home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
AOL File Library: 9,200 to 9,299
/
9200.zip
/
AOLDLs
/
Business of Writing
/
BLOCKED_ The way around
/
BLOCKED
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
2014-12-10
|
3KB
|
52 lines
The person writing for a living cannot sit around waiting for inspiration.
Here's how you can make a start when creativity seems to fail.
First, you need a theme - the point that your story makes, the truth that it
illustrates. There's always a point, otherwise there's no story. It's true
you'll sometimes read fiction that makes no discernible point but either it's
an 'exquisite' piece or the writer is too subtle for you, and possibly for
everyone.
So you need to choose a theme which your story will illustrate, often
something which can be stated in a sentence or two. It may be either
illustration or denial of a proverb. It may be something universal and
profound like "Age brings wisdom" or "All ends in failure whatever you do."
Or it may be a quirky contention of your own, such as "Cats understand more
than you think." But note that the theme need not be correct. An erroneous
belief can make a good, cohesive story. And you need not believe it yourself,
although it's always easier to write up a theme you heartily support.
Now you must choose a setting for your story. A time and place interesting in
itself is usually attractive to the your readers, especially a setting you
know well, but mind that it doesn't overwhelm the point you are trying to
illustrate. (When this begins to happen the professional writer doesn't just
say "Blast! Must begin again." He says "Great! There's another piece here.")
Next you need a plot that illustrates the truth of your proposition. It's
often best to begin with your protagonists, i.e. people or groups to whom
your chosen theme might reasonably apply. No need to flesh them out in any
detail at this stage, even in your own mind; their necessary features will
emerge to suit the needs of the story. Choose a conflict affecting your main
protagonist - an obstacle, threat, ambition, emotion etc.
See, and show, how the character reponds to that and what happens next. The
possibilities are, literally, endless.
Fortunately there are some sources of real help which you can use. You can
get help with your plot, or even a whole plot ready to write, from an AOL
member.
E-mail Story7575@aol.com
One of the most helpful books for the writer, and a good read for anyone, is
"The Art of Fiction" by David Lodge, published by Martin Secker and Warburg
(1992). The paperback edition is published by Penguin at ú6.99 in the UK or
$12.00 in the USA. That's what it says on my copy but maybe it's more now -
it's certainly worth more!
We all work with enthusiasm when inspiration strikes. But the professional
writer can't wait for that - he or she has to produce a day's work every day
whether the Muse is present or not. You don't need her. Get going! Start
work. You'll enjoy it. Once you have asserted your independence and begun
without her, the Muse will usually join you. She's like that.