The Stages of Story

3D model created by hubby as this weeks illustration:
https://andyartisand.carbonmade.com/

How do stories happen?

I do sometimes feel as if they fall straight out of my finger tips and one idea follows another like rain on summer holidays, there’s a little more to it than that though. Here are my observations on the stages of story.

The Hook

This is the seed of an idea. The seed may be generated through various creative techniques; such as automatic writing, or mind mapping. I find the seed turns up when I am in quiet mode; doing the dishes or riding the bus from work, a flutter of an idea drifts in, a kind of notion to be mulled.

Various notions I have had include, the markings on pavements delivering a secondary message altogether, the ability to listen to white goods and anything that looks like a face having consciousness.

The Inspiration

This is the best bit of all, this is when the notion has germinated (this might take years), and when it’s ready your subconscious reels it in and you become alive with a workable idea. This is fast writing and feels so rewarding. I do this on the lap top, on the sofa often with music.

The Voice

Here I look at the frenzy of words on the laptop and try to create a mood. I think about the voice of the writer, the rhythm of the words and how the reader will relate to the nature of the protagonists journey.

The Rules

This happens in silence at the PC. It involves asking lots of questions. Have I set the scene? Is there enough back-story? What are the protagonists motivations? Who is the antagonist? Where is the conflict? How does the protagonist overcome the conflict? Do we see the protagonist grow? Is it too predictable? Can I re-order the structure? The Rules are the hardest bit, I don’t think I have ever answered all the questions effectively.

The Edit

I love asides; minor details that add flavor; for example that Raqui Star offered Shadow Alignment only on Saturday afternoons. Unfortunately in the edit I have to take a lot of these out. I don’t mind ditching words in order to be succinct but I don’t always want the asides to go.

Punctuating and Proofing

I use the child for this. I ask him to count two for a comma, three for a full stop and four at the end of a paragraph. If he stumbles I know I need to rework something. Husband provides proof reading and has so far served me well.

There should be a word or two about acceptance; what makes a story a success. And you know all I can conclude is it’s simply a matter of taste; I guess it’s for the reader to decide. Maybe we could return to it sometime.

Finally if you are a writer and your stages of story differ to mine, do share and let us know what works for you.