conflict?
tension?
start writing a few hundred words...see where it takes you.
You might also check writing class forum. Kathleen has three topics with three stages. She is very helpful about nudging you in the right direction also.
Then the parts that you can see clearly, just sit down and write. It won't be perfect, but so what? That's what editing is all about. Don't go back and edit right away though. Resist the urge. That's a trap. I once knew a want-to-be writer who spent years writing and re-writing the same chapter over and over.
Just keep going. You'll learn as you go. It's a good idea to find a critique group either on-line of locally. You learn by both having your work critiqued and critiquing others.
Good luck.
I actually jot down unusual dreams and can get some useful ideas from that.
Many use outlines to put their thoughts in order--but be flexible when ideas appear that weren't in your original plan.
The best thing to do is to sit down and write. The help here is wonderful. Even if your 13 lines seem torn apart, remember that every comment can be a useful device for improvement.
Last thought: READ, READ, READ! The best wasy to learn how to write is to read well-written books. Read them for strucure and flow, etc. Take notes. (Yeah, sounds like a College course, huh?) Mimic the best and then find your own voice.
Gina
Added: A character outline helps me. Personality, quirks, flaws, background, struggles, occupation, age, etc. Get a picture of your character in your head then ask yourself what he or she would do in different situations. Let the character become a real person in your mind. If you went to a restaurant with them, how would they act? What would they eat? What would they say to a rude waiter?
I think there is a thread that was about character outlines. You can do a search, but I think it was recent.
[This message has been edited by stammsp (edited July 18, 2008).]
How you start is something I think you'll have to play with a little. Everyone has their own process for just about every aspect of writing. Some people outline extensively. Some write massive amounts of back story and world details. Some just wing it. Most, I imagine, do a combination of the above.
You have your idea. You could brainstorm what your main conflict will be, how you envision ending it, what your characters are like, etc. Take notes any way you need to. There are a number of resources in books and on the web that suggest different ways. Find one that resonates with you. Don't be afraid to experiment. In early stages, especially, I suggest writing down everything and not dismissing things yet. Resist the urge to edit, and simply let yourself get lost in the creative process.
So, for now, the best way to start is, well, to just start. As one short story writer said, "Get black on white." Cause the only way the story is going to get written is by you putting words up on the screen, or on a sheet of paper or other writing material. So roll up those sleeves, sit your butt down, and get to it.
As for where, with what, and how you do that, well, I think that depends on the writers too. In need to be at a desk or table in my house. Some people can write anywhere, at parties, at cafes, etc. Again, experiment, and see what works for you. Listen to your instincts and respect them. They'll probably point you in the right direction. Tools: I do almost all my work on a computer (MS Word or Scrivener), but I have a notebook and pen handy, as well as all my character and world files so I can reference or add to them as necessary.
When do you know you're ready? You're ready now. It's going to be an ongoing process. As soon as you feel the urge, write. If you don't feel the urge, write anyway. Throw your character in a situation if you have to. Throw two of them together. The creative process will begin to build on itself. If you have an outline then start writing the first scene, or simply start at whatever scene strikes you and moves you. You will get to know your characters better as you write.
Don't be afraid because everything can, and probably will, get rewritten.
If you need more help with brainstorming and such, KDW, for the small price of a virtual chocolate bar, might be willing to give you invaluable insight. Post something in the Writing Class forum.
[This message has been edited by annepin (edited July 18, 2008).]
I don't worry so much about the characters and all their motavtaions and such, as they seem to take on their lives as the story progresses. For me the first step is to write the book. Then when you edit you can figure where the characters went astray, or did they, maybe the story changed them and what you think is a mistake is their way of telling you, "hey I gotta grow, or even better regress."
Congrats on the idea, and good luck on the project. The best advice ever is simple "Write"
If I'm at all unclear I have a concept, a few characters, their relationship, and several ideas as to what they do in the story. I'm just trying to figure out when and where the story needs to take place.
http://www.hatrack.com/forums/writers/forum/Forum5/HTML/000006.html
You don't need to read all of it, but you should read what I say at the beginning. If you decide to try that, then you are welcome to post at the end of the topic, and I'll talk to you about what you've come up with.
quote:
KDW, for the small price of a virtual chocolate bar, might be willing to give you invaluable insight.
Just so you all know, I prefer dark chocolate.