Navigating the Blank Page and Beyond
The best advice I was told was “Get your ass in the chair and write the book.” At the time, this was exactly what I needed and what has pushed me forward with every book I write. If I get my butt in the chair and work on my book, things move forward. Without that, sometimes it's hard for me to work on the book.
However, when I tell this to new writers, the most asked question I get is “but how?”
The “how” will depend on what works best for the individual author. For some, it's figuring out who the characters are, or writing the outline, or even just starting on page one and writing. The most important thing is that the author starts somewhere and builds from there. Below are some examples of where to start and how this can help develop the story.
Characters First
Usually, this is how I start. I come up with a character that I want to write about. I begin with the following questions:
Who is he/she? What are their core traits, their personality quirks, their deepest desires, and their hidden fears? Are they an outspoken warrior or a quiet scholar? A mischievous rogue or a steadfast guardian?
What are his/her strengths and weaknesses? How do these manifest in their actions and decisions? Are their strengths also their greatest weaknesses? For example, a character's unwavering loyalty could lead them into dangerous situations.
What happens to him/her (part of the plot)? This doesn't have to be the entire plot, just a key inciting incident or a significant challenge they face. What forces them to change or act?
From here, I expand it into the story, almost like peeling back the layers of an onion:
What does the world around him/her look like and how does she fit into it (or doesn’t fit into it)? Is it a bustling city, a desolate wasteland, a magical forest like the one I'm envisioning for a warrior mage? How does their personality clash with or complement their environment? What are the societal norms, and do they adhere to them or defy them?
What will his/her story look like? This can be extremely vague. Such as with Perfidious, it was: she learns that one of her friends isn’t human and seeks to help him find out what he is. This is the journey – the arc of their transformation, the challenges they overcome, and the ultimate resolution of their core conflict.
Who is around him/her? Who are their allies, their mentors, their adversaries? How do these relationships shape the character and the plot?
From here, I was able to get the first third of the book written. This approach often leads to character-driven narratives where the plot emerges organically from the desires, flaws, and interactions of the individuals.
World Building First
For many authors, especially in genres like fantasy or science fiction, the world itself is a character. Starting with world-building can be an incredibly immersive and inspiring way to begin your novel. This is more than just drawing a map; it's about crafting a living, breathing environment where your story can unfold.
Where to Start with World Building:
The Core Concept: What is the central idea or unique element of your world? Is it a floating city, a land ruled by dragons, a dystopian future where emotions are suppressed? What kind of magic exists? What creatures inhabit it?
Magic Systems/Technology: How does magic work? What are its rules and limitations? Is it innate, learned, or dependent on external forces? If it's sci-fi, what are the technological advancements, and what are their implications? A well-defined system adds credibility and avoids plot holes.
Societies and Cultures: What are the different cultures, their histories, their beliefs, their social structures? Are there various races or species? How do they interact, and what are their conflicts? What are their daily lives like? Consider the power dynamics and historical events that shaped them.
Geography and Environment: What does your world look like physically? Mountains, oceans, deserts, forests? What are the unique flora and fauna? How does the environment influence the societies that live within it? Think about how the enchanted forest affects the way people live and fight.
Key Conflicts and Power Dynamics: What are the major tensions in your world? Are there warring factions, ancient prophecies, societal inequalities, or environmental disasters? These conflicts will often become the bedrock of your plot.
How World Building Helps the Story:
Provides a Rich Backdrop: A detailed world offers countless opportunities for conflict, character development, and plot twists. The setting isn't just scenery; it influences everything.
Inspires Characters and Plot: Once you know the rules and history of your world, characters naturally emerge to fit within it (or rebel against it). The very fabric of the world can suggest plotlines. For instance, in an enchanted forest, the unique flora might hold magical properties central to a quest.
Enhances Immersion for the Reader: A well-crafted world draws the reader in and makes them believe in the story. They can visualize the locations, understand the motivations, and feel the stakes.
Storyline First (The Planner's Paradise)
Also known as outlining, this is what works best for planners. Most planners write out the entire novel plan, sometimes in excruciating detail. This approach provides a clear roadmap from beginning to end, which can be incredibly reassuring and efficient for many authors.
Where to Start with Storyline Planning:
The Logline/Synopsis: Can you summarize your entire story in one or two sentences? What's the core conflict, the protagonist's goal, and the main obstacle? This is your North Star.
Three-Act Structure: A popular starting point is the classic three-act structure:
Act I (The Setup): Introduce your characters, world, and the inciting incident that kicks off the plot.
