My recurring problem with plots! - Writers Forum

tommo312 · 07-03-2007, 02:15 PM

Hi, i suppose i should have posted in the intro thread but hey, i want to get to the point.

I've tried writing many novels and failed with all except one, but i'm taking a breather due to writers block-damn i hate that! So i wnat to countinue writing but like i said take a breather-i'm going to wrtie about a boarding school but i need help as a basic plot to follow.

Could you suggest some ideas as to what plot i could follow. I know its a big ask but i have big problems with deciding a plot, and i reckon your posts can provide some ideas.

thanks,
tommo

mlrmusic08 · 07-03-2007, 02:18 PM

well i think you should get in contact with a local boarding school or one near by to get an idea of the schedule they usually follow in order to make it more realistic. Also, then you can figure a way to cause a conflict. Maybe one of the teachers is a stripper (haha totally joking).

Azmakna · 07-03-2007, 02:22 PM

sorry but i really don't understand questions about plot. if you are tone deaf, why would you want to know how to play the piano?

tommo312 · 07-03-2007, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azmakna

sorry but i really don't understand questions about plot. if you are tone deaf, why would you want to know how to play the piano?

please don't ask coded questions be straight with me.

Azmakna · 07-03-2007, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommo312

please don't ask coded questions be straight with me.

what i'm saying is having story ideas and plot ideas are the things that inspire you to want to write in the first place. as a kid my head was brimming with ideas (good and bad) it wasn't until i got more experience that i realized that it was how you tell a story that made it interesting. concentrate on 'How' instead of 'Where from' and your question will be answered automatically.

mammamaia · 07-04-2007, 09:43 PM

as i just had to say in another thread, where a supposed 'writer' was writing about asking others for 'ideas': to be a writer you must have the two main requisites... talent and ideas/imagination... if you have to ask others for ideas, why do you think you can be a writer in the first place?...

in re the boarding school bit, do you know anything about them?... have you ever attended one?... if you don't know anything about a subject, you have two choices:

1. do the research every real writer does and learn what you need to know on your own...

or

2. find something else to write about that you do know something about...

Patrick Beverley · 07-05-2007, 05:34 AM

Write a short story based on something interesting that has happened to you or someone you know. Initially, at least, change nothing except the names and locations, perhaps simplifying events a little.

This may seem boring, but hear me out.

Write another, again basing it on an event that really happened. This time, though, introduce a character based on a person whom you know, but who was not present at the original event. Tweak things around until that person fits naturally.

In this way, you can get a gradual introduction to invention. Remember that nearly all writing is based on experience, even if it doesn't seem to be.

If you've actually been to a boarding school, then something that happened there is sure to fit the bill for the exercise I have suggested above. If not, I'd stick with 'writing what you know' until your confidence grows.

~Kouryuu~ · 07-05-2007, 05:53 AM

Research is never ending but in the end it is sooo worth it. Poorly done, it can turn your story into a hack. But with enough research it could give your story the right nudge it needs.

The internet obviously is a good place to start gathering info. But gets some brochures from different boarding schools. perhaps read some novels incorporating such schooling. There are loads of things you can do. Talk to people too. You might find someone that actually went to boarding school!! ^_^