I've been writing short stories pretty frantically for a few months now, and I'm beginning to notice a few trends in my process:
- Start at the End: I'm finding that when the "eureka!" moment hits for a story, it centers around how the story will end. Not necessarily a cliffhanger but an important moment of psychological transition or development for the character.
- Center on a Compelling Image: For "Animal Control" this was a pair of white X's in the center of an asphalt road. For "Sympathetic Magic" it was ancient cave paintings. For "Student Body" it was a small white woman dressed in a black face costume. For the one I'm working on now it's a little boy dressed in a white dress. There's something about that compelling image that has to be sustained in the reader's consciousness - from beginning, to middle, to end - so that when the reader finally encounters the imagery it resonates. Carry a notebook with you everywhere and write down images or thoughts as you work, exercise, even watch TV ... trust me, you will forget them later if you don't capture them now.
- Create an Outline: I started a new job recently and I'm finding that drafting an outline before I begin writing a story saves me a ton of of time. I can sit down in the coffee shop and be very productive, even if I'm not really in the mood to write, by cherry picking one of the most fun scenes - no matter where it falls chronologically in the story.
- Experiment with POV: Over the last six weeks I've written stories in first person, third person limited and the dreaded second person POVs. Switching POVs helps you find out which is more fun and can help you stumble upon your voice.
- Get Objective Feedback: Preferably from a professional editor but if this isn't possible then join a critique group. Never listen to your spouse ... they love you too much to tell you what you need to hear.
2 comments:
I agree completely.
As for the first part, I find that when it comes to think of something it is almost ALWAYS the beginning or the end (and ocassional some important piece in the middle). This can also be a problem for me, because I'll have trouble filling in the gaps.
I've never really had any particular "image" exactly when it came to my stories, but rather... almost small conversations with my characters, really. I "talk to my self" to figure out what they'd be like rather than me trying to figure it out on my own. Sometimes I'll even ask a friend who is similar to the character to answer questions too.
Yes, this is actually VERY helpful, but it can be very tedious as well. I usually only write an out line for larger or more complex stories. Any shorter and I come up with a quick outline in my head that is memorized for about 2-3 days before I forget. This is why I can't seem to get anything done! XD I have been spending a lot of time on a co-authored novel, though that I find the plot will be very interesting thanks to the outline.
I'm actually doing a little experimenting with this as well. My story Prom kNight was in third person because of the fact that I wasn't really that good at writing in third person, so it would hopefully strengthen my skills. Now, when I write the sequal, it will probably be in first.
This is where I have most of my troubles. (if you've ever been to my page you'd see why). I have trouble with finding anyone who can give good hard criticism to a young girl. They're too scared they'll "hurt my feelings" or something like that... >.> I actually prefer the nit-picky find every grammatical issue and tell me everything is wrong kind of critic over the "aw, what a great story, keeping doing what you do" critic.
(speaking of which, you could be a critic for my stories if you want. So far I haven't been able to find ANYONE! DX)
Thanks K.R. - I appreciate the insights. I dropped by your blog and you're doing a good job of keeping at it. Keep up the good work!
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