How to START to write a story

TimeKeeperApprentice · Post by **TimeKeeperApprentice** » 19 Dec 2011, 20:09

Even though I'm only twelve years old I am already setting a goal to be a writer{Long way to go Hehehe} I've tried to write short stories but I'm never satisfied with them. I thought of a plot a great one too and try to write but I don't know how to START! I have no idea how to make a great opening sentence!!! Then when I do have one and start to write it I change my MIND and throw out my entire page![I'm also embarrassed if my family found out I was making stories, I'm scared that they'll criticize me and bring me down and I destroy my work!] That's why I write on paper instead of the computer. So if you would help out a newbie, a starter, a rookie, I would be happy to see what you think.

Diane Fordham · Post by **Diane Fordham** » 20 Dec 2011, 01:22

Hello there. Hopefully I can help you in some way. Sometimes we don't necessarily have to start our story at the beginning. A catchy title for example might come to mind, or even the ending of your story might give you the direction you need to go. Sometimes I too start writing a story..and then it stops. I do believe what you may need to see or hear hasn't happened yet... you need to believe your inspiration for the next piece of your story will come. I have a 'drafting book' where I jot down ideas for stories, titles, characters in real life that may interest me and descriptions of scenery - and everything I jot down ends up being useful for a story I haven't written yet. It is fantastic when you sit down and write a story from beginning to end, but rarely it happens that way. My advice to you is take the words as they come - write it all down and then as you go about your daily life other people/things will inspire you to continue writing that story. A writer's notes are a valuable thing - something you write down now might turn out to be the inspiration for something brilliant in years to come. Do what you feel passionate about, and follow your dreams. Keep writing....

nothing0829 · Post by **nothing0829** » 20 Dec 2011, 03:39

I will read some books or go travel and then write.........

Gurkavitch · Post by **Gurkavitch** » 20 Dec 2011, 18:07

Diane knows what she's talking about and I understand fully what you mean about not letting the fam see your work but don't let that disturb you, most likely they would love to read your work it's just all in your mind. But anyway, usually what I do is I think of a conversation. No names usually, just pure dialogue and then I just build around it. Although my style of writing is based more on dialogues, it might help you out trying this. 'Nother thing you can do is read up on some short stories. An average book would be a good read, but if you're starting out, the pressure of writing a 20,000+ words for a book could take a toll on you and maybe lose some inspiration (of course, there's no real average on the word count, but y'get me). Another thing I'd advice you to do is to find your voice. Whether it's a story your writing or just some thoughts on paper, the more you write the closer you'll get in finding your style. Just keep writing where ever you are and of anything that interest you and experiment with your pen pal (get it?

). You could even use the pen and paper to straighten out some thoughts (you know how they say talking helps organize your mind? it'll work just as well in writing). Just see the paper as someone you'd like to get to know and "talk" to them, about anything. Anyhow, that's my two cents - we all work/think differently and I'm not guaranteeing this is the best route to go, but if it works, it works, if not, just keep trying to find that certain "push". I also have a long way to go with being a writer, but hopefully this helps you on your way.

TimeKeeperApprentice · Post by **TimeKeeperApprentice** » 20 Dec 2011, 19:13

Thank you guys so much! The advice you guys gave me will come in handy. I will start writing my ideas right away!

Gurkavitch · Post by **Gurkavitch** » 20 Dec 2011, 19:38

That's the spirit! 8D

Diane Fordham · Post by **Diane Fordham** » 21 Dec 2011, 01:51

Good on you TimeKeeperApprentice was happy to read that! And if I may say... do keep all your notes. I started writing when I was much, much younger, as you are now, and to this day I wish I had kept my notes. Writing is a gift... nurture it, and most of all, enjoy it.

Jacob · Post by **Jacob** » 21 Dec 2011, 08:16

TimeKeeperApprentice wrote:Thank you guys so much! The advice you guys gave me will come in handy. I will start writing my ideas right away!

Remember, a little girl about age 6 wrote a story on how she thought the world came about, and it turned out to be very intelligent for her age!

Also, the girl who wrote the famous book, "The Outsiders." was just 16.

propertymanagement · Post by **propertymanagement** » 27 Dec 2011, 05:15

I change my MIND and throw out my entire page

JAJACKSON · Post by **JAJACKSON** » 28 Dec 2011, 15:44

Your idea of starting on paper is a great one. Now its time to get the story onto the PC.
Don't fret over the 'exact' opening words, focus on writing what is in your head NOW. Later the sections can be merged into the story line. As you have a 'paper draft' this should work. You don't have to start writing page one first !!!!
For my own work the opening words changed a few times as the story was tweaked.
Be prepared to spend one year on the story, and also prepare yourself for ALL kinds of feedback. Good and Bad, it can all help. Lastly think about who will proof read, and then who will edit the work. Editing takes time and skill, self editing is a very bad idea.
Anyway just my thoughts. Have fun writing.
James

TimeKeeperApprentice · Post by **TimeKeeperApprentice** » 28 Dec 2011, 15:58

Thanks

CdotL · Post by **CdotL** » 30 Mar 2012, 13:57

I'm also a young writer, bit older, but started the same age. Glad to see I'm not the only one doing it like this. I'm just curious, what styl are you writing. Me, I'm big on fantasy from midievel times. Try writing really short... 'essays' you might call it. If it's really good and you like it, it could become a longer story.
Hope you work things out for yourself.

steve p · Post by **steve p** » 30 Mar 2012, 14:18

Good luck, and keep writing!

steve

TimeKeeperApprentice · Post by **TimeKeeperApprentice** » 31 Mar 2012, 19:22

CdotL wrote:I'm also a young writer, bit older, but started the same age. Glad to see I'm not the only one doing it like this. I'm just curious, what styl are you writing. Me, I'm big on fantasy from midievel times. Try writing really short... 'essays' you might call it. If it's really good and you like it, it could become a longer story.
Hope you work things out for yourself.

I don't actually write yet. I keep mental records on what to write. I like fiction, it is very creative and fun to write.

jasmin2002 · Post by **jasmin2002** » 03 Apr 2012, 14:10

Hi. In school are teacher asked us to write a story.OWW NO.I was try to make a first sentance to start my story. I started to think about what was my story about. I called it THE HIGHWAY MAN!!! [ not very good] i start doing some thinking and i desided to start my story with the main character speaking!! Hope i have helped you.