starting up a new beginninmg

magic15

To Everyone

Hi I need a bit of advice as I would to start working on short stories and my main story like I did last year, only I have forgetton how exactly to start up properly, I was planning to create of short stories a bit like in Jr token has or harry potter, but I don't know how to start or go about it properly. It will be a hobby and something to do in between my gardening. Any help or advice would be appreciated.
Phil.

Carol

Phil- start by looking at the title of this thread...you've got an 'm' that doesn't belong.

Are you planning a 'series' of short stories? You seem to have missed that vital word in the paragraph above.

I suggest you write down your ideas and go from there.
There is a lot of information on the web about short story writing, plus a few good books- which it might be helpful to keep handy so you can look back at the explanation for bits you forget.

Phots Moll

The best way to start, imo, is to write! Once you've got something down you can work on the structure and grammar and all that stuff.

Jay Mandal

I'll see if I can find any helpful threads on the subject. And work out whether there are any gardening analogies or whatever the word is.

Jay Mandal

Think there are some useful ones if you do a Topic Search on

plotting

(that's plotting, not potting).

boredrobots

Here you go magic15, your very own dedicated blogpost.

I started my answer but thought it might be more useful to post it on my blog for more people to read:

http://stevenchapmanwriter.blogspot.com/2011/03/starting-from-scratch.html

Jay Mandal

There are also a few threads under

planning

and some, if you ignore planes and plants, under

plan

Jay Mandal

And

start

Phots Moll

[quote=Jay Mandal]any gardening analogies[/quote] Topiary? Getting the first draft down is like growing a great big, scruffy shrub. You need to feed it with ideas and water it with inspiration. The editing is when you decide what shape you want it to be and start pruning and training it until it's just right.

Jenny

Do you think it would help if you took one of the WN writing courses?

dora

[quote=magic15]only I have forgetton how exactly to start up properly,[/quote]


... I can lend you my ignition key if you like?

or jump leads? or would you just like a push?

"heeeeeeeeave"

I suggest you think of a character that interests you, or rouses your curiosity and then ask yourself questions about that character, then just keep writing

Jennymf

you could start with
Once upon a time, sorreeeeee.

cath

Hi Phil. It's not just the writing. You need to read and read which will help you progress. Also, a really good dictionary and book on grammar is a massive plus. Keep on practising too...and the very best of luck!