Starting

[Astronesthes]

Few people know things more terrible than the empty page. I'm a newish writer and I've got a bit of a problem, this seems the best place to ask. I'm sorry if it has been asked a thousand times, but it is bugging the crap out of me.

So, there I am. I've got the idea, I've got the characters, I've got their backgrounds and even some nifty ways to give them depth via dialogue. I've got plot line, plot twists, and happily no plot holes....

What I don't have is a start. What do you folks do when you start writing? I always have the end game, the middle game and a few spots in between, but I never know how to start a story. I'm all confident until I grab a piece of paper or open a txt file. Easing the reader into the story, giving the necessary introductions and whatnot to get them interested and reading, that whole first part in other words is completely gone for me. I never know how to start!

Are there any tricks to this, or do I just have to find a way to deal with this writer's block? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated, and I again apologize in advance if this has been asked before.

[Stereocrisis]

Maybe starting at the middle is a better idea anyway. Or at the end. Then just say something like, "But I'm getting ahead of myself. It all really started when..." So you've already got the characters names out there and the situation, and basically what the story is going to be about from the middle of the story. Then, you pick up from the beginning to explain how your characters got in the situation they did. There you go, a first chapter. It gets the reader invested in the characters, and they want to read what happened in the beginning next.

Or think of it lik a Quentin Tarantino movie. Pulp Fiction had a great beginning. It focused on two characters near the middle/end of the movie, and randomly jumped into the start of the day, when Sam Jackson and John Travolta were on their way to kill those guys for screwing over Mr. Wallace.

I don't know what you're writing about. Give me an example of your story, and I could give you a better idea of what I'm trying to say. Unless you already kind of get what I'm saying, and it doesn't work for you.

[DeftAndEvil]

Obviously different intros work better for different types of stories, and different hooks work better for different intros. So what we need is that story.

I suggest posting a synopsis of sorts so we can have a feel for what you are looking for. Or, you can simply start your story and write down a simple exposition and then continue writing the rest, before you lose inspiration. Then, post whatever you here, and we can give you a better idea of a better hook.

Personally, I usually have a rough idea of a plot, write a weak hook, then develop the shit out of it. I don't write the story first then the intro last. But then again, I am not looking for help >.>

The usual tips for writing interesting hooks?: In media res; ab ovo; cliff hanger + flashback/development; mysterious/enigmatic opening; or a combination of the listed.

[DeftAndEvil]

At 7/1/11 01:57 PM, DeftAndEvil wrote:

The usual tips for writing interesting hooks?

Also: rhetorical question; surprising fact; or quote.

I used the above for writing essays in high school and college. They are a bit lame though, and I don't really suggest the last 3.

[BrianEtrius]

As others have said, start in the middle, but I'll raise them one: start anywhere. Just start getting your ideas down on paper. Once the creative flow begins you'll find it easier to go back and write the beginning.

Or, conversely, do write a relatively weak beginning but when you're finished, write a conclusion. Now, this may not be applicable in all situations, but often times your conclusion is effectively a stronger beginning.

[Astronesthes]

Thanks very much folks, all of your suggestions have helped me get going. I won't have to post a synopsis after all, huzzah for me. I've got a weird little tick about posting part of a story or a summary, always seems to ruin it in my eyes.