How I Put A Story Together

Well first I get an idea. Usually that just happens. I'll be doing something else and something will strike me about it and *poof!* an idea happens.

Once I have an idea I sit on it for a time. Let it stew in the back of my head for a few days/weeks before I ever put a word on paper. I expand on it and let the idea lead me to the story.

I never use outlines when I write. I shoot from the hip. :gun:

Mostly I'll write until the idea dries up for the session. Sometimes that's ten minutes sometimes it's a couple of hours. I self-correct grammar and spelling as I type; it's become such an automatic habit that it doesn't interrupt my flow.

Once the story is finished I use spell check on it and save it. Then I move on to something else for a day or two. After a bit of time I come back and read it. Try to correct anything the computer missed and change whatever wording or sentences I don't like.

I think that's about it.

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Originally Posted by Aesop

Well first I get an idea. Usually that just happens. I'll be doing something else and something will strike me about it and *poof!* an idea happens.

Once I have an idea I sit on it for a time. Let it stew in the back of my head for a few days/weeks before I ever put a word on paper. I expand on it and let the idea lead me to the story.

I never use outlines when I write. I shoot from the hip. :gun:

Mostly I'll write until the idea dries up for the session. Sometimes that's ten minutes sometimes it's a couple of hours. I self-correct grammar and spelling as I type; it's become such an automatic habit that it doesn't interrupt my flow.

Once the story is finished I use spell check on it and save it. Then I move on to something else for a day or two. After a bit of time I come back and read it. Try to correct anything the computer missed and change whatever wording or sentences I don't like.

I think that's about it.

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that is basicly how everyone does it ---with the exceptions of using an outline.

I only use an outline for longer stories ---it is to help me keep up with the subjects and what is going on and in the end it helps with the story flow

on the short stories I have writen it is basicly the same except when it is finished and I have done spell check and grammar check once again I read the story and see if any more pops into my head about it ---usually I see something that does not quite flow right or could be better explained using the things we went over in level one ---I try to see and feel the things I wrote just from reading it again

Now the most important thing about this --is ------the story must please you. If when it is complete ---you are completely happy about it ----and each one you see as your best work ----then it is time to leave it alone---publish it or post it or what every you are going to do with it.


Others may have different opinions about your story ---they may not like it ---it may not flow to them ----they may find errors you missed ----

but all in all it does not matter ---as long as you are happy with it

you are after all writing for you ---not anyone else---that is the most important motivator----If you try to write for someone else --it is usually a forced effort---and you will not be satisfied by it.

now many of my intended short stories have turned out to be longer and I usually use my first draft as my outline----making notes on it ---using a highliter on it -----drawing on it ----but that is what works for me---

Sounds right to me. I don't post stories that don't please me. They end up in the "work on later" pile.

The outline thing always leaves me feeling trapped. My stories hardly ever end up where I thought they would. Take Ghost for example. I have no idea where that's going. I know I'll get back to it because I like it, but as to what's going to happen I don't have any better a clue than anyone who reads it. Had I written an outline the ideas in the outline would have solidified for me. I know they can be changed, but it's simply easier for me to just let the story build on its own.

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Originally Posted by Aesop

Sounds right to me. I don't post stories that don't please me. They end up in the "work on later" pile.

The outline thing always leaves me feeling trapped. My stories hardly ever end up where I thought they would. Take Ghost for example. I have no idea where that's going. I know I'll get back to it because I like it, but as to what's going to happen I don't have any better a clue than anyone who reads it. Had I written an outline the ideas in the outline would have solidified for me. I know they can be changed, but it's simply easier for me to just let the story build on its own.

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That is why I use the orginal and use highliters --and scribble notes on it ---and use it as the outline---I can go back and look at each subject in the story ---where they have been ---what they might do next ---just a useful tool I have found ---not a lock on creative thought---as I scribble notes I also erase them and change them to suit things ---in my thought process

A good idea but I wonder if that would work for me. I have only written short works up to this point so I have no practical experience with longer novel-type writing.

