Or do you create strong characters, then build a plot around them?
Some writers plan a series arc, then work on individual books like episodes in a television series. Others are inspired by a picture, a chance conversation or a particular place.
So far I've always started with newspaper stories - a child in witness protection, a teenage girl winning the lottery. I like stories which link to big themes, and I try and ease them in so the readers hardly notice.
Sometimes I write things and then - eerily - find that real life comes very near to my imagination. This terrible story of an accidental death, for example, comes very near to aone of my storylines, but I heard about it after I wrote the book.
For me, the writing process is bolstered by real life - not just news stories, but also conversations with friends, children, things I overhear on buses. How does it work for you?
8 comments:
I am not, of course, a published writer and I know I may not be but I do know my ideas come from "all over the place". One of the starting points was a true story told to me in the course of doing some research. Another seemed to come out of nowhere - and I still do not understand what prompted it. As one of the most common questions from young readers is , "Where do you get your ideas from??" I think I may have a problem if I ever have to answer it - or is "all over the place" an adequate answer?
When I write, I just write. Your planning is so structured [your inspirations etc], which is maybe why I've never finished writing anything...
I loved reading this, it was nice to see things from a published authors point of view.
I totally agree Keren. Writing for me is an assimilation of what's going on around me - even if the connections aren't always obvious. Just a few words that someone says can spark an idea for a new story, or provide a new angle. I find that reading has a similar affect. Reading a book on wolves over Christmas out of interest, with no intention of writing about them, I suddenly had a lightbulb moment for a scene in the current YA I am writing - Voila! I love those moments.
For me it's a premise, and then the characters.
Hoping to get going on something new for the new year too :-)
Keren I will you totally on this. My inspiration can come from all sorts of places. News stories, snippets of conversations of stories I over hear, talking with friends, my children, things I read and see. Often it will take me by surprise in which case I make a note of it for later use. Happy writing Keren!
Keren I will you totally on this. My inspiration can come from all sorts of places. News stories, snippets of conversations of stories I over hear, talking with friends, my children, things I read and see. Often it will take me by surprise in which case I make a note of it for later use. Happy writing Keren!
So interesting! I've got to be honest, I haven't got a bloody clue how I've written anything. I just know it hurts my head.
So interesting! I've got to be honest, I haven't got a bloody clue how I've written anything. I just know it hurts my head.
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