I need writing advice!

[Lil' A]

Hey everbody,

This is Lil'A,
i need some writing advice. Basically, here's the deal: I basically know what the summary of my story is about. Here's the problem: I often have trouble finding out how to begin. I have trouble trying to figure out how to build up a good introduction.

I would appreciate some helpful advice because i ' am at a loss!!

Help!!!!!!

Lil' A

 

[DontWorryBeHappy]

It's not uncommon for writers to finish the meat before they start on appetizer.

Now that I've treated your post like a seven course meal...

Try writing the rest of your story first. See where the whole thing is headed. Then you'll have an easier time writing a gripping intro.

 

[discipleofWORD]

Do you have your characters in mind? If so, construct their personalities, likes and dislikes (e.g. I hate green peas!).
Do you have a story in mind? I would make a simple outline (no need to do it detailed school-style, just make like a list of plots that would occur). Or make a cluster map. Make sure you type your summery out(not sure if you did) so it will stay fresh.

THat's all I got so far...

It's not uncommon for writers to finish the meat before they start on appetizer.

Now that I've treated your post like a seven course meal...

Try writing the rest of your story first. See where the whole thing is headed. Then you'll have an easier time writing a gripping intro.

Don'tworrybehappy, that is well said. I bet you'll publish a cookbook in the future!

D.L.

 

[Vulgivagus hagiographus]

When starting the story, you want to make sure it grabs the reader's attention. That doesn't necessarily mean it has to be an action packed scene, but it needs to be interesting enough that it makes your audience interested. Generally, you have a free paragraph at the beginning to do whatever you want to set up the story however you like. Picking a beginning is a fine balance. You want to start as close to where the plot starts so you don't bore the reader, but not so far back that you have to use lots of flashbacks to make the story make sense. I suppose every writer is different, but for myself personally, I would write it linear.

Another thing to remember before starting is research. If you have a horse lover in your story, you should do some reading on horses so you can develope the character believably.

May God bless your endevors!

 

[plum]

The best way I've found to start a story was to just write. Don't think it through. Just start it off with a tangible scene. An action. Tell what you see... give the reader a place to go, to be transported to.

Or, do all the explaining so many authors feel they need to do to set up the characters (descriptions, ages, family history, annoying facts such as this) and the setting (want a great example of horrible intros? read the baby sitters club books!)... do all of that to get yourself moving, get past all that into the action... then CUT OUT THE INTRO YOU WROTE. That doesn't need to be there. Everything the reader needs to know can be revealed in the action. Let them IMAGINE it. Explaining anything to death kicks the reader out of the experience. Cut out the intro and THERE'S your new intro! woo hoo.

 

[Silver Saint]

Now, I will warn you, I have had but two novels, and neither of them is done. Even more, I've never been schooled in this or any other kind of art. What I do know, however, is the feeling of art. I'll explain the best I can, so please just bear for a moment.

The first book I started was about a very troubled young man. Long story short, his entire life had become one of conflict, killing and loss. He spent much of his energy either running through or away from his life. Thus I began with a chase scene.

In my second, there is a love story about two people on either side of a planetary holy war. I began with a scene involving them both and what brought them to meet: a death in her family.

This is not the only way I begin my books, but it is the only thing I can think of that hasn't been mentioned. I feel that the beginning of the book should feel like, or mesh with in some way with, the general feel of the entire work.

I should say, though, that you should not worry about making such a relationship work. The way in which your work compliments itself is probably best left up to the artist in you. Take your time, be content that it isn't there yet, and have faith that you'll find it when you need to.





I am aware,

Isacc

 

[oceanofdreamz]

Hi I write but just for fun... my writing will probably never get me anywhere but my advice for you is to just spill your heart out. When people read stories they can feel if the person had passion in the writing or not. If they didn't then people think the story is boring. Anyhow just spill your heart out... after all you can always go back and rewrite afterwards.
Blessings,
Caitlyn

 

[crydun]

Now, I will warn you, I have had but two novels, and neither of them is done. Even more, I've never been schooled in this or any other kind of art. What I do know, however, is the feeling of art. I'll explain the best I can, so please just bear for a moment.

The first book I started was about a very troubled young man. Long story short, his entire life had become one of conflict, killing and loss. He spent much of his energy either running through or away from his life. Thus I began with a chase scene.

In my second, there is a love story about two people on either side of a planetary holy war. I began with a scene involving them both and what brought them to meet: a death in her family.

This is not the only way I begin my books, but it is the only thing I can think of that hasn't been mentioned. I feel that the beginning of the book should feel like, or mesh with in some way with, the general feel of the entire work.

I should say, though, that you should not worry about making such a relationship work. The way in which your work compliments itself is probably best left up to the artist in you. Take your time, be content that it isn't there yet, and have faith that you'll find it when you need to.





I am aware,

Isacc

Isacc,

I can totally relate about the "not being done" I have seven novels in the works, none are complete! Good luck in all you do.

 

[Lucubratus]

I agree with everybody up there, and Crydun - I have a over seven in the works; can be quite maddening, but fun.

L'ila - an opening paragraph is usuall the hardest for mos people, I always have trouble with the ending. Odd that.
Begin at the ending is what a lot of writer's say - especially if you're writing a short story.
If you're writing a novel - good luck -- and the suggestions that you just write and worry about the introduction is often not a bad thing to do. Sometimes it will actually create a beginning.