Expert: Susan Rand - 9/17/2004

Question
Hi, I was wondering how i should start my story. I don't mean how to write it, but how to go about it storytelling-wise. How should I build up the readers interest? make the characters appealing? Those sort of things. I would really appreciate it if you could help me.

Ps: Would you happen to know any good writing contests? Be they online or in magazines.

Thank You.

Answer
Hello Usman:

I'm not sure what you mean by "storytelling-wise." The story and the writing are one, as are the dancer and the dance, the artist and the art.

"I don't mean how to write it," and "How should I build up the readers interest?" are contradictory. Building up the reader's interest and making the characters appealing are part of the writing process.

Leaving that aside, here are some hints about getting started:

1. First make an outline. List the main events of the story, and under each, the lesser events connected with that event.

2. Start writing, following the outline. Make your beginning interesting and compelling.

3. In the beginning you raise a question in the reader's mind. This makes the reader anxious (wanting the question answered)until it is answered, or put off, and another question is raised.

4. Fill your book with strong characters who act, instead of just reacting.

5. Make the characters appealing by making them human. Humans have dreams and goals; they suffer and learn; they make mistakes - stupid mistakes, even - and often cannot explain them; they like and dislike other characters; they blunder and stumble around; they rise to the occasion; they display emotion and react to others' emotions, etc.

I don't personally follow writing contests, so I can't help you there. But if you will go to your search engine and type in "writing contests" you are sure to get a lot of hits. I got 936,000. The only way to discern whether they are "good" is to investigate them one at a time. You might also join a few writers' groups and inquire there. Freelancewriting.com has a contests page - click on the button near the top.

I hope this has helped. If it has, a nice rating would be greatly appreciated. I am proud of my high score over 260+ questions.

And good luck with your book!