Hi everyone! I’m back for day three of my 14-day writing sprint, where I’m sharing tips to help aspiring writers develop their storytelling skills. If you’ve been following along, let’s do a quick recap of days one and two.
You can see my YouTube version below:
On day one, we focused on how to generate a story from a title prompt. Whether you get it from the internet, a dictionary, or even ChatGPT, the key is to start with a simple prompt and let your ideas flow. On day two, we took that prompt and brainstormed ways to expand it into a plot. At this stage, we weren’t worrying about structure or grammar—just brainstorming.
Now, on day three, we’re going to take a step forward in developing your story. While we’re still in brainstorming mode, this is where we start adding some basic structure to the mix. Don’t worry, we’re not polishing the story yet; this is all about getting the foundation in place.
Creating a Beginning, Middle, and End
The goal of this stage is to start mapping out the basic arc of your story. Think of it as an outline with three simple sections: the beginning, the middle, and the end. Don’t worry about filling in all the details just yet. For now, try writing a few hundred words for each section—just enough to give yourself a sense of direction.
Let me give you an example using the title prompt "Finding Steve." This is a supernatural thriller I’ve worked on before, where the plot revolves around a search for someone named Steve, who’s presumed dead.
The Beginning: I’d start by introducing the premise—Steve is missing, and everyone believes he’s dead. But in the opening, I set the stage for a supernatural investigation. Maybe there’s a spiritualist who’s searching for him, calling out, "Where’s Steve? Where are you?" This sets up the mystery and supernatural elements, which is the tone I want for the story.
The Middle: This is where we start digging into the plot. We uncover clues, and the characters believe they’re getting closer to finding Steve. The tension builds as they get caught up in the search, all while the reader knows something’s not quite right.
The End: The twist is revealed—Steve is alive! The big revelation comes when we discover that he’s been hiding out, living in a different place all along. The conclusion is satisfying because it challenges the assumption that Steve was dead.
This basic outline gives me something to build on, and from here, I can begin expanding my plot with more details, character motivations, and subplots. The key is to create a solid base for your story.
Choosing the Right Narrative Perspective
Now that you have your beginning, middle, and end in place, it’s time to think about how you’re going to tell your story. There are three main types of narration to consider:
First Person: This is when the story is told from the perspective of a character within the story. If you’re writing from the viewpoint of the main character, you’d use “I” to narrate the events. This gives the reader a personal, intimate connection with the protagonist.
Second Person: This is a bit more complicated and less commonly used, but it can be interesting. In second person narration, the narrator speaks directly to the reader, using “you.” It’s almost like the reader becomes the character in the story, which can create a unique experience.
Third Person: This is when the story is told from an outside perspective, using “he,” “she,” or “they.” Third person allows for more description and gives you the ability to jump between characters’ thoughts and actions. This is the most flexible style and is often used in traditional storytelling.
At this stage, you don’t have to commit to one style just yet, but it’s helpful to consider which perspective will best suit your story. For example, for "Finding Steve," a third-person narrative might work best to allow readers to see both sides of the investigation—the perspectives of those looking for Steve and Steve’s hidden life.
Experimenting with Genres and Story Structure
It’s also a good time to think about the genre you want to write in. With "Finding Steve," I’ve chosen a supernatural thriller, but maybe you’re leaning towards comedy, romance, or even science fiction. Don’t feel like you have to lock in a genre just yet, though. This is a good opportunity to experiment with different ideas for the beginning, middle, and end of your story, and to see how it feels in different genres.
For example, if I took "Finding Steve" and tried writing it as a comedy, I might play up the absurdity of people searching for someone who is alive and well. The plot might be a little lighter, and the tone would shift significantly. You may surprise yourself by finding that your story works better in a different genre than you originally thought.
Moving from Chaos to Structure
The first two tips I’ve shared are very much about exploring, brainstorming, and getting your creative juices flowing. It’s the messy part of the process that some writers really enjoy, but it can feel a bit chaotic if you’re used to more structure.
At this stage, though, when you start to think about the beginning, middle, and end, and start adding some basic structure, it will feel like your story is finally taking shape. It’s still rough around the edges, but you’ll begin to see the potential for something bigger.
Remember, it’s okay if the structure feels a little bare right now. That’s why we’re not focusing on perfecting anything yet. You just need a clear idea of where your story is heading.
Final Thoughts
So, my tip for today is simple: Start outlining your story with a beginning, middle, and end. Think about how you might structure these sections and experiment with different genres and narration styles. Don’t worry about getting everything perfect—just get your ideas on paper. The more you explore, the clearer your story will become.
Thanks for tuning in for day three! I hope this helps you start putting your story into shape. I’ll see you soon for day four!
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