Act II (Confrontation): The protagonist faces escalating conflicts, trials, and tribulations. This is where the bulk of the story happens, and often involves a midpoint shift.
Act III (Resolution): The climax, where the protagonist confronts the main antagonist or obstacle, followed by the falling action and resolution.
Beat Sheets/Chapter Outlines: Break down your story into key plot points or "beats." These can be major turning points, character revelations, or significant events. For more detailed planners, this can extend to chapter-by-chapter outlines, detailing what happens in each section.
Character Arcs Within the Outline: How do your characters change and grow throughout the story? Weave their individual arcs into the larger plot outline.
Theme Development: What is the overarching message or theme you want to explore? How can you integrate this theme into the plot and character development?
How Storyline Planning Helps the Author Write the Story
When you tackle your novel with a storyline plan, you're essentially giving yourself a powerful set of tools to navigate the writing process:
It provides clarity and direction. You're less likely to get lost in the middle of your draft or write yourself into a corner when you have a detailed plan. This clear path and builds on a solid foundation.
It helps manage pacing and structure. An outline allows you to visualize the flow of your narrative. You can strategically place key events, build tension effectively, and ensure your story maintains momentum.
It can boost motivation and accountability. For many, having a clear plan provides the motivation to keep writing. Knowing exactly what comes next can make sitting down to write less daunting and more productive, as you're simply executing the next step in your pre-defined journey.
Starting on Page One (The Pantser's Journey)
Not everyone needs a meticulously detailed plan. For "pantsers" (meaning they write by the "seat of their pants"), the best way to start is simply to write the opening scene. This can be incredibly liberating and often leads to unexpected twists and turns.
Where to Start on Page One:
The Hook: Your very first sentence or paragraph should grab the reader's attention. Introduce a compelling character, a mysterious event, or a vivid setting.
A Character in Action: Start with your protagonist doing something, even if it's mundane. This immediately establishes their voice and personality.
An Intriguing Conflict: Drop the reader into the middle of a conflict, even a small one, to create immediate tension and curiosity.
How Starting on Page One Helps the Story:
Organic Discovery: The story often unfolds in surprising ways, leading to fresh ideas and innovative plot developments that might not have been conceived in an outline.
Voice and Tone: You find your story's unique voice and tone much faster when you're actually writing.
Momentum: For some, the act of writing itself creates momentum, making it easier to keep going.
Hybrid Approaches: Finding Your Sweet Spot
Many authors find that a combination of these approaches works best. You might start with a character, then do some basic world-building, and then sketch out a loose outline. Or perhaps you're a planner for the major plot points but a pantser when it comes to the scene-by-scene writing. The key is to experiment and discover what truly makes you productive.
Overcoming the "But How?" Beyond the Start
Even after you've found your starting point, the journey of writing a book is long. Here are some additional tips to keep your "ass in the chair,", and keep moving forward:
Set Realistic Goals: Don't aim for 5,000 words a day if you're struggling. Start with 250 words, or even just 15 minutes of dedicated writing time. Consistency is more important than quantity.
Establish a Routine: This is where the advice "get your ass in the chair" truly shines. For instance, if you're looking for what to do between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM, consider setting aside a dedicated block for your evening routine, which could include a writing session. Treat your writing time like an important appointment.
Minimize Distractions: Turn off notifications, put your phone in another room, close unnecessary tabs. Create a dedicated writing space, even if it's just a corner of your kitchen table.
Join a Writing Community: Connect with other writers! Sharing your struggles and successes, getting feedback, and participating in writing sprints can be incredibly motivating.
Read (and Read Actively): As an author and lover of books, you already know this! Pay attention to how other authors craft their stories, develop characters, and build their worlds. Read in your genre and outside of it.
Embrace the Messy First Draft: Your first draft is simply you telling yourself the story. It doesn't have to be perfect. Allow yourself to write poorly, to explore, and to get the words down without self-censoring. The magic happens in revision.
Take Breaks: Step away when you're stuck. Go for a walk, do something else entirely. Sometimes, the solution to a plot problem will appear when you're not actively thinking about it.
Celebrate Small Victories: Finished a chapter? Hit a word count goal? Give yourself a pat on the back! Acknowledging your progress keeps you motivated for the long haul.
Believe in Your Story: You have a unique story to tell. Trust your instincts, nurture your creativity, and remember why you started this journey in the first place.
Ultimately, the "how" of writing is as unique as each author. The most vital step is simply to begin, to find what sparks your creativity and keeps you returning to the page. So, go on, get your ass in that chair, and let the magic unfold!
