Creative Writing

My experience and Advice

[creative-writing-how-do-i-do-it]

External factors and extra content.

A lot can happen when making any kind of creative writing. But not just in the thing you're trying to create. Things can also happen in your life that can affect your work in a number of ways.

Life doesn't stop just because we have a project we're working on. We have relationships like family or friends, we have our emotions, our individualism, school or work, taking care of pets or children, we need to eat as well as sleep, and so much more happening all around us. We aren't machines where the world around us doesn't matter at all. We can get busy and sometimes we can walk away from a project for even a week to deal with other things.

When you have deadlines either set by yourself, or by someone else, the world continuing around us can get frustrating.

But we are humans and as much work we have to get done we need our breaks. We need pieces of the world going on around us, especially between working on projects. Breaks can be nice and actually allow you to come back to the project feeling rejuvenated. Plus it can help if you get stuck so you can come back later to see if a new angle has come up. That's why the whole sleep on this decision thing is around. It really can work in helping figure things out. See if it is where you want to go on something.

The world does a lot more than provide things for our breaks, giving us our individual lives we live as our own beings, and giving us the tools to create things of our own. It also influences writing a lot more than some may think. This takes on variations depending on the circumstances.

You can find that things going on in your life, around you, media you partake in, your emotions at the time, or your interest in certain topics changes the mood of your work. Let's go off creating one chapter let's say every weekend for an example. One chapter could be on the happier side with moments of good, peace, maybe even some sweet or romantic moments. Then another can be dark, tragic, and even scary. These shifts happen because of things going on around us or in our lives. Our experiences, feelings, perspective, and so much more can bring out different things in a work. And that's okay. You can make things work with that and even find new angles of ideas on what to possibly add to the piece of work. I do this a lot and I work with it. This is why for me, it's okay if it's not for you, working on multiple pieces at a time really helps this fact of life. I can create darker things or happier things depending on everything.

There is more to it than that however. Things a part of your own world can mean that your work changes completely. Sometimes straying far from what was originally planned. That is okay. Things like this happen. Your initial idea just may not be how you believe the world should actually be after putting more work into it. Like developing lore, rules, backgrounds, and so on. Your original idea can be a starting point before you really flesh out the world or characters within the world. You are creating things the way that you feel is right for the piece of work. And even then you'll get ideas that you may decide doesn't fit with what you want, has to be altered to fit, or just is never used for any other reason. While other ideas may get similar yet opposite treatment to the scrapped ideas. That's why it is perfectly okay to write down every idea you get for the work you're working on. You don't have to keep them all but perhaps you will use an idea or expand upon what may have seemed like a silly idea for it. Think of them as deleted scenes or alternate endings like in movies or games.

I actually do something when I'm writing something. If I have more than one idea for something I do one of three things. I put them all together in one spot as ideas while writing the story to decide what to do as I write, put them together finding a way while writing to put in both ideas in someway, or what I tend to do the most other than the first one is to put each path into their own story ideas. Sometimes the other versions never see the light of day to my audience, and sometimes they do see the light of day. I find it also helps me figure out what direction I wish to go in especially by fleshing out ideas for all sides, or allows me to go back sometime after completing a story to try following a different path on it. This can also lead to me using the ideas in other stories I create later on. Scrapped content has its uses. Giving ideas for a story even turning it in a new direction, finding something you may have never thought of for it before so you change things, and a look back at your thoughts before or during the process, and so much more.

So much affects things especially projects we work on. And it's okay because we aren't machines. We have lives and emotions. Writing can also help express emotions while writing at specific times. So keep writing and figuring out things as you go along.

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Fear.

Sometimes we get scared about writing a story or even the thought of posting it.

I get this too. One example of this is that I got scared about writing certain stories for some new ships in fanfiction I found I liked. Fearing that it wasn't something that I could feel okay posting. Fearing how it would go. But after talking to my partner I felt more comfortable about it and have let myself write them to my hearts content.

My partner told me to not censor myself. That it is okay to like what you like.

A small note from myself. Just don't take it as okay to go out there in your life and commit a crime. Like going out there after underaged people because you like that as an example. I don't encourage that at all.

When it comes to stories like fanfiction sometimes we like certain characters together, even if it seems weird. Maybe the characters are mythical creatures. And you don't have to be ashamed of that. You like what you like.

