10-21-2005, 07:29 AM
I haven't written a lot yet (only one so far, with another one in the works), but what I find really helps is to come up with a concept FIRST, and then figure out how you develop it, rather than just starting to write out of the blue.
That's the tricky part, but also the most important. If you can't figure out a way for your characters to get together, then your story isn't really going to seem like it goes anywhere.
I came up for the idea for my first one when I was cutting up vegetables at work (pretty random, I think I was cutting cucumbers) and I just ruminated on it, thinking about how I could develop it further. In the end, I think my story ended up being maybe a little too long (it's about 5000 words), but I think it turned out well.
If you're having trouble developing an idea, don't force it to develop. Be patient. It's just like giving birth; the baby comes when it's ready to, and your ideas will come exactly the same way. Just keep your mind open, and eventually a good idea will float in. Just make sure you're paying attention when it happens so you can remember it!
That's the tricky part, but also the most important. If you can't figure out a way for your characters to get together, then your story isn't really going to seem like it goes anywhere.
I came up for the idea for my first one when I was cutting up vegetables at work (pretty random, I think I was cutting cucumbers) and I just ruminated on it, thinking about how I could develop it further. In the end, I think my story ended up being maybe a little too long (it's about 5000 words), but I think it turned out well.
If you're having trouble developing an idea, don't force it to develop. Be patient. It's just like giving birth; the baby comes when it's ready to, and your ideas will come exactly the same way. Just keep your mind open, and eventually a good idea will float in. Just make sure you're paying attention when it happens so you can remember it!