Thanks so much for your reply, particularly your suggestion of writing out a story in whatever way it presents itself. And sometimes that might be thinking of an A or inciting action or trying to. If you're stumped you can read the opening of a favorite author’s novel that has solid inciting action. Lee Child always has incredibly excellent A's or inciting action in his Jack Reacher novels. It can be some tiny irregularity that the protagonist notices while riding on a bus. Something you read that gives you more space to look for your A. There is also the beginning of "Dream of the Blue Room". There is an image, a dream that is like a madeleine dropped into a cup of tea that blossoms into the most amazing story. (If you could rebrand that book with a new cover thought up by a genius marketing guru friend it might experience a brand new publishing life as an Asian and sisterhood themed novel). Not only is Dream's opening great, it has a unique structure that toggles between American southern and Asian culture. So ABCDE is a great tool and reading how excellent successful writers use A and BCDE can also help.
Yes, definitely--reading is a perfect way to find inspiration. I'm a huge fan of Scandinavian crime novels, and when I'm in a slump I devour them! Yes, Lee Child is great at presenting action and conflict on page one.
Thanks so much for the kind words about Dream of the Blue Room. I don't know I'd have the bravado to start a novel that way now:) I was young and idealistic and thought more in terms of the sound of the prose than in terms of story. It would be nice to get back to that place of writing with raw energy, not shying away from dreaminess. I think I'm a better writer now, but I was probably a more fearless writer then, before I had any book contracts.
Thanks for the tip on the Scandinavian crime series. And telling us a little more about what went into writing "Dream." Whoever published it saw the potential of your early fearlessness. Such a great story attached to that dream that takes place partly in Asia. Book contracts seem limiting. But I think your novella, "What Brings You Back Here" seems especially fearless, especially in its early stages. But as a reader I have to respect the process and realize the author has to go where they want and write what they will regardless of whether it (hopefully) results in a contracted book or not. Am looking forward to your discussion of the "B" structural element.
Sometimes it can difficult writing a story from start to finish correctly using ABCDE. Some of the best writers are able to do that easily. But if it seems too difficult in the beginning, if you already have the vague idea of a complete story in your head, you can always write it out as best you can and then go back over it with ABCDE in mind. Some might say that's too much toil and trouble that might not lead to a desirable outcome. True. Each letter used one at a time is probably less difficult, more practical and easier on the mind. But it is great that any letter can be used at any time to sort out any part of your story either before or after it is written.
Yes, I believe in writing it out in whatever way it presents itself to you! That's the best way to discover the story. If you begin with a sentence or a situation, however, and can't figure out where it goes, a structural guide can help.
Thanks so much for your reply, particularly your suggestion of writing out a story in whatever way it presents itself. And sometimes that might be thinking of an A or inciting action or trying to. If you're stumped you can read the opening of a favorite author’s novel that has solid inciting action. Lee Child always has incredibly excellent A's or inciting action in his Jack Reacher novels. It can be some tiny irregularity that the protagonist notices while riding on a bus. Something you read that gives you more space to look for your A. There is also the beginning of "Dream of the Blue Room". There is an image, a dream that is like a madeleine dropped into a cup of tea that blossoms into the most amazing story. (If you could rebrand that book with a new cover thought up by a genius marketing guru friend it might experience a brand new publishing life as an Asian and sisterhood themed novel). Not only is Dream's opening great, it has a unique structure that toggles between American southern and Asian culture. So ABCDE is a great tool and reading how excellent successful writers use A and BCDE can also help.
Yes, definitely--reading is a perfect way to find inspiration. I'm a huge fan of Scandinavian crime novels, and when I'm in a slump I devour them! Yes, Lee Child is great at presenting action and conflict on page one.
Thanks so much for the kind words about Dream of the Blue Room. I don't know I'd have the bravado to start a novel that way now:) I was young and idealistic and thought more in terms of the sound of the prose than in terms of story. It would be nice to get back to that place of writing with raw energy, not shying away from dreaminess. I think I'm a better writer now, but I was probably a more fearless writer then, before I had any book contracts.
Thanks for the tip on the Scandinavian crime series. And telling us a little more about what went into writing "Dream." Whoever published it saw the potential of your early fearlessness. Such a great story attached to that dream that takes place partly in Asia. Book contracts seem limiting. But I think your novella, "What Brings You Back Here" seems especially fearless, especially in its early stages. But as a reader I have to respect the process and realize the author has to go where they want and write what they will regardless of whether it (hopefully) results in a contracted book or not. Am looking forward to your discussion of the "B" structural element.
Sometimes it can difficult writing a story from start to finish correctly using ABCDE. Some of the best writers are able to do that easily. But if it seems too difficult in the beginning, if you already have the vague idea of a complete story in your head, you can always write it out as best you can and then go back over it with ABCDE in mind. Some might say that's too much toil and trouble that might not lead to a desirable outcome. True. Each letter used one at a time is probably less difficult, more practical and easier on the mind. But it is great that any letter can be used at any time to sort out any part of your story either before or after it is written.
Yes, I believe in writing it out in whatever way it presents itself to you! That's the best way to discover the story. If you begin with a sentence or a situation, however, and can't figure out where it goes, a structural guide can help.