Writing Tips - Writers Forum

Mada · 06-23-2005, 07:42 PM

I need help writing and getting my ideas on paper. I have good plots spinning around in my head but I'm just not a great writer. Any good tips?

Dan101 · 06-23-2005, 07:49 PM

Well, first think about your ideas, and then jot notes down on paper. Making a plot pyramid (dont remember the official name for it...) really helps. I have one that I constantly update for my current book.

When you have the notes written down of everything that you have in mind for this particular story, read it over. Once you read it over, remove any parts of it you feel are unnecessary or unwanted, or add any parts that you think of in the process. You can always constantly add to your ideas!

Once you have the core idea plotted out on paper, or on a document on your computer, which ever you prefer, then you are ready to start thinking of characters (if you havent already).

Developing recognizable charactes is important. You want the reader to relate, so make them real, with real life issues and emotions.

Then you can start thinking about actually writing the story, once you have the characters fitted into the storyline. Just start it off slow, writing about how you think it should start off. Its all up to you!

If you dont agree with what Ive suggested, then dont use my method lol ^_^ Good luck to you!

Mada · 06-23-2005, 07:52 PM

That's really helpful. Usually I think of plot, not even fully, then I start writing it from the begining right here on the Fiction section. That will help a lot.

Dan101 · 06-23-2005, 07:55 PM

Im glad I could help you out! ^_^

Actually, I did just that with Crimson Rain...lol I didnt actually create a plot pyramid or anything like that untill about chapter 5 hahaha. Ive basically been letting the story go where it goes. Though, I have a whole lot of the plot planned out and written down. I know most of it is subject to change as the days go by, and the inspirations hit me in the face, lol

Good luck with your story, and Id love to know how it turns out ^_^

mammamaia · 06-24-2005, 08:33 AM

if you can handle some advice from an old granny type who's been writing and helping writers for longer than you've been in this world, i'd strongly advise you to work on learning the basic writing skills and honing them to a decent level, before trying to write anything major...

the other vital key is to READ lots of the best works of the world's best writers... no one can be a good writer if they're not a good reader...

love and hugs, maia

Anidazen · 06-24-2005, 09:57 AM

Read. Write. Know your sub genre. Write some more.

It's a skill you have to practice. Think about the composition as you read too.

suzakugaiden · 06-24-2005, 08:08 PM

Plot is less important than HOW you write the plot. You can have the most immaculate, complex, and fascinating plot ever, but if your storytelling sucks nobody's going to care.

And how do you pick up good storytelling? Read stories, tell a lot of stories...