Holding yourself back in story writing can make you not like it as much as you did before. When I found I shipped two mythical beings I held myself back, however when I stopped censoring myself I found so many opportunities for stories opening up. I found an enjoyment is seeing what stories I could come up with next for them. I no longer felt like quitting on writing stories about them.

Fear is a part of life. We can get scared and that's okay.

Try out the story. You could find a whole new possibility for stories for you to write. This is especially true for fanfiction writers.

Plus don't forget that there will always be at least someone who hates it. But people who will also enjoy it. Since we are our own beings who view the world in different ways. You don't have to put too much thought on someone who doesn't like the story you have made.

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Learning.

Even if you believe you have learned all that you can about writing stories, there is always something to learn.

It can be anything out there. New forms of creative writing that maybe will help your writing, the new forms could be checked out for inspiration you might not have found before, or even things you might not have known about the form of creative writing you use.

I mostly use story form of creative writing especially chapter book form. Though over the time I have learned more and more as I continued working with it. One of my friends even read a story I started quite a long time ago and finished just recently. He told me that he could really see how I've improved over that time. It was a nice feeling to hear that.

Sometimes your improvement may not seem very big or very noticeable to you. But if you keep working hard and trying to learn as much as you can you can improve.

What are places you can learn from?

Well I sometimes take notes from stories I read that I enjoy.

I went to a brief creative writing class out of high school. We listened to some of the things others wrote. It was interesting to hear how they wrote and learn other creative writers opinions of the way I wrote. It's a really nice environment as the people there all want to learn about the same thing so we find comfort and a slight connection to each other from that.

Try out challenges or excersises. You never know what you could learn about yourself. Like maybe try memorizing a set of items for a certain amount of time then write about them. We tried that in the class. Or write a story about a historical event. Putting a character into said event and see what happens. Challenges can also include things you find online. Using prompts you find online can be an easy way to give yourself a slight challenge; in figuring out what to write using that prompt. These can also be nice for those who are not sure what to write next.

Perhaps try writing something randomly generated. You can use an app where you can enter things into. Like events, character types, settings, mythical creatures, whatever you want. Then see what comes up. Write something based off that. It's a bit of a challenge sometimes but it's a nice excersise to kind of test your brain in a way.

Look online for free writing tips, advice and such. Everyone has their own way of going about things. And the internet is vast. Only learning from one person will only get you so far. Explore. And don't be afraid to do so. Look things up. See what others are advising. It might work for you and it might not work for you. You won't know until you try. And you'll most likely learn something.

I will update this whenever I can. Though I'm not afraid to say to see what other people are also doing.

JUST DONT DO ANYTHING DANGEROUS! PLEASE!

Use the internet responsibly and don't try something that seems dangerous.

Im still learning. You're still learning. We're all still learning.

This world is vast and holds many many individuals who each have something to teach us. Even you could have something to teach someone.

Dont be afraid to learn. We are all always learning even when we think we know it all.

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Changes.

Sometimes you need to make a few changes to a story you're writing.

Take for example you're writing a story and it either ends up feeling boring. You can make changes by adding something to make it more interesting. Like building up a characters backstory as the story goes and having other events.

Change is something that can be scary but if you think it is needed then it could be good. Change can be really great in helping to bring your story more life or create something that feels right for it.

Change can be big or small. Maybe you want to change a character or maybe what species the characters are. Even just a change to include bits here and there to help piece a backstory together.

As a part of creative writing you need to make the choice of whether or not to change anything; if such an option comes up.

However there are ways to help you decide if the change is good or bad.

Re read your story and see if it really does need changes.

Copy your story and make the changes elsewhere on the copied version. See if you like it. This one is best for those who use computers or phones.

Try the change, especially if you're working where you can undo things back to how it was before, and see if it fits better in your mind or not.

Ask someone who you know about the change to see what they think. Getting opinions can help you decide sometimes though not always.

Changing a story is very difficult if the story is a series and it's already out. Either online or as books. Change is limited at this point because you still gotta keep with the other stories tied to it.

In cases where you're posting each chapter, or it's a part of an already out there story series you're writing, here are some tips about changing things.

Maybe an accident or even a murder or a suicide takes out the one you don't want or need in the story. The death of a character can have big impacts and can be interesting if you find the best way for you to work with it.

Maybe there's magic or futuristic science and it changes to what you want it to be. You can even make it into them trying to survive in this new life or trying get back to how they were before.

