So today I started with my outline. Kinda felt overwhelmed as the task seem daunting at first…where to begin? Character? Plot? Setting?

I chose to reread my plot idea, and create a plot summary. I then started to think about the setting. Where would my story take place? When? What is going on in the world? By starting with my setting, I generated some ideas as to why the main character chose the actions he did.

This led me to add some more ideas to the plot, and change some existing ones. I kept thinking of how my character would act in certain situations. I then started to flesh out my characters.

So far I have a main character, and 2 minor characters. 1 of the minor characters will take on a major role in the story. The character’s traits were slow to emerge until I put myself in their shoes. This helped me understand how I wanted the characters to act in certain situations. In the back of my mind is to make sure I avoid clichéd characters.

After 2 hours of writing, I have written 613 words – and havent even started writing the story. Just trying to understand the direction of the story. While I knew writing does work and dedication, this a lot slower than I imagined.

So far, I have written down some ideas for a few short stories, and a 3-part series.   One is just a few sentences of a high level story plot, and the serial has the generalized plot arc.  I havent yet fleshed out the stories, or what type of characters will tell the story.

I have also been reading several articles and sites on the web to help refresh my writing education.  Writer’s Digest, Poynter.org, Learn to Write Fiction, and hatrack.com (Orson Scott Card) are the most common reviewed.  I have also purchased OSC’s Characters and Viewpoints to help me understand how to really develop my characters.

I need to learn which outline method I should use, as my previous method of writing was just to write until I exhausted my ideas.  This may still apply, but I hope my stories will have more continuity.

Thanks!

Patrick

Hello World!

I am pursuing a dream of writing novels and short stories.  While partial to Fantasy and Sci Fi, I will touch on other genres of fiction.  I have never written a story before to be published, so I’ll be chronicling my experiences here.  I am striving to write something each day (at least, that is what I ‘m hoping to do!). 

Please send me any comments, ideas, recommendations, or even positive vibes to stay motivated and write a good story.  Though I am writing for myself, I hope to show my kids that they can do anything if they at least try, and then persevere.

Thanks!

Patrick