I've never met a writer who was thrilled to stare at a blank computer screen or piece of paper and start writing. It's always easier to add to, take away from, and modify existing material than to agonize over trying to write the perfect, but ever allusive, first sentence.
With this in mind, I suggest that you start somewhere in the middle with the part that is the easiest to write. Don't make writing harder than it needs to be. My steps will make story-telling as trouble-free as possible.
1. Pick one chapter that is the easiest to write
Writer's block, that dreaded period of time when we writers can't think of anything to say, is often the result of our making the writing process harder than it needs to be. Don't make up rules such as "I must start at the beginning" to be a good writer. Instead, make up the rule, "I will start wherever it's easiest for me."
2. Pick one story in the "easiest" chapter that is the easiest to write.
How do you know which of the stories you want to tell in this chapter will be the easiest to write? That's really up to you. A story might be the easiest because it no longer tags unpleasant emotions. On the other hand, the story might seem easier because it does tag your emotions, making it a dynamic and appealing place to start. Choose the story that is "easiest" for you.
3. Pick one part of the "easiest" story in the "easiest" chapter that is the easiest to write.
If the words flow easily, feel free to start at the beginning and write through to the end. But if you aren't sure where to start, then my advice is to start somewhere in the middle. Pick the least intimidating part of the story and start there. Remember, you're not writing a final draft. Your goal is to write the first draft of a story that your readers can emotionally and intellectually identify with.
4. Write the beginning and end of your story
Now that you are on a roll, go ahead and include the beginning and end of the story. Let the reader know how the story characters' lives were before, during and after your story ends.
5. Plump up your story
It's important to add details that make the story easy to read and hard to forget. This can be done by including details rooted in the five senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. These touches will help readers more fully experience the story for themselves. There's no need to overdo it. But adding an adjective here and there will make the story much more interesting, and more helpful, to read.
In addition to the five senses, the story needs to convey emotions appropriate to the characters' situation. Your readers will more easily identify with a character who conveys authentic emotion. A character who has yet to understand and apply your program can be distressed-through the thick crease between his eyes, slumped shoulders, or loud and angry voice. After discovering the benefits of your system, a character can have spring in her step or hum a song.
6. Smooth it out
Having added words during the plumping stage, it's time to edit your story. Check the lengths of your sentences. Make them as short as you can without sounding like a preschool story book. Take out any distracting detail so that the story can make its point clearly.
With this in mind, I suggest that you start somewhere in the middle with the part that is the easiest to write. Don't make writing harder than it needs to be. My steps will make story-telling as trouble-free as possible.
1. Pick one chapter that is the easiest to write
Writer's block, that dreaded period of time when we writers can't think of anything to say, is often the result of our making the writing process harder than it needs to be. Don't make up rules such as "I must start at the beginning" to be a good writer. Instead, make up the rule, "I will start wherever it's easiest for me."
2. Pick one story in the "easiest" chapter that is the easiest to write.
How do you know which of the stories you want to tell in this chapter will be the easiest to write? That's really up to you. A story might be the easiest because it no longer tags unpleasant emotions. On the other hand, the story might seem easier because it does tag your emotions, making it a dynamic and appealing place to start. Choose the story that is "easiest" for you.
3. Pick one part of the "easiest" story in the "easiest" chapter that is the easiest to write.
If the words flow easily, feel free to start at the beginning and write through to the end. But if you aren't sure where to start, then my advice is to start somewhere in the middle. Pick the least intimidating part of the story and start there. Remember, you're not writing a final draft. Your goal is to write the first draft of a story that your readers can emotionally and intellectually identify with.
4. Write the beginning and end of your story
Now that you are on a roll, go ahead and include the beginning and end of the story. Let the reader know how the story characters' lives were before, during and after your story ends.
5. Plump up your story
It's important to add details that make the story easy to read and hard to forget. This can be done by including details rooted in the five senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. These touches will help readers more fully experience the story for themselves. There's no need to overdo it. But adding an adjective here and there will make the story much more interesting, and more helpful, to read.
In addition to the five senses, the story needs to convey emotions appropriate to the characters' situation. Your readers will more easily identify with a character who conveys authentic emotion. A character who has yet to understand and apply your program can be distressed-through the thick crease between his eyes, slumped shoulders, or loud and angry voice. After discovering the benefits of your system, a character can have spring in her step or hum a song.
6. Smooth it out
Having added words during the plumping stage, it's time to edit your story. Check the lengths of your sentences. Make them as short as you can without sounding like a preschool story book. Take out any distracting detail so that the story can make its point clearly.
To learn how to get your book published download my free article, "The 3 Most Important Questions You Must Answer to Land a Book Contract" at http://www.carmenreneeberry.com/untitled16.html
Carmen Berry, MSW is a New York Times bestselling author who has taught aspiring authors how to get published for 10 years. Her coaching draws, not only from her successes, but also from the many mistakes she has made during her 25-year writing career. As a result, her clients can avoid making common-sense blunders that many first-time authors make. It's okay to be a first-time author as long as you don't act like an amateur. She works with aspiring writers who love helping people such as mental health professionals, educators, medical professionals, pastors, fitness experts and craft enthusiasts.
Carmen Berry, MSW is a New York Times bestselling author who has taught aspiring authors how to get published for 10 years. Her coaching draws, not only from her successes, but also from the many mistakes she has made during her 25-year writing career. As a result, her clients can avoid making common-sense blunders that many first-time authors make. It's okay to be a first-time author as long as you don't act like an amateur. She works with aspiring writers who love helping people such as mental health professionals, educators, medical professionals, pastors, fitness experts and craft enthusiasts.
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