Introduce a character of the species you want in your story. This can be done in so many ways depending on what kind of story you're writing. Like adding a mythical type character let's say. They can be imaginary if it's supposed to be realistic or they can be real if it's fantasy or is able to become fantasy. Figuring whether to have the character real or not is up to you and what story you have.

Introduce a character that can help change things. Maybe with magic or machines. This I have seen mostly go in the direction of them trying to stop the character, trying to get back to how they were before and trying to make a life for themselves as they are now. Though if you get another idea on how to use the character that changes things feel free to try it out. It could be the greatest idea for your story ever.

These are only some ways to change a story with chapters or stories already read by others.

Find something that works for the story you have. Yes, change means more work but sometimes that change can be amazing.

Don't be afraid of change.

[creative-writing-how-do-i-do-it]

Late nights

One of the problems you might face with any creativity is getting an idea late at night. This might cause an excitement and need to create this idea. There are those out there who will find themselves trouble sleeping. Or staying up late to try to complete it.

Some mental illnesses can also affect this. Such as depression and having the motivation to do it late at night. Yet knowing that you probably will lose the motivation to do it if you don't do it that minute.

This is something I struggle with myself. The need and excitement to create something even though it is time for bed. I've had late nights of creating things mainly because I was having trouble sleeping. I've also tried to complete stuff before I fell asleep. Trying to stay up to do something isn't really fun. The sleep can catch up and you'll fight it. Though the biggest risk for me is if I don't give into when I actually feel tired I won't sleep. I'll feel awake if I don't give in to the moment I actually feel tired.

I've heard of creative people of all sorts staying up super late to stream and create.

You don't have to stream yourself creating. Not even late at night. You can keep the creation process private.

As a creative person you must remember that this does happen. It's nothing to feel bad about. It's just part of being creative. But don't worry I'm not ending this here.

There are ways to get yourself to sleep even if you're super excited about a creative idea. You just need to find what will work for you. Here are some ideas you could try.

Push the thoughts away.

Write down your idea. A summary of it. Get it out of your head to help you move on for sleep. This can also be very helpful in not forgetting it the next morning. I highly recommend writing a summary down before bed.

Have relaxing music to distract you. Or you can put on apps like Slumber on your iPhone to listen to the stories, or meditations, to help you sleep. You could even read a story yourself that makes you sleepy.

Maybe you could take your dog, if you have one, for a walk before bed. Or even just go on a quick walk yourself if it is safe to do so. Just be careful on night walks. Stay aware of your surroundings.

There's probably more that I missed. But you should test and explore to see what is right for you. What will work for you. We are all different after all. Because we are our own person.

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Try, try again.

We all have those moments. You know what I'm talking about. Those moments where we write a scene and it doesn't feel right. Like what you wrote just isn't right, yet you're not sure how to change it to make it right.

So, what do you do?

Well this is where I believe improvising and experimentation comes into play.

No matter what kind of creative work you do improvising and experimentation can always take place. Like when I ran out of a certain coloured gem for a card and the store didn't have anymore. So I improvised and used darker and brighter shades to get the job done.

Improvising and experimentation works with stories as well. Sometimes you try something and you fall in love with it or you find you do it really well. Which only gets better with practice.

When you improvise or experiment with writing, I'm using the example of being stuck on a scene, then you really gotta let go of what you want to happen in that scene. This might be scary but if the scene won't come together you need to try something else. And this is the first thing you can try. Keep your characters in mind and just put them in that setting. Don't force it! It doesn't help. Just watch what they do. And if needed you can try mumbling the dialouge they say to each other to yourself. You might feel silly doing it but it can help get the scene flowing.

Another thing you can try to fix this problem is to try writing it in different ways and keeping all of them. You keep them all to look over and compare. This can be helpful as changes might be shown that you want to make, or maybe during a comparison the scene might come to you. When writing it in different ways give the characters more freedom, you can also listen to music that shares the same theme and see what they do if the music was the factor of how it plays out, and so on. Just try to look at the scene differently than what you intended. Writing and keeping all the ways the scene could play out until it comes to you or you find the perfect match. Oh and as a final note for this method don't be too picky about how different the scenes are. It doesn't have to completely different. If a part you've already written pops up for the scene just put it in there. Not everything has to be different after all. Just enough to give you different ideas or views on the scene.

