I have this issue you see. I can't write long stories. I can never get passed that 1.5 page marker usually. I think I have written ONE piece that was three pieces long, but it was a silly piece for a friend. The only other thing that topped that was my NaNoWriMo piece which was 32k words and wasn't a legit NaNo piece because I wrote about my life.
I was wondering, how do you guys do it? Do you guys sit back and plot your entire story out? Do you use those note card things, write down your ideas arrange them around and go from there? Or are you those awesome people that just sit down and write? Tell me how do you do it? Do you have any hints you'd like to share, if so please tell me!
Personally I usually get a bit of an idea in my head and just run as fast as I can with it before I lose steam. I really need to work on forming more of a plot idea in my head and then going there. I was talking to Joe or as you might know him on deviantART.com as TimeTravelerJoe, he says that you really have to get inside your characters head and make them go through hell, but first, you have to define hell. I really think I need to work on that! I think that's great advice.
So, if you have anything to share on how to keep going, or how to make your idea run it's full course, please let me know!
~Nicole
I think the trick is finding the right balance. I usually like to do some character development before I jump into the story, at least on the main characters. Then just plot out where the story starts, what are a few of the major plot points...not even knowing how it ends. I think I always start with an idea and characters...because if I enjoy my characters I am more likely to write about them doing interesting things and actually enjoy writing my project as a whole. My advice is, find an idea you like but don't only get to know your characters, get excited about them. Characters are what drive your story and the conflict and relationships between your main characters are going to be what draws your reader in as much as the plot line. So, yep. Characters first.
ReplyDeleteI think it's unique to everybody.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I nominated you for the Sugar Doll award:http://diaryofateenageauthour.blogspot.com/2010/02/sugar-doll-award.html