I want to write a story and I need some help?

Question

Basically, I have the inspiration and the ideas and I love plotting my script, taking much pleasure in moulding it into shape. But I lack the resolution and determination to finish the manuscript. I get to the third or fourth chapter and I simply falter. I need help and encouragement. Because I have loads of unfinished stories in my drawer and I simply lack determination. Any ideas. Or encouragements?

I decided to add this quick before more people answer.
I do have a backbone and I feel much for my characters. Character-making is what I am fond of. But my problem is, for months I melt in a set of characters and I relive them in my memory. After few months they satisfy my needs. Yet that's too soon! I haven't written it down yet!

Answer 1

wrtiet the last chapter first.

Answer 2

The best way to write a story is ask yourself what you want to achieve. What the poster above said about writing the last chapter first isn't far wrong.

You need to know in what direction your story is going, and how it is going to resolve itself. That way, you can steer the story in that direction.

I would say the reason you keep faltering at the fourth chapter is either because you haven't determined where the story is heading, making the story to complicated or are trying to stretch what should be a short story out into a full multi-chapter story.

Either way, the best way to move on is to sit down with your stories and a blank piece of paper. Write down what you are trying to achieve with your stories, determine whether you are making the stories too complicated, involved or too long and work from there.

Sketching out the basic flow of the story as a flow chart can also help.

Above all, don't give up!

Good luck!!

Answer 3

Many fiction writers outline their stories before they even start writing. Would it help for you to create an outline now, when you've already fleshed out your characters but just need direction, for both you and them?

Contrary to what some of the other people here have written (and this is not to denigrate their advice in any way), I find that if I talk about my story, characters, plot, or action at all, I sort of wear out the desire to put it on paper. I somehow lose the urgency to get it out of me. So I talk about my writing as little as possible, and then only in a very general way.

I think (she stated with perfect certainty) you should dig deeply into your story drawer, find the oldest one that still interests you, and dive in. Don't talk about it, don't think about it, just do it. Who cares what happens? That's what rewrites are for. But don't try to rewrite as you go. After you finish it, stick it back in your drawer and let it marinate for a month or so. Then pull it back out and see what you've got.

My mother is a quilter, and she's pretty d*mned good at it. The quilters' motto is, "Finished, not perfect." Another is, "If you can't see it from a speeding horse...." (talking about mistakes).

Finish it first. Worry about perfect later, and I think your determination and resolution will show their faces.

Feel free to email me if you'd like some ongoing pats on the back or kicks on the tush.

Answer 4

Well, usually, authors make an outline for their story so they have the basic gist of what they are going to write about.

Also, I had that same problem; not finishing a story that I already started. But, what helped me was that some of my friends like writing too, so all I did was ask ideas for what I could improve on or plot suggestions--they give you comments that make you want to drive the story further, to hear more of their comments

I'm pretty sure if you were determined enough, then you could finish a story easily.

Not sure if this would help, but good luck on your story anyways.
-AMB

Answer 5

As you are stuck, why not make it easier on yourself and create a series of short stories built on your characters? You have ideas but seem to lack the impetus to complete a novel.
There is nothing wrong with using your imagination to write short stories. They are easier to sell, and if you have enough, they can be assembled into a book.
Once you have learned the craft of shorter fiction, you could try a novella and then a novel. I don't mean to discourage you from writing a novel if that is you true desire.
I have learned that I can only write poetry, and I am content with that.

Answer 6

I know what you mean I used to have that problem. What you have to do really is let the characters live the story in your mind until you are happy with every tiny detail, only then will you be able to write it down. This is just how some writers work and its just as good as other ways and generally requires less editing.
Good luck with writing!!

Answer 7

First off, disregard everything the first guy said. He's got no game. Go back to the drawer. Get out one of the oldest ones. Go over the dialog and edit away. Next, tell your story. Tell it to anyone who will listen. This is not for input, but for practice. The more familiar you become with it, the easier it will be for you to grow and mature your characters.

I just write them down the way I tell them. I've been published several times. Essays, Columns, Song Lyrics...no book yet...my drawer is overflowing too.

Answer 8

Your problem is a simple one. Your characters arent fleshed out enough to be interesting to you and as a result, you arent able to create interesting backstories and subplots. What you need is some very strong character studies along with an outline. It helps to use one color ink for the main plot and a different color for each backstory and subplot so you can move things around. The more you know about your characters, the more you will know who likes who, who hates who etc. That is how you create your backstories -- how people's lives rub against each others. You should get to the point where you know your characters so well that you know whether they brush their teeth up and down or across and if they wear briefs or boxers. The more interesting the story is to you - the more interesting it will be to readers. If your interest dies out after four chapters, so will theirs. Go back to the drawer and take out a couple stories and try reworking them. Pax - C

Answer 9

You may be doing to much thinking before you get to the writing part. Maybe you should try the Frankenstein approach. Instead of doing your worldbuilding before you write, write scenes that describe your characters. Write scenes that describe the conflicts. It will look rather schizophrenic, but then you stitch all the scenes together into a story.

Answer 10

Don't try to write 'Gone With The Wind' the first time out. Finish the story and get the critique later. You will drive yourself to madness if you don't just go for it and see what people think. The last thing you ever want to do is die thinking, " I woulda, coulda, shoulda."

Answer 11

If I were you I would get a notebook and write down a list of everything about each character and their roles in the story. Make them interesting to you. It seems to me you need to make your characters have more substance. Also, writing scenes as they come to you also helps; you can plug them in later. Good Luck!