Opinion

Story building from scratch: Step-by-step guide

Stories are fun to read about different immersive worlds with relatable characters to connect with and intriguing plotlines for readers to get lost in. But one might consider, how does the author produce these ideas? Although the task might be hard for new writers to produce creative ideas at first, here is a step-by-step guide to creating your first story from scratch. 

Create the plot. Every story starts off with an idea. But this can be tricky for those who have multiple ideas for a story. This trick is especially helpful if someone has too many creative ideas to focus on a particular story. Always start with one idea at a time. 

Create the setting for the story. This includes the time and place of the story and serves as a driving point for the plot. During this time start considering characters to create for the story. 

Create the characters for the story. Think about the protagonist, antagonist, and side characters. Also consider the personality of the characters and the relationship between characters reflected throughout the story. 

Consider the conflict that will be the driving motivation for the plot. These conflicts can be internal or external and plot twists can be included to keep readers on their toes and intrigued in the story. 

Write a first draft. According to Maven, always remember that when developing the story’s plot, follow the plot triangle. This includes introducing characters and the conflict, the rising action, the climax, the falling action, and the resolution.  

It is OK to have multiple conflicts in a story, but make sure to follow this pattern. Most importantly, try to avoid any possible cliches that have been used repeatedly in other stories. Try to keep the story fresh and exciting for readers. 

Proofread and check for errors. This can include asking multiple editors to revise and offer suggestions for improvement. Consistency is key for any story. 

The first few stories might be rocky, but in the end, they will turn out to fulfill the purpose for which the author has written it.