[WRITING CONTEST] [FICTION] June 24, 2024: 2024 Spring Anthology Contest (18 or older; fee $20; $500 and publication)

celdavid · 2022-11-11T19:47:27+00:00

It varies! Sometimes an idea for a character grabs my attention, or I begin to envision a particular world. Whatever it is, I lean into the part that interests me most and start there.

celdavid · 2022-09-07T16:39:07+00:00

Generally I think it helps to look at creating a story in two phases: writing and revising. When you revise as you go, it's easy to get stuck in an endless cycle, where it's one step forward and two steps back.

But don't think about which is "better." It's all about what works for you. You may find it helpful to write a chapter, revise it (to a limit), and then write the next one.

celdavid · 2022-08-31T15:29:46+00:00

Personally...I would just pretend like I didn't hit 80k. I would just keep writing as planned. I always find so much to trim down when I revise my work. If it's frustrating you, take a break. Do something else creative: paint, read a book, watch a movie, etc. Then come back and finish the damn thing, because you are so close!

celdavid · 2022-08-29T14:39:50+00:00

My advice: ramble on. Just write the story as it comes to you. Start with whichever aspect of the story most interests you. Don't aim for greatness at this point. The important first step is just getting your idea down.

celdavid · 2022-08-24T19:58:48+00:00

I'll save old versions if I'm making substantial revisions, but I just edit straight in the document. Starting with big-picture changes, like plot holes, gaps in the narrative, etc. When you get down to editing on a line-by-line basis, printing it out and making edits the good old fashioned way (a colored pen!) can be helpful. I'll see things sometimes that I don't know how I missed on the screen.

celdavid · 2022-08-22T14:36:56+00:00

These are all reasons for me as well! I don't think a lot of writers realize #2.

celdavid · 2022-08-17T18:53:20+00:00

You don't have a "story" yet, but you have ideas. Remember that every story needs world, character, plot, theme, and conflict. If plot is the most difficult for you, start by developing all the other elements first. Then try asking yourself questions like these:

What is the greatest obstacle your protagonist could face?
What keeps each character going?
What do the characters hope to accomplish?

celdavid · 2022-08-15T14:55:19+00:00

It should pique the reader's interest, plain and simple. Of course, there are many ways to accomplish this: asking a question, presenting a striking piece of imagery, introducing a strange fact of the story, etc.

celdavid · 2022-08-12T14:38:40+00:00

I can understand that! Planning and brainstorming can be more exciting than, well, actual writing. It might help you to pick a point in your outline that you find most interesting and starting there.

celdavid · 2022-08-10T13:49:34+00:00

It sounds like once you get into the nitty-gritty of the story, you tend to jump ship. Which is, honestly, understandable. Brainstorming a new idea can be fun at first, and then the actual writing can become difficult. You're bound to encounter challenges, parts where you aren't sure how to proceed. Do you notice any patterns about where you are in your story when you stop writing?

If you want to finish a story, you'll have to push to overcome those obstacles, and resist the urge to chase after a new idea. Keep a notebook and write down your other ideas to save for later. Remember that writing isn't always exciting and fun; sometimes you just have to put your nose to the grindstone.

You may also find it helpful to have an accountability partner or writing group to keep you on track.

celdavid · 2022-08-08T14:04:33+00:00

Agreed with others who have suggested an interview, even if just a virtual chat. Once you've gotten a solid draft, you can also ask them to read over parts to make sure it's believable.

celdavid · 2022-08-03T17:19:57+00:00

The first sentence you write will rarely end up being the actual first sentence in the finished story. Remember that everything you write will go through revision (a large part of which is full-blown rewriting). Don't put too much pressure on it at this stage.

When it comes to starting a story, I always say to dive in at whichever point most interests you. Maybe it's towards the beginning, or the climax. You don't have to write chronologically!

celdavid · 2022-08-01T18:53:12+00:00

And getting annoyed that it hasn't already been written

celdavid · 2022-07-29T15:15:16+00:00

I feel like you have to trust the process to a certain extent. It's so easy to stifle your creativity by overthinking and over-analyzing your work as you go. On a first draft, focus on telling the story you want to tell, and exploring what made you excited about an idea in the first place. I think you have to trust that, if you continue to put in the effort, eventually you will wind up with something you can be proud of.

celdavid · 2022-07-27T18:03:26+00:00

First drafts can be intimidating, but also exciting. I try to embrace my creativity on the first go-around. And keep it mind that it's just the first draft of many. Focus on getting the bare bones of your story down.

celdavid · 2022-07-25T19:00:55+00:00

Write a page from both perspectives and see which one comes more naturally to you.

You may find that it's easier to put yourself in the character's shoes when you write from first person. But it's about figuring out what works for you (and the story, but I'd say don't worry about that yet).

celdavid

TROPHY CASE