The Story Writing Process (Plus Tips for Beginners and Seasoned Authors Alike)
A fictional story can begin with any one of its main components. It might be one or more characters, a specific setting or different locations, a plot idea, its point of view, the chief conflict, or its overall theme. Regardless of the initial starting place, these six elements are creatively blended together to produce a fictional piece of work. Here are the basic steps of how to write a fictional story:
- Come up with an idea. The first step is to come up with an idea for your story. This could be anything from a character you’ve been thinking about to a setting you’ve always wanted to write about.
- Do your research. Once you have an idea, it’s important to do some research to make sure you’re familiar with the setting and characters you’re writing about. This could involve reading books, watching movies, or even talking to people who have experience with the topic you’re writing about.
- Develop your characters. Your characters are the heart of your story, so it is important to develop them fully. Give them backstories, motivations, strengths, and flaws.
- Create an outline. Once you’ve done your research, it’s helpful to create an outline for your story. This will help you to stay organized and make sure your story has a clear beginning, middle, and end.
- Start writing! The best way to learn how to write any type of fiction is to simply start writing. Don’t worry about making it perfect at first. Just get your ideas down – whether it’s on actual paper, your phone, or your laptop.
- Revise and edit. Once you have a draft of your story, it’s time to revise and edit. This is where you’ll polish your prose, fix any plot holes, and make sure your characters are well-developed.
- Get feedback. Once you’re happy with your story, it’s helpful to get feedback from other people. This could be friends, family, or even beta readers. Feedback can help you to see your story through fresh eyes and make sure it’s the best it can be.
More Tips for Beginners New to Writing Fiction
For those completely new to the process, here are some helpful tips for beginners who are just starting out writing fiction:
- Read widely. The best way to learn how to write fiction is to read as much of it as you can. Pay attention to the techniques that other authors use, and try to incorporate them into your own writing.
- Write about what you know. It’s often easier to write about things that you’re familiar with. If you’re not sure where to start, try writing about your own experiences or the experiences of people you know.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. Fiction is all about experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try new things and see what works for you.
- Don’t give up. Writing fiction takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Just keep writing and learning, and eventually, you’ll find your own voice.
Tips for Seasoned Fiction Authors
Now, for any of you who have already written before, but are having trouble getting into the groove, here are some helpful tips for seasoned authors who are looking to get unstuck:
- Take a break. Sometimes the best way to get unstuck is to take a break from writing. Go for a walk, read a book, or do something else that you enjoy. Sometimes all you need is a little distance to come back to your story with fresh eyes.
- Talk to someone. Sometimes talking to another writer can help you to get unstuck. They may be able to offer you new perspectives or insights that you hadn’t considered before.
- Change your perspective. Try writing from a different character’s point of view or from a different time period. This can help you to see your story in a new light and find new ideas.
- Write something else. Sometimes the best way to get unstuck is to write something else altogether. This could be a poem, a short story, or even a blog post. Sometimes the act of writing something new can help you to come back to your original story with fresh ideas.
Writing fiction is a challenging but rewarding experience. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success. It’s important to keep in mind that this is a creative and rewarding endeavor that allows authors to explore complex themes, craft compelling characters, and weave intricate narratives.
Next → Define Your Theme and Concept or Plot (Step 1 of 11)
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Owen is the creator and author of more than sixty original short stories and counting, including drama, crime, suspense, action and adventure, family, historic fiction, sci-fi, and slices of life. He is also a musician who has written extensively about theory.
