Besides an outline of your basic idea and a character list and analysis, what other things can you do to round out and plan your story before writing it? My problem is, I have an idea, write an amazing first chapter, and then I'm left with nothing much, I can't seem to keep motivated or with new fresh ideas, what inspires you?
2007-10-05 08:49:12 · 4 answers · asked by Cassandra Elana 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
That is because you are not focusing on your secondary characters and backstories and subplots. Whenever you get stuck with your main plot, plug in some subplot and you will see how fast it gets you thinking again. Not just one thing is going on in a person's life. Many things are happening. Write about some of the other ones. Do some very detailed character studies. Flesh out your characters. You should know them as well as you know your best friends. You should know how they will react in situations. Once you know that, using subplots and backstories to advance your plot will help you tremendously. Pax - C
2007-10-05 09:01:12 · answer #1 · answered by Persiphone_Hellecat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In addition to what Persiphone said (all good advice), I find it a great help to make a timeline on a long sheet of paper.
Show everything happening to all of your characters, and go all the way back to the beginning of the backstory.
You can start with what you know, then add more later, or erase things that don't work and re-do parts of it.
I have one that covers decades of backstory, and, for the same book, another that covers days of the actual plot.
For complex chapters, I even make expanded timelines that show what's happening hour-by-hour.
It really is a great help for brainstorming the ideas for the plot and making sure all the action is realistic. That is, everything happens in the right sequence, at the right time, and for the right amount of time.
It's also good for considering a POV change, because you can see what all the characters are doing and where they are.
Best wishes.
James
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2007-10-05 17:26:12 · answer #2 · answered by james p 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
im only really good with short stories but i think i can give advice :)
well try to develop your chapters by writing down ideas and where it could go in one of those mind map things then cross out the options you dont like and broaden the ones that you do
good luck
2007-10-05 15:58:28 · answer #3 · answered by rose 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well when i'm trying to write a story i usually began with my ending..weird i know
or i just write random scenes that i know i will have in my story and then just put it all together.
but my advice is not to start your story in order...its too confusing and it doesnt turn out well
2007-10-05 15:59:52 · answer #4 · answered by Somebody 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