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Get Going!
by Adam Reyher - 8/07/03
Copyright © 2003 Adam Reyher. All rights reserved.
----Get Going!----
Writing is an art that flows from your imagination onto paper. Like all other arts, writing takes time, patience, and practice. Everyone has the ability to imagine, create a character and a basic story to go with that character. Everyone has the ability to express this imagination in words and writing. For some this is easy, while in others it is difficult. Yet, with the proper practice and story, you can write a masterpiece.
----Time Tables----
You've heard the phrase, "You can’t rush art!" This phase is all so very true. Don't expect to write even a three-page story in a day, week, or even a month. You've also heard the phrase, "Rome was not built in one day." This is also very true. Rome was also not build in a month, year, or even decade! It took several centuries for it to reach is magnificence and beauty. You must have this mindset; the mindset where you know that this will take dedication.
In the modern world, the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling is considered excellent Fantasy Fiction, for both youth and adults. The books are excellent writing style while be fairly large. They average around 300-400 pages each, with the newest book over 800. Why am I say this? Well, because I want to let you know that each of these books were written and released several years apart. It takes time.
----The Subject----
I may have gotten you excited here, and that's good! You have an urge to write, which is the first start. But you have no clue what to write about. 'Oh no! I'm out, I'm at a block, I quit!' That's what most would say. I know I did when I was in High School. I gave up. Many times we reach roadblocks. I can guarantee you that the Romans measure a few pillars wrong during the construction of Rome. It may have been delayed, as expected, but it doesn't termination the whole operation.
This is the same way it must be with writing. You will run into times of 'writer's block.' So how can you figure out what you want to write about? The answer is to go with something that is on your imagination. Is there a character that you have upon your mind that you'd like to see something happen to, whether it be tragedy, love, or joy? I'm sure you do.
----How to Turn the Key----
Many people have different preferences when it comes to writing. This section of the article is hard for me to write because my method is probably going to be different from you, the reader. Some methods of tackling writing are best for some, yet terrible for others. I myself like to make the story up as I go. Sure, I have a general idea of where I want my character to go and who I want to come into the story later on, but I usually make up most of the story as I go.
By using this method, your work absolutely will require lots of editing, time, and thinking. But for me, at least, I can't sit down and write out an entire plot in outline form and make it work, it just doesn't happen, and I end up making it up as I go anyway.
But for other people, making an outline is mandatory. They like to have the general flow of the story plotted out. What events will happen, where he goes, who he meets, etc.
The bottom line, I believe, is to test out different methods. Outlines, sketches, or "as you go." Pick the one that suits you best and has the best turnout. That's what's trying to be accomplished, right?
----The Key Turns, but the Engine won't Start----
Oh no. Here we go again. Another incident of 'writer's block.' It will happen often, believe me. You've got the ideas, you've got the general plot, and you've got the character, but you just can't get the engine to start. There's one important thing here that's different about writing and cars and engines: You shouldn't fool around with the mechanical aspect of the engine without knowing what you are doing! This is very untrue in writing. You don't have to be experienced to get the ball rolling.
'One day, Lance we...' 'There was a...' *scratch* *scratch*
This is very common. It happens to me all that time. Starting the story off is probably the hardest thing to do. It sets the theme for the rest of the story, so you need to be careful with it. I've scrapped entire chapters because my beginning didn't work right. Again, this is just like a foundation of a building. Once you get to the 10th story, if the foundation isn't right, the building will topple. It may be a scary thought, but in actuality, it is not. With time and patience, trial and error, you will be successful.
----Where's the Gas Pedal?----
Yes, starting the car is only the beginning. You have to make the story go! This is also another very difficult part. The hardest part of making the story flow is enough context. You can easily end up writing one chapter that's only a page and a half. In some cases, this is perfectly okay to do. I've ready many books where chapters in the middle are only half a page! Does this look 'cheap'? No, it doesn't, at least, as long as you don't have too many 'short' chapters and as long as they are in the middle of the book. You should always try to lengthen your first chapter.
----What now?----
Remember, writing's limits are only your imagination, and even beyond it.
It's time to write! Good luck!
--End of Article—
------
"We must not allow the clock and the calendar
to blind us to the fact that each moment of life
is a miracle and mystery."
- H.G. Wells
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