1. Ashrynn

    Ashrynn Active Member

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    Need Advice on Beginning Something

    Discussion in 'Plot Development' started by Ashrynn, Nov 7, 2014.

    I was beginning to write a story and I actually had this really nice little opening scene where the main character is hiding in her bedroom during her room-mate's party. It started off as an overly dramatic explanation of what was going on and then leads into saying that it's just someone hiding out from a party, which is fun.

    That said... One of the main things about the main character is that they have a problem with finishing things. It's cliche and not super severe(as in she can't finish her dinner or finish her job or finish her... stuff you know?), but she can't watch a movie without feeling sad that it's over or read a book because she doesn't want the characters to stop. It ties into a lot of things later with some reservations about being in a relationship and awkward social circumstances.

    So... Do I just ad an intro paragraph that kind of explains that or bring it up later? Is that too much? It's in 1st person and I'm not sure if it would match the flow unless I made a sentence at the end that just links it together. Eh, I hate having to start a project just because of this sort of thing. Once it's figured out I know I'll take off though >.<
     
  2. GingerCoffee

    GingerCoffee Web Surfer Girl Contributor

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    Write it however it comes out, step back and look at it, edit it.
     
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  3. Ashrynn

    Ashrynn Active Member

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    You can probably tell I'm super anal when I start something right? Guess 'Chill Out' is the best answer...
     
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  4. GingerCoffee

    GingerCoffee Web Surfer Girl Contributor

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    You can be anal in the editing process. Have a beer or a glass of wine, pump the story out, then the next day (or come December for you NaNoWris) commence to actually turning it into a respectable piece.
     
  5. B93

    B93 Active Member

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    Hemingway seems to have said it more concisely "Write drunk, edit sober." Not that you have to be drunk, but do let your inner editor take a nap while getting the ideas down at first.

    >Do I just ad an intro paragraph that kind of explains that
    Almost never is an introductory paragraph to explain something a good idea. Tell people only what they need to know to understand the action and dialog. Then have her not finish something. Later have someone comment that she hasn't finished something else. Establish the pattern by showing. Don't just tell us.
     
  6. Link the Writer

    Link the Writer Flipping Out For A Good Story. Contributor

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    Say this to your inner critic, "If you're wondering how they eat and breathe, and other logical facts, it's just the first draft you should really just relax."

    Points for anyone who got the reference. :D
     

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