You have the story in mind that you hope to write. The world is waiting for your story too, but how exactly does someone write a story? I know firsthand it can seem too hard to put a story onto paper.
Remind yourself that only you can tell this story and the world is ready and waiting for it.
The key is to Just Do It! Just start. Books and stories go through plenty of editing before they ever reach the readers hands, but it is impossible to edit a blank page. So, start today by writing a little (or a lot) and commit to spending time writing each day.
I've narrowed down 4 main elements of great storytelling to help you put pen to paper starting today.
PLOT- (When the action takes place)
Plot is the sequence of events within a story. It should tell what happened and why.
In my routine of writing, I never know the plot until the end of my first draft, then I can zoom in and redefine my plot so that it’s crystal clear for the reader.
I often build up my climax within each chapter then drag out my plot until the end to give my story a more powerful punch.
1. Exposition statement- This is where the plot begins
2. Raising action- Actions that lead up to the climax
3. Conflict- Issues or problems within the story
4. Solution- The fix or resolution
Character- (the WHO)
The character can be a person, animal, thing or weather.
In my first drafts, I tend to go overboard with descriptions wanting each character to be as relatable as possible to the reader. This is where the memory is made.
Use gestures and expressions to show dialogue, give them identity, give the reader the feeling that they know the character personally. Show, not tell their flaws or fears. Bring to life the strengths while painting a dark moment that few people get to see.
Settings- (Where the event takes place)
Place your reader inside the room, car or hospital, give them visuals, describe the smells, background noises, music etc., and make it relevant
Remember to use time related details, wintertime describes the-cold, icy, snow.
summertime- describe the heat, humid, sun or even the rain
mealtime-describe the smells and taste of food
always give the reader a clear POV into your scene that’s being set.
Language- Be mindful of your audience when using figurative language (words that mean something different then their literal meaning)
Onomatopoeia- sounds written as words (buzz, whoof, swish, bark)
Metaphors, puns, simile and cliché are languages that the writer can and will use often but don’t confuse the reader. The reader should clearly understand the point of view.
There is always an informal and formal way to express your wording, don’t get hung up on this. The English language can be a bit tricky but after completing your first draft, everything can be fixed in the editing process.
Do be repetitive- step outside of your limits, research more words that could give more meaning, and don’t be afraid to cut unnecessary repetitive words from your writing.
Plot twists additions:
Will help broaden your story
Allow intrigue
Give your story some mystery
Use distractions to shift suspensions
Leave loose ends (can be continued in next book)
Find your characters weakness, then make it worse.
Give the villain or villainous a chance to be the hero
Allow the hero to get revenge
Theresa Elizabeth is a self-published author of urban beach reads like the highly popular novel "Hermajesty", friendship saga "Girls Night Out" and love story "Broken Bricks".
When she isn't busy writing her next great book or writing author advice on her blog, she loves spending time with her wife and children in her Baltimore home.
You can read all of her gritty, real stories instantly on kindle now. Subscribe to her website for great articles on book writing, behind the scenes stories and self-publishing tips.
www.TheresaElizabeth.org