All right a few basic character's are in place, the setting is set, the goal has been made. Everything is primied, but what are the best ways of advancing the story and adding complexity to both characters and setting to develop them? As well as introducing sublots.
Opinions?
Posted by Rahl22 (Member # 1411) on :
Whoa, that's kind of an odd question.
I mean, it sounds like you have everything already lined up. Now you just... write it. If you have a conflict already, let your character(s) decide what it is that he/she/they want(s) to do about it, and do it!
Posted by Christine (Member # 1646) on :
I find that I tend to get stuck when I haven't done enough planning ahead of time. You haven't given us a lot to work with about your trouble, but I would suggest taking some time to develop the characters in your own mind without any regard to the story. Give them a past that includes events you may not even mention. The same thing is true for your setting, especially if it is not modern earth.
Once you have pages of notes on the complexity of your characters and settings you'll see the story jump out at you, including subplots and intrigues you never thought of before.
Posted by Kolona (Member # 1438) on :
The speedskaters are in place on the track, poised, tensed for the starting signal. The finish line is ahead in the distance. The crowd is abuzz with excitement. On your mark...get set...write!
You've got the characters, setting and goal. The details will work themselves out as the race progresses. Subplots? Remember Apolo Ohno in Salt Lake City? Victory and pathos all in one. Write!
Posted by AndrewR (Member # 1563) on :
It sounds like you're having plotting problems. I'd suggest OSC's plot procedure:
1. Figure out something bad that could happen that would prevent your main character from achieving his/her goal.
2. Figure out what the main character will do to circumvent that problem.
3. Figure out what the universe will do then to prevent him/her from achieving the goal.
4. Figure out what the main character will do then.
5. Repeat as necessary, making each new problem worse than the previous one. Continue until the main character realizes he/she will not achieve the important goal. Then have the character realize what he/she was doing wrong, and in one last, desperate attempt, try to achieve the goal with the new realization.
6. Resolve story (either the main character achieves the goal or doesn't).
The main thing to focus on is what does the character do achieve his/her goal and how does the universe (the villain, society, nature, etc.) respond? By bouncing these two off each other, you should start finding numerous plots, sub-plots, and complexities.
Posted by Alias (Member # 1645) on :
Thank you Andrew. That was most helpful.
Posted by Khyber (Member # 1651) on :