So much to learn and so little time :)

To move your ideas on and begin to think about writing a story here is some hints of how you might structure your work. Remember to write about what you know. Take a notepad out with you wherever you go and make notes about anything you like. Here's some scribbles I did the other day at Compton Verney.

I asked the tree how long have you lived.

'I do not measure time, I just exist. Calm your soul dear friend. Treasure each moment, each breath, each image, each smell, each sound. The bird's song, the rustle of wind in my leaves, the moving air in your hair, its caress on your cheek. Its breath sending ripples across the still water as a curious goose passes, its feet working unseen in the green depths. Fish fry shimmer in the shallows as the sun baths the water with warmth. Oh what bliss, stop and take a breath.'

What story could you write from this?

If you study creative writing there is a formula to use to help give your stories pace to keep the reader engaged. This is called a story arch and it goes something like this ..

Set up

The first sentence is the most important sentence of the book. It needs to hook the reader. You've already got them interested as they have opened your book which is a plus so they must have liked your blurb on the back cover. More of that later. The first few paragraphs need to introduce your protagonist - who the story is about, the initial situation. For example: Esther Morgan is on a Welsh hillside in November and its raining.

Inciting incident

Here you present the dilemma the protagonist is in.

Esther Morgan has falling into a ditch and can't get out. She is rescued by a mysterious stranger.

Rising Action

Provide background about your characters and how they interact with each other. What are the different points of view if you are using multiple characters. This provides context for the reader.

Esther Morgan doesn't get on with her daughter. The mysterious stranger turns up out of the blue. What does he want?

Climax

The peak of the story happens about three quarters of the way through unless you're me when there is additional climaxes in my stories!

Esther Morgan dissolves her shadows but gets trapped.

Falling Action

You tie up loose ends.

Esther Morgan frees herself but at a cost.

Resolution

The conflicts are resolved and the story concludes with a sense of closure or a new beginning.

Esther makes peace with herself and her family.

So why not try and write a short story and apply some of these ideas.

Let me know how you get on @ hbjonesauthor@gmail.com