How many of you have signed up for a writing class because you had a cool idea for a novel, but discovered you couldn’t get answers to simple questions? I have. I’ve taken lots of those novel writing courses, and I’ve never seen an instructor answer the following : How do I get the idea out of my head and onto the paper?
Answers I’ve heard ranged from ‘O well, just start writing’ to my favorite dodge: ‘Well, a story has a beginning, a middle and an end.” My response was to pick up my notebook and head for the registrar to get my money back.
So, what’s the answer to the question?
A) Usually an idea is floating about unformed, so you must try to describe it. It might look like this:
1) There are these people who live in a rural area and there aren’t many jobs. They want to improve their lives but everyone is moving away. They’ve been there a long time and don’t want to give up their family homesteads.
That’s really quite a lot. Maybe you don’t have that much. Maybe all you have is:
2) I want to write about how racism affects people’s ability to achieve their goals. Or,
3) I want to write a love story, you know, about people who are meant to be together.
Writing down that idea the way you hear it in your head is the best start. It isn’t meant to be the beginning of a book–just look at the idea. Usually an unformed idea has the look of a theme. War and peace, love and satisfaction, overcoming racism. Those are fine places to begin.
B) But what do I do now?
1) With the first idea my question would be, where did the idea come from? What have you seen, experienced or read that gave you the idea? Can you see any of it? If so, write down what you see. Or take a walk in that environment. What happens when you do?
Ok. I see huge areas of green pasture. Some houses and a few barns. There are some small clusters of tract homes; some are empty. O, there’s a little town. Some local busenesses are still there: gas station, small grocer etc, but everyone goes to the mall in the town ten miles away.
Do you see people? Describe them. Are any of them characters you want to write about?
2) In idea two, there is a large theme–racism. First, where does the story take place? Country, state, city–those are big factors. What races are involved? Do you have personal experience with this theme? Are you writing a story about people you know? What are the goals they want to achieve? Can you see the scenery or characters? Write them down.
3) Why do you want to write about love? Can you see your characters? Is this historical or modern? Do you think lovers are meant to be together? Why? Is there anything unique about people who are meant to be together? Do you know any? What kinds of obstacles might they face?
C) Now that you have some details, ask yourself if you are beginning to see more. If it’s a story (plot) direction, write it down. If a character is becoming clear–write! Get down as much as possible. Keep asking yourself more questions. What do my characters look like? Where do they come from? How will they react to adversity? What makes them different? Gestures? Appearance? Education?
As you summarize things, clarity often comes. Keep adding to what you know. Typically, there will come a moment when you see things–a small conversation, an opening sentence, a dramatic moment from somewhere in the middle of the story. Capture it in writing and store it in your 3 ring binder. This precess, given time and attention, will lead to your story.
C) I have summaries, outlines, characters, but I don’t know how to begin.
I can only think of two reasons why people who have a story idea written down don’t write.
1) They fear their words won’t come, won’t be good enough, won’t be sustained.
2) They haven’t dared to daydream.
Let’s take #2 first. Writing a story can only be technical in the planning stage. Fiction is all about emotion, so the writer must, at some point, daydream, must see and experience the characters as they go about the business of living out the story. The writer records the experiences in a way that allows the reader to experience them as well. Readers want emotional satisfaction. They want passion. So you must begin to look at the story in your mind. You must begin to discover your writer’s voice. Find a comfortable place and daydream. Record these daydreams.
Ok, what about fear? Some fears come from just plain living. Some fears come from having been criticized. Some fears come from having been criticized in the classroom.
Take courage. No matter what anyone else has said, you have a right to write–to tell your stories in your own way–to appreciate your own ability to communicate–to enjoy your inner fantasies, daydreams and drama. Recording them for your own enjoyment is enough.
Mark Twain said that if you want to become a writer, you must write write write. There is no other way. If at first the sentences are stiff, allow yourself to understand that fear is helping you to write. You must peel that critter off your pen. When you daydream, the stories are clear and words flow. Record those. Don’t try to sound like anyone or anything else. Record those scenes as they are, and allow yourself to enjoy that experience.
No one else needs to know or see. This is private stuff. Hide your writing. Protect it. Over time you will begin to capture your writers voice, and the words will tumble out easily. Just keep writing your story down. Don’t worry. If you want a few tips, read 9 Ways to Prevent Writers Block. It will help you avoid some of the traps writers fall into.
Fear is the biggest wall new writers face. Jump over it! Write!
{ 0 comments }
Get Down To Business