>>> Item number 33278 from WRITERS LOG9407A --- (82 records) ----- <<< Date: Thu, 7 Jul 1994 18:35:02 JST Reply-To: WRITERS Sender: WRITERS From: Mike Barker Subject: TECH: Lost Creativity Terrance Bond - Hi, guys. Since the smoke has cleared(I hope), I was wondering if - someone could possibly give me some inspiration for a story. I am - beginning to feel as if I have no talent. That actually may be the - case,and even if it is, humor me anyway. In the meantime, here's another - poem. - If not one likes this piece, I'm retiring my pen and devoting my - spare time to a comprehensive study on the mating habits of wildebeasts. drat. got some time to listen up, 'cause the "I ain't got no talent" and the "give me inspiration" raps take a while? okay, here's the nickel version (since you haven't got a lot of time). don't sweat "talent" and "inspiration" right now. instead, focus on the perspiration--techniques, theory and practice thereof. if someone says you aren't there yet (wherever that is!), tell 'em you know that, but you're working on the way. Then try again. A quick "system" for doing stories (with the note that some or all of these may be modified or discarded at need or when you really know what you are doing): 1. Pick at least two characters. Identify one of them as your main character. (develop details as desired) 2. List five (5) desires or goals for each character. 3. Identify conflicts, real or potential, in trying to fulfill those desires or reach those goals. (e.g. if both want to date the same girl, there is a conflict!) 4. Make a rough outline of scenes. The main character should lose or have more problems set in his/her path in each scene, up to the end. Also, if possible, the stakes (what is it going to cost him/her) should rise with each scene. Rearrange as needed. 5. Make sure you can answer each of these questions: a. Where are we? (setting) b. Who is involved? (characters, strengths, flaws) c. Where are they headed? (goals, motives) d. What stops or blocks them? (obstacles) e. What are they going to do? (plans) f. What hook or bait for the reader will you use to start? (What is the key story question?) g. What backfilling do you need to do? (background) h. What buildup follows? (scenes) i. What is the climax? How does the character (or characters) change? How is the plot resolved? (What answer does the reader have for the key story question?) j. (optional) What purpose, theme or moral are you writing about? 6. WRITE. 7. REVISE. 8. SUBMIT. 9. KEEP GOING! You might want to look at "Scene and Strategy" by Bickham (Writers Digest Books). Check out the writing section in almost any library or bookstore (in bookstores, it often is hidden in the Reference section). Plenty of books which offer help and advice (too many, perhaps). Read. Pay a lot of attention to the fiction or poetry that you like--what are those authors doing to attract you? As for talent and inspiration, I don't think I can beat the advice: "writing is easy. just open a vein." Keep bleeding. And if/when you have a chance, drop by WRITERS again and I'll be glad to give you the high-price lecture on making your own inspiration and being a good steward of talents (don't bury it, don't throw it away, but do use it, invest it with others, and watch your interest grow!). [shoot, that's at least a dime's worth. Oh, well, ain't gonna stop on a dime...] tink