Talk to yourself. Yes this might sound crazy and weird but hear me out. Sometimes walking around my house or the room doing this helps me. I let the characters channel themselves through me and imagining the scene before me can help me get a better feel of it. Sometimes it even writes itself in the way that feels right. I've even done this on walks outside. With and without my dog. If I'm not with my dog I'm listening to music. Though this can be used to help when you're stuck, I am the type of person who needs background noise that I like to stay focused. Let the characters play themselves out through you. Don't force them to say or do something. Just see what happens. Something might stick with you after all. Also use teddy bears or toys if you must. Who are they going to tell?

Watch a movie, a show, or even YouTube. Now, before I get any comments about stealing from them let me explain. Yes, you don't steal entire scenes from them but you could get inspired. An inspiration that can give you a new angle on it. You can focus on things that are like what you want Or you can just watch what you like. Sometimes I even put characters into the moments I'm awatching to see what they'd do. This might give me an idea on a new way the scene could go. Now believe me this idea can be tricky to do. Mainly because you don't want to full on steal from a show. While it is true that many ideas have been used many times there's a difference. Stealing a scene means copying exactly what happens just with your characters. Using an idea that been used a thousand times before and going off in your own direction is okay. Due to the high temptation to write your story exactly like the movie you saw, well it makes me recommend this less than the others. However I felt like I should put here just in case it works for someone.

Play the scene out with a friend or family member. I have a friend who both her and I help each other with scenes. We even take some of our story ideas and write them out together in private chats where no one can see. Having outside help has shown me different ways the stories could go from what I imagined. Even characters doing something more logical for them than what I originally thought they should do. Me and my friend have given each other permission to add what we write to stories. You really need to ask if it's okay if you use what you two or more write together. Especially if you're playing the scene out exactly as the way you both wrote it. People can get angry at the smallest of things like someone eating a bean. Plus you're taking their ideas with or without their knowledge at the time and using it as your own. So please please ask them before using it. It is the best thing you could possibly do. If they say no then you at least have a different view of the scene. You can try writing the scene again while being careful to not copy what the person said you can't use. It can be easy if the person says yes, and give them credit if they ask for credit, although very tricky if they say no.

Take a break. I've mentioned this before but it really is a good way. Go get something to eat, watch a video, watch a movie, get some sleep especially if you're up really late, whatever you wish to make your break. Coming back refreshed can be the best thing for your scene to work out. Just give it a try especially if you're at your wits end. Then when you come back you might have figured it out. This one I want to say in many problem solving solutions though I tried to limit myself with it though. I'm very sure I gave it its own section anyways.

Those are some of the major ways I get though a scene I'm having trouble with. Just try different things out. Look at it from different creative angles. Find the way that works for you and use what you have to do so.

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Problems.

We all have problems when writing a story. They can vary from person to person.

I like to think of myself as a good example. Due to my autism, depression, anxiety and some other mental illnesses I am not always so good.

Now you may not have a mental illness but that doesn't mean writing can't affect you like you do.

You could worry about what people will think.

You could be worried that you didn't write it well enough.

You maybe find yourself unable to write.

There could be many things that you might find happening. It happens to me too.

Sometimes I get in moments where for days I won't write. I just struggle to do any of it. When those times hit I found, that for myself, having to write a chapter every weekend helps. Making me write, even if I have to sit down at the computer and finish writing right before I go to bed.

This solution won't work for everyone but it's a good place to start.

Deadlines do become very important as you go through your writing career. It'll help to get you to write more giving you more experience. Plus getting used to deadlines means that if you work for a company you'll be good to go. After all they have to publish things on time. So deadlines are a must. This especially matters in newspapers or magazines. However don't think deadlines stop there. If you publish a book and plan for more you'll need to at some point figure out when you'll release the next one. Especially if your story becomes popular. People will want to know when you release your next book. So announcing a deadline means it affects you in that as well. I may just write to post online however deadlines are important to me. It helps to keep my passion alive by making sure I write at least one chapter every weekend.

There are other ways than just deadlines to help.

Let's say that you aren't feeling up to writing. Then I would suggest also trying to listen to music and write a story about the song. Or even go through your pictures either on a phone or camera or even a scrapbook. Write a story about a picture with your own characters or characters from whatever fandom you're with. Turn it into something more than what you remembered about that photo. Like maybe someone finds the photo and asks someone about it then tries to track down the others. It's a pretty good example I've actually used myself. Searching for inspiration can be really helpful.

