1. whatrachelswriting

    whatrachelswriting New Member

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    How to start a story?

    Discussion in 'Plot Development' started by whatrachelswriting, Jul 17, 2018.

    I know most people have trouble with the ending of a plot but I already know how I want my story to end, but the beginning is what has me stumped.
    Basically, my MC falls in love with a guy but they are forced to break up because she’s moving etc etc.
    This is based of real life experience but i don’t want to use that experience for the how they meet. what do you think? or how do you usually form the beginning of your stories?
     
  2. 33percent

    33percent Active Member

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    I had to break up with my Ex when I had to go to Italy. Well, from what my grandparents told me is my father went to pick up some pizza at the restaurant and my mom got off work, she had no way home. Instead of having her walk home in the rain, he took her home. Thus I guess that's how I was created.
     
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  3. deadrats

    deadrats Contributor Contributor

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    I try to start with character and story simultaneously. Meaning the story opens saying something about both the character while it starts to build story (plot). It helps me to keep those things in mind when starting something new.
     
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  4. whatrachelswriting

    whatrachelswriting New Member

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    I would love to hear more about this idea!! I question exactly how you’ve done this in the past. I’m really struggling on how to open the story and where to begin the MC’s journey with the guy.
     
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  5. deadrats

    deadrats Contributor Contributor

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    @whatrachelswriting -- Think of it this way, the story you're telling belongs to someone. I don't think it matters what POV you're using. But allow this to be somebody's story. Once the story is attached to a character it affects how and what is told. This kind of thinking has what's allowed me to start with both. And it's something that now I recognize in these I read all the time. Does that make sense?
     
  6. whatrachelswriting

    whatrachelswriting New Member

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    Yes it does make sense! and thank you for your input! i think what I'm struggling with is the actual setting and events that occur in the beginning with the MC and how to incorporate her love interest.
     
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  7. deadrats

    deadrats Contributor Contributor

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    Just don't try to do too much at once. You don't want a cluttered beginning. I've had to learn holding off on giving the reader too much too fast. If you're telling a good story, trust that all that will come out as needed. It helps to keep focus on the present narrative. I think that can help. Of course there are other kinds of stories, but I think most stories are and should be about the present narrative. And the events and loves interests and such will then enter the story in scene and as needed. I don't know. That's sort of how I work.
     
  8. whatrachelswriting

    whatrachelswriting New Member

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    yeah that totally makes sense. thanks for the help!
     
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