I cannot tell you the number of times people have told me, “I’ve always wanted to write a book.” My response is always, “You should,” but I find what they really mean to say is the idea is a bit overwhelming.
It seems we often have an image of an inspired writer sitting down and, in a feverish pace, pounding out a story without distraction until a work of literary art is produced. Naturally this is unreasonable, not to mention unrealistic.
Writing fiction is not an insurmountable mountain. Furthermore, in the sea of junk literature we live in, stories that inspire believers and reach out to people who might never think to pick up a non-fiction Christian book are important.
But when faced with a blank Word document on the computer screen the question, “Where do I start?” can be very intimidating.
So why not start with an outline?
Try putting down a plot outline, no longer than a paragraph, which simply states the primary storyline.
Next, decide on your characters; a hero and/or heroine, antagonist, villain, sympathizer, and a sprinkling of minor characters.
Then give your characters life. They’ll need a name, age, physical characteristics, likes, dislikes, hopes, relationships, and a past. The best stories are built on good characters.
Try to pinpoint a location for you story. Do you want it to take place in a small town, big city, or several places?
Subplots are vital to creating a rich story, but this is not as difficult as it might sound. A subplot can be as simple as a relationship with a family member, the trials of dealing with a new surrounding, or a struggle with faith.
Finally, write a summary. This does not have to be too detailed, but it will be helpful to have a basic timeline of events when you sit down to write your story.
An important thing to remember through of all of this is you do not have to do it all in one day, week, or even a year. Just put down thoughts when they come. If you only have fifteen minutes on occasion take them.
Never allow yourself to think this is impossible or unimportant. I’ve known people who credit a novel as their first step towards their faith in Jesus. If you have a story in your heart, take the first step and start writing.
Emily Ann Benedict is a California native and homeschool graduate inspired to write by a love of reading and a desire share her faith. You can find her at emilyannbenedict.com.
9 Comments
Wow! Thank you, Emily Ann! I appreciated this article. I love writing, but you’re right, it sometimes does *seem* like an insurmountable mountain, but I know it isn’t one. My desire is to write for Jesus, so that people will be drawn to or closer to Him, and with His help, I can do it!
Thanks for the encouragement!
May I also suggest participating in this year’s National Novel Writing Month? It got me going, and it’s so much fun! I have often struggled between my desire to write and how that fits into God’s plan for my life. But he is the ultimate author, and he loves stories even more than I do. During NaNoWriMo last year he gave me a novel to write, and it was amazing how writing and editing it has drawn me closer to him and deeper into relationship. Thanks for your encouragement, Emily Ann! I would love to know about your publishing process, which is something I am embarking on at the moment. Care to share?
What excellent encouragement!
Sometimes that’s all it is, just starting somewhere. Even if it stinks, you still wrote it and it is yours. I think we psych ourselves out, even before we hit the keyboard. :O)
I would be happy to share my publishing story. It has been an interesting and eye-opening experience. If you’d like, you can contact me through my e-mail address: emilyannbenedict@gmail.com or find me on Face Book.
I love to talk writing.
Beautifully written Emily. You definitely has a gift for writing.
hmmm, thanks for this timely post..i’ve always loved loved to write but somewhere along that way the fire died to write the poems i used to write when i was young were many and many journals i wrote in too..I restarted a new journal last week a prayer journal..but thanks for the ideas on how to write, i’ve always wanted to write my own testimony on recovery and i think i can and will with your great instructions
)
THANK YOU THANK YOU so much for this great post!!
Take care!
God Bless!
In His Love, Jane
This is a really well-written article. It has just enough humor to be right and yet gives clear outlines for people to follow. Besides, articles on writing or on writers are always best when written by a real writer like you. You know the process firsthand.
Hello there –
I actually just wrote up a post kind of like this, about how I started writing my own book. It is similar to the instructions you gave, but slightly different. I will be posting it on my blog soon, as it is still in editing. Just wanted to comment and say that this was very encouraging.
many blessings!