From Seed To Story
(The tools to turn a story idea into a novel)
By Sharzi Avins (c) 2000
There are voices in your head!
No, not that kind silly. The kind that are borne of creativity. You don't know where they came from, but they want and need to become part of a story. How do you take those seeds of creativity and plant them so that they will grow into an entire book?
Most new writers struggle to pen their novels. At first they think "this will be easy!" Soon, they find that having enough material to make a whole book is not the simple task they once thought. There is a reason for this. The tools are missing!
Let's go over what should be in your toolbox.
NOTES
When a story is fighting to get from your head to the paper, start making some small notes. Just jot down any stray ideas or thoughts to refer to later. It doesn't have to be anything lengthy. A sentence here or there will do. Sometimes even a short phrase, key word or words of interest will help to mold the story later.
OUTLINE
Many writers believe they don't need an outline. I disagree. The outline is the skeletal structure on which a story will form. It holds the body of the story together. There will be key points and details you don't want to forget -- eye color, hair color, who is related to whom.
CHARACTER PROFILES
This is a tool most writers skip, and what a shame. Simply because all this is in your head in the onset of writing your book, doesn't mean it will be there as you add on chapter after chapter. A profile not only helps you to put together the pieces of a whole person, but most times it will give you story ideas you had not considered before. The profile brings a sense of intimacy between you and your characters. You will KNOW that character's reactions, emotions and motivations.
RESEARCH RESOURCES
You just can't cheat in this area. There is no getting around it. If you are penning a novel, you MUST get the facts straight on anything from: the architecture of a particular time period, the laws in a certain part of the country or other countries, and perhaps even the personality traits of animals. If you decide you don't need to research, your story will show it. If your story shows it, the reader will find errors. If the reader finds errors -- you're book is doomed. There are credible resources right at your fingertips if you are onine. Otherwise make the library one of your favorite hang-outs.
BRAINSTORMING PARTNERS
Yes, even this is an important tool. Bouncing ideas off someone you trust is one of the most helpful things you can do for your novel. The fact is, we are so close to the path we've chosen for our story that we often can't see the fork in the road. Some other direction may turn out to be the proverbial 'road less traveled.' Exciting, scary and so much more challenging. Discovering that road is what a spark of an idea from someone else could do for your story. Writing doesn't have to be a solitary task!
CRITIQUE GROUPS
Now don't balk yet. We all know that some critique groups aren't worth the time or trouble, but a good group can virtually be what gets you published! There is not a writer alive who doesn't miss her own mistakes. And, we cannot always count on our word processing programs to make our manuscripts perfect. Another set of eyes, or many sets of eyes, can find flaws that would surely mean a rejection if we submitted without having found them. A good critique group can provide the brainstorming partners previously mentioned and can be a huge support system on your road to getting published.
HOW-TO BOOKS
Do you feel you've learned all you can, and since you've had some success, you really don't need to learn more? Guess again! Even if you're a seasoned writer, once you believe you have nothing more to learn, you have lost your edge. From then on out, your writing will be just as it is at that moment... no change... no stretching as a writer... no future. The status quo may be okay right now, but publishers won't be looking for that in the coming years. They want fresh. They want new. They want what will be popular tomorrow. Get those how-to books! There is always something new to learn! It will keep you humble and hungry for success.
Make sure you've got the right tools for the right job! Now take those seeds, plant them, and watch your words grow into something glorious!
All Rights Reserved
Copyright 2001
The contents of this article may not be reproduced in any form or by any means, including electronic, mechanical, or with intent to republish, without written permission from the author,
Sharzi Avins.
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