Plus having a break with what you're writing can be nice. Changing things even if it's for a day, to write a new full or short story.

Need a break but still want to write? This can happen a lot. Working on a story for a long time can make it tiresome at times. I would suggest keeping track of all story ideas you get and working on those along with your main. By working on multiple ones you can break from one to work another. When you come back to the first you could be bursting with insperation. That kind of break even takes your mind off of your other story. Then brings you back with creativity for other stories out of your system. Really that's all it could possibly be. I can't say for sure though it's a chance. But yes working on multiple, Even if you don't finish all of them, can really help indeed.

Can't get a scene right? There are a few options. You could see if it's one that is needed or not. It could be removed to be replaced with something else. If you need or want it in there then there are other options. Don't worry I usually try to include the scenes I think of if I can and try to not take them out if possible. To keep it you could ask a friend of family member to possibly help you figure it out. Like sending or showing it to them. Asking what you should change. Sometimes even getting an idea on how. And especially getting the why they think it needs to be changed can be helpful. It could shed a new light on it which could be just what you need. Especially if you know someone who writes as well. They are the best for helping out with scenes you're struggling with. They'll have a little more knowledge than the other people.

We all have our own ways of taking on problems and solving them. You just need to figure out what will work for you.

Don't give up! You can do this!

[creative-writing-how-do-i-do-it]

Mistakes.

"I'm not a good writer."

"My stories suck."

"I have no writing skills."

"I will never be as good as the person I admire."

Haven't you all ever had thoughts that are these or similar to this? I'm sure we've all had thoughts like this at some point.

Maybe such thoughts have turned you away from writing. Which is very disappointing.

We will always make mistakes. It doesn't matter who you are. If you're alive you've made mistakes. Anything that is alive has done so. All of us are no different.

Mistakes in spelling, mistakes in grammar, mistakes in how to use commas, mistakes in creating a plot hole, and so on. We have to make these mistakes to learn.

Even those we admire have made such mistakes. You might have missed them or seen some mistakes they've made. The story you're reading has gone through changes, drafts and the writer has even written stories before. These are not always shown to the world and sometimes go unseen.

I have made my own mistakes. Stories that I highly dislike. Stories that I wrote so poorly. I still shared them with the public. I wrote those stories. I knew I could learn from mistakes, or that a subject I wasn't really interested in that I wrote about would be liked by someone out there.

This isn't always the case. Not everyone posts everything they write. Even if sometimes it's what needs to be done to help you grow as a writer.

Sure there are times that I learned on my own figuring it out. Sometimes even when I was rereading the stories I wrote. Sometimes it's while I'm writing a story.

But don't underestimate what you can learn by sharing what you've written. Sometimes I don't even notice the mistake until someone points it out to me. Sometimes I need someone to give me ideas on how I could fix a mistake. Sometimes that outside help assisted in making me a better writer.

When I first began writing many many years ago, I was young and not even a full teenager, I ended everything with exclamation marks instead of anything else. I was really young and just starting to write. Someone told me about my mistake and as I grew as a writer I learned more and more.

Im still learning somethings even after years having gone by since I started.

You will learn. You will make mistakes.

It's a part of life.

Think about it. Think about things you've done in life that you regret. Mistakes you've made. Decisions you later regretted.

Writing is no different.

Make mistakes. Make those stories.

How else do you expect to become better if you don't try?

This may not always be easy but trying is the best you can do. For yourself and for your love of being creative.

Remember. Only you can create a world no ones ever seen before. Only you can write out a story that could never have been imagined by someone else. So get out there and write your stories!

[creative-writing-how-do-i-do-it]

More than just computers.

I can't write I'm not always at my computer.

I can't write without experience.

I work too much. I'm not at home on my computer enough to write.

I'm at school not at home where I can write.

We tend to focus on thinking that we can't do something. Instead we need to look at what we can do to fix this.

It doesn't matter if you have any experience. Just go for it. You can also find help online or by reading books. You'll never gain the experience if you don't try. This experience can take a long time or you could get it right away. I've been writing for years and I'm getting better as I go along. I'm still learning new cool things myself.

However. There is one other problem we alsoways tell ourselves. And that is that we are away from our computers too much to write.

This can be a common way of thinking. But that's because a lot of people imagine writers as people sitting at computers. It is seen as how to write.

