Story writing tips?

Question

I am writing a story that seems to be turning into a soap opera! Anyways, I need some tips to continue writing. I, of course, remember the relationships between characters, but my friends read it and say "Who is _____ again?" How do I keep them from forgetting without repeating it over and over again?

Answer 1

I find it helps if I write down the names of my characters on note cards. One character per card with the name and other critical information.

Then as you write your story, you will be able to go back through and read it with a more critical, objective eye. (Though I'm sure most writers are critical of their works; I'm not as confident that we can be objective.)

The key is to find a good friend or mentor whose critique you value and trust.

To keep your readers from forgetting the characters, the setting and duologue and symbolism must be fresh, original and excruciatingly readable.

Answer 2

I gather you have a rather large cast of characters. That's probably why people have trouble 'keeping score.

First, think of it practically. Make sure you give each person a distinctive name. If you use physical descriptions, make thoose distinctive, too. If you're writing about a family dynasty, with a lot of 'Juniors", and "Seniors" make sure that you give them each distinctive personalities.

Ask yourself honestly, of the necessity of each character. You may be making different aspects of a person's character into different characters.

You've probably been asked this a lot, but do you really KNOW what you're writing about? Familiarity with the subject, time, place,and character types, will make your story more realistic, interesting, and easy to follow.

Try asking your friends why they forget characters? It could be as simple as the names, the characters could be too similar to each other, too shallow...since you've already decided to ask other people's opinions, go all out; ask them to be brutally honest. Try asking about the aspects I've brought up, and those you may be concerned with, already.
try and decide what audience would be most likely to want to read your story, and focus mostly on them.

Except for mechanical aspects (grammar, spelling, info on the time and place you're writing about), don't ask an expert-unless you're almost ready to throw in the towel! They may mean well, but would probably end up either discouraging you, or taking over the writing themselves.
Since you've already started writing, and committed yourself to the story, that's exactly what you don't need.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Start off with an interesting beginning. Slowly weave in action, plot and character development. Have an idea where you're going with it and what the theme is. .

Answer 4

For one, you might need to keep the main characters simple and few. How many characters do you have? If they are as many as are on the show "LOST", then you might have to do a lot of flashbacks to keep people clued into who they are. Just one idea.