You have an idea for a novel, but no idea how to actually start. Maybe you have a character in mind. Maybe it’s a premise that excites you. Maybe it’s just a vague what if scenario that keeps tugging at you. So you start to write, and there’s this gap between your idea and getting it on the page.
In this episode, I’m going to walk you through five steps to go from “I have an idea” to “I’m writing my first scene.”
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Episode at a glance:
Here’s how to go from idea to page.
[02:33] Step 1: Identify Your Starting Point
Who is your protagonist? What’s happening to your character or around your character? What conflict does this create? What problem or tension emerges from this situation?
[05:28] Step 2: Know What Your Protagonist Desperately Wants
Now that you know your story’s situation, you need to figure out what your protagonist wants because of that situation. Step two is about what your character is trying to achieve or accomplish within that situation, your protagonist needs to want something specific, not vague
[08:26] Step 3: Know Generally How Your Story Ends.
You do not need to know the exact ending. You don’t need to know every detail of how the story unfolds. You just need to answer: Does your protagonist get what he or she wants or not?
[10:25] Step 4: Identify Anchor Scenes
Identify three to five scenes you’re excited to write. These are the moments you can visualize; the confrontations you can hear, the reveals you’re dying to get to. These are your anchor points. They’re what will pull you through the hard parts of drafting.
[12:52] Step 5: Start Writing
Write whatever scene has the most energy for you right now. You don’t need to write your scenes in order. You don’t need to start with chapter one. You don’t need the perfect opening line. You can always rearrange scenes later. Right now, you just need to get words on the page and feel truly excited about what you’re creating.
Links Mentioned In This Episode:
Nail Your Story Idea FREE Quick Guide
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