This isn't the case.

There is possibilities everywhere. Sometimes hiding in plain sight and sometimes you gotta be creative.

A few examples is a phone. If you have a notepad on your phone for example write on there. You take your phone probably everywhere. With your phone you could write anywhere at any time. Like me who takes time to write if I can on my phone anywhere.

School or library computers. These can be used to write something then email it to yourself. It's quick and easy. Plus one way to write if you're at say school most of the day. You can always open it in your email at home when you have the time.

A piece of paper or a sticky note. You're sitting at work and an idea pops into your head. But you can't take out your phone. So, what do you do? Pick up a blank sheet of paper or a sticky note and write it down. If you have a moment to do so this can be very helpful. You can put it in your pocket or bag or whatever. Take it home and write it on your computer.

There could be more that I am missing. All you need to do is to figure it out. Depending on circumstances sometimes it won't be easy. But opportunities are all around you. You just need to find them and use them.

There is creativity in all of us. We just have to find our own ways to bring it out. To be able to take the time to explore it. To write down ideas or even scenes pretty much no matter where we are. With anything you must put in the work if it's ever going to work out for you.

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Rejection.

This can be a very scary thing. Especially to newer writers. But it doesn't have to be.

Rejection is a normal part of creating anything.

Everyone has their own opinions and views. Some people believe that their views is the only way people should think. Some people just share their rejections of whatever they don't like for example vampires.

Theres many reasons someone could reject what you've done.

Someone could reject it because someone ate peas.

Don't let the rejection get to you. If it doesn't seem to be a rejection with helpful tips by kinder rejections it doesn't require your attention.

Focus instead on those who like it. On your target audience.

You wrote it for a specific reason. Not to please every single person in the world.

Prepare for the rejection and know it's a part of anything you'll do.

If it helps I'd like to share an example that one of my teachers told us. Even Harry Potter was rejected by a bunch of places before it got accepted. Now we won't always gain that amount of popularity but there will always be people who enjoy what you wrote.

You can post online or get it published. That is up to you.

Currently I post online. I feel it's good practice and can get opinions from people. You can even stay under a username. I do plan to publish a book at some point though I want to be ready plus find the best place to do so at. Though if they reject the book I'll find another place.

You may have to go through a bunch of publishers but don't give up hope. Remember even famous books have been rejected by many publishers.

You can do it. Power through rejection. Don't listen to the harsher comments.

If you need to talk to someone or need support through it you can find someone. Or find a place to post online about it. How you do it is up to you.

Rejection is normal. It doesn't have to be scary.

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Rating.

Rating is very important.

A rating can be very helpful. Deciding on it is something that everyone needs to do.

It may not be right away but it defines how far you go in your creative work.

Whether it be Sex, gore, horror, dark or depressing themes, death, suicide, mental health and so on.

You you can even change the rating on a story. Though if you are posting on a website, even if it's chapter by chapter, it would be wise to keep the rating the same. Changing it is complicated. It can drive away some current readers and it can bring a different audience in. So be careful when doing that. People can react in ways you might not expect.

So. You have a story idea and I would suggest thinking about a possible rating.

Some ways to look at it is to ask yourself some questions. Questions like;

What am I comfortable with?

How far do I want to take this story?

What audience am I aiming for?

Do I want to try to see how far I can go? And if so how far might that possibly be?

Does my story idea contain anything that would need specific ratings?

And so on. These are some things you can try to think about to try to work out a rating.

You don't have to know everything that'll happen in your story to decide the rating. Just remember that whatever rating you decide on can restrict what you do.

Make sure the rating for your story doesn't just feel right but fits for the idea you have so far.

Ratings are a lot easier if you're not posting or publishing the story right away. If you're going to complete every single chapter before putting it out there, then you can also not decide on a rating until you are finished.

Even when publishing your work online it must come with a rating. This is used to try to help make sure that those who do not want to see certain stories can avoid them better.

That is also very useful to a writer like you. For you can use your rating to help to draw in your intended audience. Of course you will get some who check it out even if they don't like the rating. Though the main thing to focus on is the targeted audience.

In creating tv shows and movies for example younger audiences there's some room for adult things. Though you will have to be careful with this and not take it too far. We just all know that parents are often forced to watch a movie with their kids. So some references and such that is directed to them is a nice way to go. It can even gain attention in the older than the intended audience community for it. Sometimes even gaining adult or teen lovers of what you made.

