Being a Better Writer: Five Things To Start Your Own Story · 8:24pm Nov 13th, 2023
Welcome back writers! Yes, it’s Monday once again, and that means we’re back with another Being a Better Writer to talk about!
But first, in the old traditions, let’s have an update! And there’s really only one thing there could be an update about: Axtara – Magic and Mayhem! The update is … editing is going well. Chapters have been trimmed and reworked, descriptions have been tightened, and loans have been finalized. By our protagonist, that is. Sadly, there’s nothing to report on the cover yet, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t any other good news. With the edits coming along at a good clip, I think I’ll start dropping teasers next week. On Patreon first for our supporters, and then later here on the site. Who’s up for chapter previews?
The goal is still to release before Christmas, but I do acknowledge how tight that schedule is looking. I’m doing what I can. With a little luck, and a lot of work, Axtara – Magic and Mayhem will be in your hands by then.
All right, with that I suppose I could dive into today’s BaBW topic, but … what if I offered just a little teaser? Here you go, fresh from the pages of Magic and Mayhem:
“Good morning,” Axtara said, lifting one set of claws to give the woman a wave. “I apologize for startling your animals. I don’t think they’re used to dragons landing nearby.”
The woman seemed to weigh several responses before replying, her eyes darting from Axtara to the goats and back again. “They’re not,” she finally said. “Did you … want one?”
That’s it! That’s all you’re getting at the moment. With that little teaser given, let’s talk about writing!
So today’s topic is a bit more straightforward than most of you are used to. Usually on BaBW we dig into a topic in some depth, but with the caveat that the digging is done for those who already have a grasp of the associated topics (or just love diving in).
Today’s post though isn’t quite like those. Instead, we’re stepping back with this one, back to the very start for those who think “Hey, I’d like to write a story!” but have no idea where to start. And I put emphasis there because for some it is daunting to think about actually writing a story. I’ve spoken in person with people at cons and appearances who have that glimmer of desire to write, but quite literally have no idea where to begin, outside of the glimmer of an idea they have.
So today we’re giving those folks a boost. We’re going to talk about five things you need to start your own story. If you’re starting from nothing, then this is the basic list to get you going.
So hit that jump, and let’s talk writing.
(By the way, I think it would be hilarious if Axtara adopted a goat as a pet to keep the grass trimmed around her house. Think of the reactions of visitors. "Well, she didn't eat the goat. We should be safe.")
5754833
LOL. Hmmm ... would it be worth the goat poop and flower consumption that would come with it ...?
5754956 It's a possibility for a C plot. And makes for good excuses. "I, uh... Have to go home and feed the goat."