#dutifullyloudmilkshake

[creativepromptsforwriting]

Hey, I need a bit of advice. I'm kindof new to writing, and I know that there's a lot of stuff that goes into writing before you start the story, such as building the characters etc. Do you have like a basic overview of the things that should definitely be done before I try to write things out into a story? Also, what is a character arc and how do I write one? I hope this ask makes sense.

Hi!

There is so much going into a story. But this is not the format to analyse every little detail of it and you also just wanted a basic overview before you start, so here it is.

Basic overview: How to write a story?

Theme

What kind of story do you want to tell?

What do you want to write about?

What genre do you want to write in?

What is your target audience?

Is there a message you want to convey?

Specific issues you want to highlight?

What narrator do you want to tell the story?

 Structure

Before you start you need a rough idea on where to start and where to end

Beginning

Who is there in the beginning and where are they?

Ending

Who is still left and where do they end up?

Bear in mind that a story doesn’t need a happy ending, it just needs a satisfying one

Middle part (you don’t need to know this in detail)

you just need a few scenes to make a timeline

you need to kind of know how to get from the beginning to the end

you will need ups and downs and twists

Some major plot points for the middle part

Places/stops

Plot twists

When and how does the MC meet the other characters?

Key scenes to further the plot

A few scenes you already know you want to have in the story

Characters

How to create a character? (Tips for creating and developing characters)

Who is your MC?

How many MCs do you have?

How many important characters do you need?

Character arc – your character can’t stand still; they need some kind of drive or problem that is a change to what their life was before

You have to send them on a journey, they have to overcome things you threw in their way

At the end of the story something has to have changed for them

 This is just some basic stuff, so if you or anyone else wants some part of this a little bit more detailed let me know.

- Jana

[pens-swords-stuff]

1, 12, 30, 34, 39, and 47 from the writers ask.

1.     Do you listen to music when you write?

Sometimes! I don’t always (because I’m playing Netflix/Hulu/Youtube in another tab, usually), but I do have several character playlists and WIP playlists that I put together. I usually throw ‘em on in the background (after pausing whatever stream I’m playing because I’m never not streaming something in the background tbh) whenever I need to get into the mood, or need an extra incentive/boost of inspiration to write for something/someone.

12.  Describe your perfect writing space

Large, organized desk with enough room to cross my legs and to have a bunch of things on top of the desk in an organized-not-messy manner. The desk is super cute and modern with a bunch of pictures and knickknacks. It’s raining outside, and I have a bowl of my favorite snacks and a nice drink on hand. 

Also the desk is super aesthetic.

30.  Favourite idea you haven’t started on yet

Hmm, there are tons but I think at the moment it’s Always The Bridesmaid. I’m still in the very beginning processes of putting it together, so while I have ideas, I’m unable to do anything with them yet because I need to do character creationf irst.

34.  What was the hardest scene you ever had to write?

In one of my projects with my writing partner, there are two characters that are not vibing with each other on any level. There’s a really strange disconnect there that I don’t know how to fix, and it’s not helping that I only have a vague idea of who my character is. Trying to write them interacting with each other was extremely painful, demoralizing, and had me crying onto my keyboard from frustration. 

39.  Weirdest character concept you’ve ever had

Answered here.

47.  Best way to procrastinate

By supporting other writeblrs.

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Oh I love doing these :D

1. I currently have a book buying problem. Over the last 6 months, I probably purchased around 100 books (around half of them free ebooks and the other half used books)

2. I hate going to parties, but I do love going to concerts. Not being able to go to concerts right now sucks, and I can’t wait until it’s safe again.

3. I’m about to turn 24 in December and I still live with my mum. My hometown is just too expensive for a student and I also don’t want to get financial support from the government because I would be in debt when I graduate, which I want to avoid as much as possible (with success so far)