Here we are, a new document opened, a new story to begin, a new tale to tell, the only problem is, how to do it? How to you begin?
This is my favorite piece of advice, first off stare that page in the face and tell it who's boss, then start typing! Yes yes, easier said than done, but whenever I come at a new story and a hundred blank pages, I start simply with the ‘Bones’ of my story.
I don’t worry about length, details, names, or spelling. Nor do I worry about the gaps between. Start with the ‘Bones.’ Your framework or your outline. One sentence or small paragraph at a time, each one taking just a minute to jot down. Bring in piece after piece until you have a good idea about the shape and feel of your story. Complete your skeleton.
Remember, these paragraphs are your ‘Bones’ or chapters and each bone/chapter initially contains only a brief summary, to which you can return and fill in the details at any time. These details I call the meat and organs.
Build from this structure, keep it simple, get those thoughts and ideas down and visible. That alone will help guild you the rest of the way. This method allows you to work on any part of your story and add in those eureka moments as they come to you.
Every word, detail and feeling can be added to the body of your work, and in the end, you will have a complete novel, giving your world its flesh and breath. Remember, don’t let yourself be overwhelmed, keep it simple, keep it light, get it out first, bleed over that page. Once you have your thoughts and ideas down, go back, sort through and begin to fill in the details. Add your flesh to this body! And soon you will have 50+ pages of your words before you.
I have used the analogy of a body, skeleton, meat and organs, flesh and details, but you need not be as wholesome as myself (A lot of Stephen King stored in this brain) you can use this analogy on whatever you wish, growth of a tree, building a house, or even a painting. Each stroke of color, and lively word in your novel. So, what are you waiting for? You got this! Best of Luck my wonderful readers.
Afton Feltham
Check out my first novel “Bloom of the Desert Rose” available now
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