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Submitted by Jason Edwards
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There's nothing like writing a story. It is a truly satisfying creative process. In order to write a story that people will enjoy. You need to understand the key elements that all good writers use in stories. In this article we will explore these elements.
1. Brainstorming
Ask yourself these questions:
What are you are going to write about? Who will be your audience? How much do you know about what you want to write about? What do I need to find out?
2. Write from a Specific Point of View
First person: "I"
Second person: "You" (rarely used)
Third person: "She/He" (Used the majority of time but in a "limited" way) Limited simply means that the story is told through the eyes of one particular character.
3. Starting Your Story
Your story should begin in such a way that it grabs the readers attention and never lets them go, some ways to begin are: Sound Effects, for example: Splash! Pop! Another way to begin is with dialogue, that is, two or more characters having a conversation. Using action is also another way to start. Whatever you choose, you must do it in a way that draws the reader in from the very beginning, if you fail to do this then no matter how good your story gets down the road it will be pointless as you have already lost your audience.
4. Setting
Place your characters in a setting. This is where you are to use descriptive words that let your readers see, hear and even smell the setting. The setting establishes the time and place in which the story takes place. Give your readers a snapshot view of the environment so that they can see it in their mind's eye and feel as if they are really there.
5. Characters
Characters are part of the life blood of fiction. Here are some of the types of characters you may want to create.
Main Character (Protagonist): All the action revolves around this person.
Villain (Antagonist): This person or persons oppose the main character at every turn. Villains can also become allies of the main character down the road. People change in real life as well as in stories.
Friends (Sidekicks): This person or persons helps the main character.
6. Conflict
Good conflict allows your readers to become even more involved in the plot. Conflict can arise within the characters, with other people or even with nature. The needs of characters are what drives them into action. Conflict is created when obstacles are put in the way of the characters. Here are some types of conflict that can arise in a story:
The main character vs. others
The main character vs. his /her own inner self
The main character vs. situations he/she faces in life
The main character vs. society
7. Dialogue
Finally lets take a look at the purpose and use of dialogue. Dialogue is used in conversation between your characters. The characters may also have dialogue with themselves. Good dialogue tells the reader something about the characters state of mind or personality. Dialogue should be surrounded by action and move the story along. So make every conversation count!
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