Where to start?

So, there’s been a story idea that’s been in your head for a while. A story that you always wished you could read. Why don’t you write it? Why don’t you write the story so that you, and possibly others, could read it?

But where do you start? Starting with an idea is certainly a good way to start. But how do you move from idea to story?

Here are my tips

-Make an outline. Draw a timeline and plot out the basic events that happen in your story. An easy outline to follow is the three-act structure, which consists of three main “acts”. The set-up, the confrontation, and the resolution. You can read more about this structure on our post here.

-Write out everything you have on your mind concerning the story. Do you have an idea of how your characters look and act? You could write about your setting. Is it a fantasy realm? Is it set in a real place? 

-Write down a short snippet or scene that you keep thinking about. What was the first scene that came to mind when you first thought of your story idea? 

-If you are a more visual person, you can use sticky notes to put down all the scenes/events that you want to happen in your story, creating a sort of story board. You can use the sticky notes to rearrange your ideas. 

-If you love art, draw out your characters and then fill out a character interview sheet. You can answer questions for your character to help you get to know them better. 

-Create a space where you have things that inspire you or give you good vibes about your story, like a Pinterest board. I have a wall in my room dedicated to story inspiration. I have anything pinned up there that gives me good ideas or inspiration for my stories. It could be pictures, quotes, notes, poems, anything that inspires me.

-Print out a character questionnaire page. You can fill out these questions to help you get to know your character!

-Print out a world questionnaire page. You can fill out these questions to help you get to know your world!

Take the first step!

Well, those are my top tips. But here is the main thing. Do something. Action leads to more action, similarly inaction results in more inaction. You will not finish your story in a single day, but taking the first step today will bring you one step closer to making your idea into reality. So pick one thing from my list of suggestions and do it. Now! Don’t wait for the inspiration to come! You have a story in you that needs to come out!

Looking for more tips? Check out more here!

Hope you enjoyed these tips and see you on the next page!

-Ella Quill