How to Write Fiction

What is a Story? (Part 1)

Alan — Sun, 27 Aug 2006 15:22:57 +0000

When a writer sets out to write fiction, he or she will encounter this question. Perhaps it will appear in a forum discussion. At first, the responses will seem useful, but then the forum trolls get involved, pointing out the various dictionary definitions or the post-modern deconstructionist interpretations. There’s lots of definitions of “story,” but which ones are most useful to a writer?
Well, actually, let’s step back and define “writer” first. A “writer” is someone who tries to translate thought into words on paper (actual or virtual). Some writers may write only to experience the unfolding of a personal fantasy. I believe such writer’s are actually rare; most are just suppressing a desire to show the work to someone else out of fear. But even without the conscious desire to communicate with an audience, the very nature of language, grammar, and its visual representation _assumes_ an audience — even if it’s only oneself at a later date. So the moment you write, you assume an audience. What is the point of interacting with an audience? ….

(Continued next blog.)

Writing Habits

Alan — Sun, 20 Aug 2006 16:02:46 +0000

I write parttime and work a fulltime job. In that situation, many things make regular writing difficult: low-energy after work, apparent lack of time, and lack of inspiration. Willpower can only carry me so far before it burns out. The trick, I’ve learned, is not to exercise willpower every day, but to put ritualistic actions in place that support the writing. I developed much of this over the years by gleaning from other sources, but it was the advice of Jerrold Mundis (visit his web site) that brought it all together. Here is some of what I’ve learned.

One key to regular, enjoyable productivity is drawing boundaries. I used to think I could only write when I had long periods of free time. I also used to think that I had to feel good to write, or that I had “feel” like it. At one time, I even thought that I should be cram lots of writing into a weekend or week off. Most of this has led either to feeling bad about myself for failing — or just plain procrastinating until nothing got done.

Here’s what I do instead:
- write 5 days a week
- write 45 minutes each day
- set a time and stop as soon as it goes off
- always take two days off in a row
- always write first thing in the morning

I try to go straight from waking up to shower to writing. I avoid exposing myself to radio, news, or my own to do lists or other activities that might get me thinking about other things. I also do 3 to 5 minutes of meditation in order to set aside the writing period. From meditation, I go straight to writing for 45 minutes. When the timer goes off, I make a note or two and stop. Then I go meditate for another 3 to 5 minutes and move on to the rest of my day.

Setting aside a specific period conditions my body and mind to expect to concentrate for that time. Stopping when the time is up lets my subconscious know that there is an end — it doesn’t have to fear the endless writing binge. More importantly, it avoids setting up subconscious expectations of writing more the next day — so, I don’t end up feeling disappointed in myself if I don’t.

http://www.getitwritten.com/

Purpose of this Blog

Alan — Sun, 20 Aug 2006 15:33:47 +0000

I write part-time while working a full-time job. I’ve sold some short stories and won a major short story contest. Over the last decade, I’ve focused on drafting novels.

Very often, when I read advice on writing fiction, I feel frustrated. So much advice omits key mental or physical steps–either because the writer assumes familiarity or because they do some of the process unconsciously, without knowing what it actually is. Many great writers, in fact, don’t understand the details of their creative and motivational processes–and they may fear to tamper with what’s working. For me, who has different unconscious and conscious distribution of gifts (as each of us do), this means reflecting on advice and often not seeing the implications until years later.

The following blog is an attempt to share some of the insights that have aided me in my path toward becoming a productive writer. I hope to pass on wisdom I’ve learned about avoiding procrastination, and all the aspects that go into being a writer and having a good life.

I also will provide more pedantic material in areas that come naturally to me, but which may help others, such as an article on creativity, or various rules of composing good sentences.

I hope eventually, to produce enough material to assemble into a book.
Please post comments and ask questions.