Getting Started: Overcoming the Blank Page Blues in 5 Easy Steps by Ruth D. Kerce
You want to write a story. You really do! So how come you're staring down at a blank page of paper, unable to write even one word? I call it the "blank page blues." And there's only one cure. Youneed a plan! So let's make one together.
1. Don't try to write an entire novel. Start out with a short, short story of approximately 2000 words. Though these can be harder than a novel to write well, it won't seem like an overwhelming project for you to finish, and you'll learn to write "tight"--making every word count.
2. Pick a focal point or theme for the story. This can make it much easier to write by giving you a specific direction for your story. Here are a few examples that I have used: holiday story, bodyguard/client (always a good one), lingerie, massage, doctor/nurse (a little cliche, but whatever works). I'm sure you can think of many others. Keep it simple. Something you can name in one or two words.
3. Decide which character's point of view to present. For a short, short story only pick one. How do you decide? It depends on the story. After you've chosen your focal point or theme, think about which person's thoughts will be the most interesting to "hear"--the hero's or the heroine's. For example, with a bodyguard theme, the heroine's thoughts about being followed around and watched all the time by the hero might be more interesting. For a story with lingerie as a focal point, the thoughts of the hero and how he feels seeing the heroine in the lingerie might be more interesting.
4. Write in layers. Don't feel like you have to get everything down in the first draft. Decide what is easiest for you to write. Break it down into the following categories: (a) dialogue, (b) description, (c) action, (d) introspection--the point of view character's thoughts. If dialogue is easiest for you, do "only" dialogue first. Then add the next easiest element, etc., until you've covered them all.
5. Last step. Edit, edit, edit, edit, edit. And when you're through, edit some more. Then you'll have a short story of which you can feel proud.
~~~~~~~~~~ Copyright (c) 2000, Ruth D. Kerce Writer of historical and contemporary romances, and webmaster of Addicted-to-Romance.com Sign up for the *Whispers of Love* newsletter at http://www.addicted-to-romance.com - or - mailto:Addicted-to-Romance-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
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