The Art of the Start of a Story
Sometimes the toughest thing is knowing how to start your story. I was speaking with a writer from Uganda over the weekend that was full of great story ideas. She confessed to our small group of fellow writers that she had not started on any of her projects because she didn’t know how to begin. That’s the things about creating something new is that you feel as though you don’t know what you’re doing! But it can also be invigorating bringing a new story to life.
The group gave her 3 good ideas she could use to get started.
- Every good story needs a main character who has a goal. Interview your main character with the 6 key W questions:
- Who are you?
- What do you want?
- Why do you want it?
- When do you want it?
- What or who is keeping you from getting it?
- Where is the story taking place?
- Start with an object your main character finds or receives.
- Begin with a shocking first line and then write a paragraph, then the first page. Ex: “I was sitting on the deck of my houseboat when I got struck by lightening.” Or, “You might as well cover me with gravy like a biscuit and stick a fork in me cause I am done!” A single line or a single phrase can get your creative juices flowing.
It can feel daunting. The road to publication is long and riddled with potholes. In the book, Big Magic author Elizabeth Gilbert asks the question, “Do you have the courage to bring forth the treasures within you?” I believe you do. For within you is the story that divine inspiration gave only to you.
I’ve been there. It’s scary walking into uncharted territory.
That is exactly why I am hosting two free live webinars titled, The Art of the Start; session 1 – Crafting Picture Books will be June 5, 2021 and Session 2 – Middle-Grade Madcap – First Pages will be June 12, 2021.
If you’d like some help getting started these free classes are for you. Take the first step towards your dream to become an author. Yes, you can write a story you love. Register here for session 1- Crafting Picture Books:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0tce6hpzgtGdTgDRurEsrOxgckqSOAPaP6