Books can be the same. Though usually they tend to stick to what their targeted audience can handle. You can sneak in a few things to try to make some other members of another audience to possibly read your book. However I believe that, even if you decide to add things like even a reference to something for another audience, you should put most of your focus on the targeted audience.

Thus ratings are important in writing and you decide what kind of rating you'll be aiming for.

If you need to see what ratings you can use you can either search online for general ratings, or if you're posting on a site see what ratings they have on their site.

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Characters.

This is a big part of your story. Deciding Characters and their roles to play in your story.

Some believe it can be one of the hardest parts of writing.

If you're doing Fanfiction then it makes it easier. Coming up with which character will be in which role. If they have powers or even animal parts for example then decide on those as well.

Creating characters from scratch isn't as easy however. It can be quite tough.

Heres a few things I have done for stories in the past. Also for all of these don't be afraid to google things. Hair styles, hair colour, certain types of clothes, anything you might need.

One way you can try is just find a place to write out what kind of character comes to mind for the scenario. Let your mind do the work and write whatever comes to mind. Let your mind visualize the character. Then decide if it's a character you'll keep and what role they play.

A second way is to listen to music based on the theme of your story. Imagine something happening based on the song. See what characters come up from this.

A third way is to draw them out. Even if it's a rushed sketch it can help in visualizing them. Change things to see what looks the best and how you would like it to be. Maybe try a character with longer hair or even no hair. Maybe try no jacket, a jacket or even a vest. Whatever you can think of.

A fourth way is to go to your clothes. Look at them maybe even laying them out like on a person. Or even put them on yourself. Look at them wether it be where you put them or in a mirror at yourself. Try to see if you can imagine a character in them and if it feels right to you. I often do this for drawing as well. You can test and see how they look on a person this way. Look even at the accessories you have, be it a collar, a necklace, a bracelet, a crown, whatever you happen to have. See if it might be something a character in your story might have.

A fifth way is to go for a walk. Be it in your house or outside. You can listen to the world or listen to music as you walk. Look at nature, look at stores, just look at anything around you. You never know what could end up being your insperation.

And my last method is to just start writing. This can work if you haven't figured out any characters looks, or if you only have a few or even one. Sometimes when you get to the part of introducing them you'll figure it out. Like your brain is figuring out the character based on how your story is so far.

I have used these tactics before. A story I'm doing even had only the idea of monsters as one villain. Though as I wrote I figured out that what felt right was something more. Letting where they come from and the group creating them just started flowing into my story as I wrote. I even did the first scene with the biggest bad guy keeping him still mysterious for the sake of the reveal. It was then that his character and things about him flew into my head. Creating that character for me on the spot. It even helped create a possible scenario between him and my main character.

Just experiment and see where it takes you. Find out what works for you.

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Ideas.

Coming up with an idea for your story doesn't have to be completely original.

So many ideas have already been used. And you may be scared to use them too. Just keep in mind that the ideas have probably been used many times.

The question that should be asked is how do I make this idea my own story? How do I use it without plagiarizing?

Maybe try starting with the vaugest idea. Like that a God raises children. Or a detective must solve a murder. Or even that the zombie apocalypse has arrived. These are only some examples.

Now take that idea and play with the world. See what you can do with it. Mix ideas. Imagine how a character you created even for a past story might react when put in this role. Put yourself into that situation if needed. Imagine characters interacting with one another in different ways. Change things about the world or about the characters until you find your sweet perfect match. You'll know when you get there.

Characters and environment can be changed as you go through the story. When writing it before publishing or posting online no ones gonna see it. Unless you allow them to do so. So write since no ones watching.

A character can either be successful or unsuccessful. Even though a lot of movies and shows show successfulness, playing around with Unsuccessfulness can be an interesting change. Maybe your character dies in the final battle and there is no happy ending. Your characters can change and grow as they learn more information about the world they're in, or how to survive a certain situation.

What kind of company will they have? Willing or unwilling. Or will they be left completely alone? Maybe it's an imaginary friend that is all your character has. Or maybe it's a rival from the company your character worked at who always argues with your character. It can really be anyone or anything. Even inanimate friends have worked.

As you write your story write down ideas that come to your head. If you're like me you'll lose that idea if it's not written down. You can go through it at anytime after even days after. You can have the idea sit there then as you approach an area where the idea could be used you can look back on it. Figuring out if the idea will truly work well in your situation, character personality and the location.

