Whether you are a plotter or a pantster, it's important to start with at least a little research before diving into the writing advises author and writing teacher Valerie Willis. The amount and type of research required will vary depending on your novel's genre. For sci-fi or fantasy writers, Willis suggests keeping a world building bible where you can track everything you are brainstorming and creating. For other genres, Willis suggests creating vision boards to work through character and scene development. These visual tools will serve as inspiration and motivation throughout the entire process, she says. Additional tips Willis offers for first time novelists include writing your story out of order if needed, avoiding any editing until your first draft is complete, and staying organized to maintain consistency in your story.
Hi Valerie, I'm new to all of this and I would like to write a story similar to Mommy Dearest but making it about a Christian life. Not sure how to start it off but I did do some writing on this. Where would I add this story for example?
Ok thank you so much for your reply. I'll look into all that you posted..
DeAnn, I would dive into looking at Memoirs similar to Mommie Dearest, Angela's Ashes, Glass Castle and so forth. There are many ways to tell a story based on a life or inspired by life or even mimic real life. Sometimes real life is stranger than fiction and as my own experience, growing up in a volatile environment like this leaves stains on the soul. A great way to handle memoirs is to write down or journal the events and moments you know you want to share. Another thing to consider is what message you want this story have or what you want your readers walk away feeling, knowing, or understanding. You'll also have to decide how you want to tell your story, whether this is being told like a fictional story, first person or third person Point-Of-View, would you rather make then diary entries similar to Anne Frank, and even decide if this is a Creative Memoir that is loosely based or an accurate retelling from you. If that's not pressure enough, you will also have to decide how much of a "Own Voices" story is this, are you or would you be willing to talk about and identify yourself publicly. You will see Agents listing "Own Voices" as a manuscript item they want. I wish I knew of an organization off the top of my head to recommend, but look for fellow writers and groups and ask them on advice. My own experience is limited to Fiction writing or what I dabble and make note of, so I hope this helps you in some way. Oh! Google for the win, http://namw.org/ is the "National Association of Memoir Writers" and might lead you to some resources.