Authors - how do you start writing a story?

[funkyrobot]

Hello authors of PH. I have a quick question. How on earth do you start writing a book?

I have quite a few ideas and have begun the process of analysing each separately (breaking them down into bullet points that will eventually be chapters and story segments, working on character development etc). However, I'm really struggling to start the process of writing the story up?

My problem seems to be the fact that I'm a bit of a perfectionist and try to make everything I do perfect. Should I drop this attitude and just start writing something, even if it isn't great? I guess that is why authors do different drafts?

How did the published authors on here start the process?

Probably been asked a thousand times already. Thanks for your help though.

[funkyrobot]

irocfan said:

don't start with "...it was a dark and stormy night..." lol


seriously though good luck

Thanks.

My first book starts with 'Once upon a time.'

[funkyrobot]

dundarach said:

I've been writing for the last 20 years...

Never finished anything, never happy with anything.

Write for fun - I might finish something sometime.

I like to think whilst I write so for me I get a scene in my head, and work from there and see where the characters go.

However even the free software or plans you can get online are useful for making you think about key elements which I guess are:

1. Are your characters likeable (or not) or interesting enough for someone to read about?
2. Is the story interesting?
3. Do you have plot elements which will entertain your reader, twists and turns, language, situations?
4. Do you have a satisfactory conclusion?
5. Do you have any idea how any of this will ever link together

Most of which I never have

I think a good illustration of this is Stephen King, in my opinion he can't write for toffee, his stories are predictable and usually follow a theme...HOWEVER, he's interesting and gives good satisfaction as his reader knows what they'll get, easy language, juicy horror, satisfaction.

Not sure any of that is of any use however....

It is useful. Thanks.

[funkyrobot]

Thanks Mark and lepetit.

[funkyrobot]

Thanks all. I guess it's time to write, write and write. Who cares if it's crap.

[funkyrobot]

andyroo said:

Having read my stuff (hey, did I mention that Noah's Ark has been given a big makeover? I'll send it over to you if you want it) I'll leave you to judge whether or not my advice is worth taking, but here it is anyway.

Thanks. Your advice is always worth listening to.

Is that the makeover that was made a while ago (second edition), or has it been updated again?

[funkyrobot]

andyroo said:

funkyrobot said:

Thanks. Your advice is always worth listening to.

Is that the makeover that was made a while ago (second edition), or has it been updated again?

Ha, there's no basis to prove my advice is worth listening to just yet!

This is a mega edit with professional assistance. 20k words cut. You can download it free here if you want: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2f5dx45prkgyczy/AmAPkjr...

Ok, thanks. When I get a moment, I'll take a look.

[funkyrobot]

Got it on PDF.

[funkyrobot]

Just to let everyone know, I've taken the advice above and started writing my first short story.

Have written about 4000 words over a couple of days and finding the process challenging in places.

Interestingly, as I write, the story seems to grow and the characters involved seem to develop. I'm managing to get some dialogue down too.

I think that if anyone was to read it now, they would say it's terrible. However, it's only the first draft of my first every story.

Will see how it goes.

[funkyrobot]

VinceFox said:

does it have sexy robots?

Unfortunately, no. It does have robotic things in though.

It really is tripe, but it's the first thing I've written so I'm seeing how it goes.