Inspiring author?

Question

Well I have this great idea for a story.. Its a teen story that girls can relate to but the main character takes it to the extreem.. (its about unrequetted love sort of) anyways I've tried starting it three times but I just cant get it to go the way I want. Should I start an outline and write based on the outline? I already can picture all the characters and the setting but I just can't seem to write the prolouge and the beginning.

Thanks.. I know that the prolouge happends 5 years before the a huge event happens.. It shows you why she became upset.. and the whole meaning of it. I have a 5 hour trip tomorrow so I'll put on my ipod and hopefully by the end I will have an outline and my characters formed.

Answer 1

NO - you should start with an outline and then go on to very detailed character studies. You cannot write about people until you truly know who they are. That is your problem. That is your homework - the prep you do before writing. That will not only help you flesh out your characters, it will help you with backstories and subplots. Once that is done, research any information you need to know. Then work on the setting. Make sure it is very clear in your mind. THEN try writing the beginning of the story. It should be a lot easier once you know your characters and understand how they will behave in certain situations. Pax- C

Answer 2

If you think outlining will help you, give it a try. Usually, if you can't think of a beginning for your story, outlining won't help much -- you still have to decide where to start to begin your outline. If you have some idea of where the story will go eventually, start writing the part of the story that you do have figured out. Either you will think of a beginning later, or you will find that you have started at just the right point. If you try this, but still can't seem to get started, create an 'artificial' beginning that you can erase later if you want. For example, start with a dialogue between two of your characters. Think of an argument or a discussion they might have based on their personalities. The hardest part of writing is getting yourself going in the first place--do everything necessary. Good luck with your writing. By the way, the response below me-- YAWN -- she is giving you great advice if that is your style. Knowing characters is important. However, some people find that they are more productive if they get down to writing. If your characters and plot are thin, that's what second drafts are for. It all depends on what approach best suits you.

Answer 3

First of all free write without a computer, sit down and write whatever comes to your mind for ten minutes without pausing or editting even if it makes no sense whatsoever.

Secondly, most good authors never start a book with a fully outlined plot. Eudora Welty said "you haven't really written unless you've surprised youself." Plus I think its not very interesting for the author if everything is planned out in advance. Just start the book, you'll be fine.

If you get some writers block try friends, art or wine.

Answer 4

Start by doing an outline. Even though I was sure about what I wanted to write about, it still was a great thing to have just to look at every so often. Then, make characters. Then just erite. Even if the story doesn't feel natural, just keep writing, and edit later. Good luck!

Answer 5

It good to hear someone else is having this same problem I am,one thing i've just started is carring a tape recorder so if I get any ideas while im in the car or dont have apen and paper I record my thought,and practice on what sounds real if dont erase and move on

Answer 6

No to the outline just write the first good idea that comes to you.

Answer 7

I understand, I have the same problem... But thats what you probly should do, make a story plot, list the main things in the story, then the minor things, events that are going to happen, things like that...

Answer 8

outline.
and DONT WORRY.
thousands of authors took years just to write 2 chapters.
sounds good [:
i have feeling ill see your books when ill gazing through barnes & noble [:

Answer 9

you have your characters...add one more ...yourself...live through your story and slowly develop it....close your eyes and picture the plot....feel it...love through it...hate through it...humor it...fear it....ride on a slow train with it...Good Luck...