Draw insperation from music, shows, movies, plays, books and the such. Just remember to make sure that you are not copying enough that it is plagiarizing. Maybe have a selection that fits your theme or just use what you like or want to see slabs hear.

Research is always very important. An example is a mental illness. Look online, if you can ask a therapist or ask someone suffering from that mental illness. Or even google a location, words, things, animals, phobias, monks and so on. Having done your "homework" really helps. Not just in making it easier but to also to make it more realistic. You can also use this information and maybe you want to make something unique with a certain type of shark. Think about using different features, maybe a birth defect or maybe this shark is able to talk or even grow legs. In a world anything can be different than the real world. Research is still good but don't be afraid to try seeing what you could change about this real world thing. Experiment. Look for something that you can make work. Like if the shark can talk then maybe it's captured. It needs the help of a boy to get back home or to get out of where the shark is trapped. Like an aquarium.

The ending can be different than the source like maybe the shark doesn't make it and is either trapped, taught to perform or maybe even dies there.

Maybe even make the boy sick and he dies before he can help the shark.

There are lots of ideas. You just need to take one idea and play with it to find your perfect match. Do you dare to make it your own?

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Breaks.

You don't have to write a story in one sitting.

Breaks can be important especially when writing a long story.

I take breaks while writing. I take a break to watch YouTube, to watch a movie, to pick what music to turn on as background music, to write down new story ideas. Sometimes even going for a walk either outside or around the house can help. Play with your pet if you have one. Get a snack or make some lunch or supper or even breakfast.

However you take a break is up to you. No matter if it's an hour, two or even an entire day.

Sometimes taking that break and coming back to the story can be very rewarding.

Dont be scared to takes breaks. To step away for a bit or to step back.

Your mind can come back renewed when you sit down again to start the story again.

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Writing

You can write even without knowing how it'll end. Or maybe you have an ending in mind but no way that the characters will reach that point.

That's okay.

I write like this a lot. I let the events come to me as I continue to write the story.

Move even had stories that started with good fighting evil that halfway through ended up being an exploration. An exploration on a good guy dealing with power going to his head. Turning him into a more evil person who believes that he is doing good. With others around him believing in him because he's the good guy.

It's okay if things change. Let the story come to you as you write.

Even if you have a plan when starting it can always change as it doesn't have to be concrete.

Just do what feels right for your story.

Everything you've written down for ideas is written in sand so to speak. You can always cross out an idea, erase it or change it at any point. Don't be afraid to follow a path that the story ends up taking you down.

I've written really good stories this way. I write down every idea that comes to me for the story.

Half of the ideas I write down I use and the other half I end up not using at all.

You don't have to use everything.

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Getting started.

Everyone writes in their own way. Sometimes getting started can be the hardest part.

How do I start?

I've heard a lot that people say that you have to have a plan of what will happen. An idea of a beginning, middle and end. However I find that for me it doesn't work. Now if you're like me you would have gotten frustrated over it. Maybe you wanted to quit because you couldn't do it.

However that isn't the only way to write.

I start my story with an idea. It can be very vague, simple and maybe even short. Like that characters battle against mutant monsters. That's the starting point.

Now that you have your idea next is to decide on characters. Who will be your main character and who or what will the villain. I find drawing my characters or even writing ideas down on different notes or paper. Until it feels right for me. If you're doing fan fiction this part is easier. Just pick what characters will play the main character and possible support characters slash the one that goes against the main character.

It is up to you if you wish to add backstories or personalities for these characters. This can be skipped at times but for some stories like ones that include magic or spiritual animals you have to decide who will get what. I usually do so before starting even if it's just this character will have the power of fire and a fox spiritual animal.

With the characters decided it's time to start.

I find that with only the idea of what this story is about I let the words come to me in my head. Now sometimes even I sit there for a long time trying to decide on something. Sometimes you'll need to sleep on the idea and come back another day.

Remember stories take time. You need to be willing to sit for a long time just writing.

When you feel ready start the story.

You can just let your mind write it and just write down everything that comes to mind. You can always change something afterwards.

All I remember is my main idea and the fact that you don't tell your reader everything at the start.

As a final thing. Sometimes stories you think will only be one or two chapters end up being a lot more. That is okay.