We'll take the first half hour today to look at getting an idea for a story with advice from writer Neil Gaiman on Truth in Fiction, Judy Blume (Finding Ideas, Part 1), and writer David Sedaris on observing the world. As we watch and learn, feel free to take notes on the advice and process these writers use to get ideas for a story.
Then, let's start a story.
Using the character you created in your character sketch assignment, tell a short story involving this character. How you tell your story is up to you, but you should look over your character sketch design as inspiration. [If you did not complete your character sketch, do that first. You do NOT have to stick with your first idea(s) from the character sketch, but you DO need a character you've thought something about...!]
Other considerations:
1. Use restrictions to make your job of telling a story easier. Set limitations or rules for yourself before you begin. If you use this method of coming up with story ideas, include the rules at the top of your draft.
2. Using Neil Gaiman's advice: what "truth" do you want your story to "teach" your reader? If you use Gaiman's advice, include the "truth" you want your reader to know at the top of your draft.
3. If you use Judy Blume's advice and draw your story on your observations or your own experiences (not necessarily your own life, but what you listen to, see, or details you notice). If you use heightened awareness to inspire your story, include a short explanation or list of what you noticed at the top of your draft.
4. Using David Sedaris's advice to find a moment from your life that "feels like a story", use a small event that you can recall about your life and be open to exploring that moment. Take the best you can do and tell a story. If you use David Sedaris' advice, include a short description of the small event you are open to exploring.
In any of the 4 cases, apply these ideas to your fictional character. Perhaps your fantasy character, after battling evil demons, needs to do something as mundane and "normal" as finishing homework or studying for a test or learning to drive a car [something you might have also had to experience, for example].
There's no wrong way to write a story draft. Your job is to find a way that works for you. Once you have an idea and a character, begin writing your short story draft.
Please read Neil Gaiman's book Coraline. You can find a PDF copy in the attachments below. As you read, notice how Gaiman establishes his characters, introduces his setting and conflict. Consider what is "true" about the human condition in Coraline.
427977636-Neil-Gaiman-Coraline.pd
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