How to plan a new story
Beating the blank-page blues
Starting a new story is the most exciting and most daunting part of the writing process. Fortunately, this week we have tips on how to plan and start a new writing project and beat those blank-page blues.
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This week on Jericho Writers:
WEBINAR: Planning your next book with Sarah Rose Etter
TODAY. In this one-hour intensive seminar, we’ll look at how to begin your novel and the tools, tips and techniques that will help you make sure you are writing your way to completion – instead of spinning in circles. Exclusive for members.
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WEBINAR: Starting a new short story with Jacob Ross
24 May. How do you create stories that resonate with your reader? Jacob Ross will take you through (with sample texts from some of the best practitioners of the craft) useful and practical approaches to lift your short stories to another level.
NON-MEMBERS – JOIN US TO REGISTER
COURSES: Tutored courses are starting soon
Grab the remaining places on Creative Writing 101, Writing for Children and Creative Non-Fiction tutored courses. Choose your genre and learn alongside an expert tutor and an intimate class of writers.
One way to start a new story
One of the biggest joys of teaching writing is discovering the differences and quirks we all have when it comes to our processes. Some writers will happily discover their own way of doing things, and some will find it useful to learn how other writers struggle through problems.
With that in mind, there’s no one way to start a new story. But here is a method to beat the blank page.
1: Write down the parts of the story you do know, so you don’t forget. This might be a character, a setting or just a kernel of a theme for now. Keep it safe.
2: Research. Explore real stories surrounding your idea. TED Talks are my favourite for this and they can help turn that kernel into an idea. Sometimes, I like to ‘chew’ this around my brain for months before writing.
3: Develop your characters. I find my plot comes from character, so I’ll spend time first getting to know them. There are lots of fun ways to do this.
4: Write a synopsis. If you’re writing a short story, you might want to just do this in a couple of bullet points, but I like to write my entire book on a page these days, before I even start writing.
5: Find the voice. If you don’t know how to start your story yet, start with a scene you have more of a feel for and think about how best to tell it. First person present? Third person past?
6: Start. The only way to beat a blank page is to fill it. Don’t worry if they’re all just filler words for now – let yourself get into the groove of the story and then you can always come back and change things later.
How do you plan and start a new story? Sign up for free and share your tips and quirks in the Community here.
Sarah Juckes x
Plus, don’t miss:
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DEADLINE 21 MAY. As always – we’re offering one fully-funded spot on this life-changing course to a deserving under-represented, or low-income writer. Simply apply with your work-in-progress.
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