Writing the backbone of the story

 

Hello, friends! Today a little bit about my step-by-step preparations for writing. Before I start writing a story, I like to create what I call "the backbone" of the story. Thanks to that when it's the time to write, I don't have to stop at every spot I'm not sure what to do with, which only blocks the creative inspiration. Instead, it's good to know what you're going for. There's nothing more confusing to the reader than the confused writer!

HERE ARE THE STEPS I FOLLOW EVERY TIME BEFORE STARTING A NEW BOOK:

0) the "note that down, note that down!" pre-step, which basically means... Don't let the interesting and cool ideas just fly over your head, note them down, and if they seem like something worth working with, move to step 1~

1) have an IDEA, that:

° is creative

° isn't already overused

° has the potential to interest others

° you know things about - you shouldn't choose a topic that's new for you or you're still a beginner in (but even being an expert in something requires never-dying research if you're trying to write about it!)

2) choose a FORM:

° poetry

° prose - one-shot, short story, novel,...

° play

3) have a MESSAGE in mind that you'd like to tell. Stories without a message to pass can still be written, but it's not what I like to write nor read

° something that's not overused - if it's popular, think how to make it special in your own way

° a message should have the chance to grow throughout the book. If it's given out right away, or at the very end, or the reader can't tell what it even is - then it's not serving its purpose

° make sure the message isn't harmful

4) think of a GENRE that gives the message and the idea the biggest justice. Make sure you know all the basics for how to write in your chosen genre

5) think of an AUDIENCE you're going to write for. It's good to decide on it at the beginning, since your writing style and figures will differ according to the age category.

6) think of a MAIN CHARACTER or main characters that suit the idea and can pass the message. More on the character creation in another post.

7) think of a LOCATION. If you choose a real place, make sure you know the significant information about it and don't make any cultural / historical mistakes. If it's not a real place, you have to do the world building - more on that some other time.

8) start creating the TIMELINE of the events in the books! More on the timeline in a different post💙

9) make changes in your surroundings and SCHEDULE, so you have the time and space to write and won't forget about the WORK ETHICS. Remember: you shouldn't work, rest and create all in the same spot. Make sure you have all needed materials - collect books, do the research, gather people's testimonies. Create a writing schedule for yourself.

And at that point, you have all the needed basics you need! The "backbone" of your story is starting to grow! Next steps on the writing process soon😁

Good luck on your writing journey!

~ Shell