational to me.

These will really help you get into the practice of creative writing. Like any other skill, it's something you need to work on every day to improve. Read as much as possible in the genres that you are interested in writing. This will allow you to see how those stories work as well as to see what has already been done.

Check out the website http://www.nanowrimo.org for a great novel-writing challenge! The idea is to write 50,000 words in the month of November. It's a tough goal, but the support is amazing. I think it is very important to have a support group of writers when you are attempting a novel.

Another great site is http://www.hollylisle.com/fm/ which has a ton of resources and articles to help you every step of the way. If you are stuck on just about anything, Holly Lisle has something there to help.

If the beginning is hard, start writing in the middle! Or even write the ending first! No one ever said that you had to write the book the way it is meant to be read. If there are any scenes that you know how to write, start there. It could give you the motivation you need to continue.

Good luck and happy writing!

Answer 3

There are three main places in a story to start: the beginning, the end, or somewhere in between. With the type of story you describe, you might want to start at the beginning.

Here are some words of wisdom from John Irving:

The purpose of the first sentence is to induce the reader into reading the second sentence. The purpose of the first paragraph is to induce the reader into reading the second paragraph.

(The wording might be slightly off, but that's the idea.)

It seemed awfully mercenary when I first heard it, but when you think about it, it does make sense. So the bottom line is -- start the story at a point where there is something interesting going on so you can get readers involved enough to continue.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Zandy and Kate both meet other people and fall in love. They slowly grow apart. But what Kate doesnt know is that Zandy is leading a double life. He is on the down low.

Answer 5

Standard literary convention says you should start in the middle where the action is highest or near to a high peak and work your story from there, weaving in background as you go. In other words your middle is really your beginning and you write toward a new middle that is more dramatic than it would be otherwise. Enjoy your writing.

Answer 6

I think that it's wonderful that you are asking this question. It's one that every writer I know (beginners all) asks. And of course we all spend $$$ on writer's magazines and books to find answers to this in their many articles that cover the "how to's". I sometimes start like I am writing something truthful (as it is YOUR truth) to a favorite Grandmother or someone who would appreciate the long letter. Just let it flow. Like "Dear Grans, You'll never believe this..."
Sometimes that actually works. And I agree with the answer you got about starting in the middle or elsewhere. You'll do great! Just believe in yourself and keep writing Gran! :-)

Answer 7

Start with a hint of the most interesting part of the story. Describe the atmosphere as to where and how you met them and give a clue as to why a reader should follow on to find the resolution. Use humor or irony in your opening paragraph, the rest of the story will flow from there.

Answer 8

How old are they now? How have they become at this age? Where will they end up? That is such a tough question because you would have to give away more of your story.

I can see both of them :

1) sitting at tjhe bar at the neighborhood microbrewery

2) getting massages, lying beside each other at a spa, or getting anal bleachings (gross!), or getting nails done. So, he could be straight or gay...it's your book.

3) driving to: the abortion clinic, grocery store, tennis court, etc.

4) On the DC Metro headed to see July 4th fireworks; or returning home

5) Watching Oprah and talking about the show as it relates to their life

6) Shopping at Home Depot for supplies to fix up one of their homes

7) Chatting on internet

8) Racing motorcycles

9) At the funeral of one of their spouses

10) Phone call in the middle of the night because one of them can't sleep due to...?

Answer 9

Hi Coffay,
You have answered your own
question! Some great writers
start at the middle, go to the
beginning and then to the end,
or turn it around.
In other words, you have three
main components here
1. The beginning
2. The middle (core)
3. The ending
You may play with 1,2,3 as you
wish, as long as you maintain
the 'story line' clean......
Just start writing with whichever
part comes first, and then it
will begin to flow! You will know
what order to place them in.
Go for it and let us know when
you publish!

Answer 10

Sit down and leave the very begining till later. Start with the middle. Or if possible just sit down write and don't think about what your writing. It may come out.