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Originally Posted by Aesop

A good idea but I wonder if that would work for me. I have only written short works up to this point so I have no practical experience with longer novel-type writing.

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it is something to think about maybe even try it ---if it does not work you have lost nothing ---but I found it particularly helpful writing chapter three---as I scribbled little notes about chapter 2 on the orginal---and so on with other chapters---each of us will do things differently ---Most courses insist that you use an outline----this one does not ----some people can keep this all in their head ----remember all the details from chapter to chapter without having to go back an reread the chapters---I find I can not--but I usually do not use a very structured outline unless I am writing a non fiction story ---then I do use an out line --only to keep facts straight and reference material at hand

Well I use reference materials all over the place when I have to write non-fiction, but that's because those are usually business related. lol If I have to write a lengthy story I'll give your idea a try, but if it distracts me too much (which is what I'm afraid of) I'll scrap it.

I know most course insist on outlines, I've been looking at some of them and that's one of the reasons I haven't participated to be honest. Half the time I don't know the end of my stories. How the hell could I be expected to tell someone else? lol

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Originally Posted by Aesop

Well I use reference materials all over the place when I have to write non-fiction, but that's because those are usually business related. lol If I have to write a lengthy story I'll give your idea a try, but if it distracts me too much (which is what I'm afraid of) I'll scrap it.

I know most course insist on outlines, I've been looking at some of them and that's one of the reasons I haven't participated to be honest. Half the time I don't know the end of my stories. How the hell could I be expected to tell someone else? lol

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lol I have taken several courses and this one made the most sense to me ---as it gave you suggestions---you decussed it amoung other writers --pick up useful hints and tip from them----and come up with your own way

the outline was really not for the ending just the objective of your story ---but I have found that changes as things progress in the stories ---in mine it has anyhow

I am by no means saying the only way to write a story is to have an outline and do point a to point b -----I am saying ---keep an open mind ---and as you help out with other writers and see how they do things ---you may pick up a useful tip or something to help you do things easier---if it sounds good try it ---it costs you nothing but a little time--and in the end may save you time---I was sort of hoping we would have atleast one more student at this level so we could compare styles ---you have only me ---not alot to choose from ---lol

Oh I'll keep an open mind and I'll try new things. After all I'm in the course for a reason. lol

Yes it would be nice to have some differing opinions, but I don't think we'll have to wait too long for that.

OK, I am here! I made it to Level 3. Happy now?

Oulines? hell, if I used an outline that would just frustrate me. When I write I go from my head and the story develops as I write. I free write as some would say.

Never thought of highlighting. I have written notes on the first draft. Will have to try the highlighting idea.

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Originally Posted by submissivewife

OK, I am here! I made it to Level 3. Happy now?

Oulines? hell, if I used an outline that would just frustrate me. When I write I go from my head and the story develops as I write. I free write as some would say.

Never thought of highlighting. I have written notes on the first draft. Will have to try the highlighting idea.

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This method is fine for a short story --but if you ever hope to write a story with multi chapters like some on the story page with 140+ chapters ---you would have to have a super memory ----Of course I can not claim that kind of writing ---best I have acheived is 80+ chapters and that was a book that was published

there is nothing wrong with short stories but even going for that I still print out my work go over it with the highliter---then make the changes I want to make before I submit it ---

I find sometimes I see better ways of saying something ---shorten long drawn out sentences ---or get more detailed in places that need it.

do I take alot of time with my writing ---not too much for a short story but I do tend to take my time on a story that I plan to have published ---I have taken as much as a year and a half to publish a 80+ chapter book.

So it is according to what level of writing you wish to acheive ---if you want to stick to short stories ---or go on to publish a book

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Originally Posted by submissivewife

OK, I am here! I made it to Level 3. Happy now?

Oulines? hell, if I used an outline that would just frustrate me. When I write I go from my head and the story develops as I write. I free write as some would say.

Never thought of highlighting. I have written notes on the first draft. Will have to try the highlighting idea.

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'bout time. :p

:nana: <----for Aesop


Thanks Rabbit...I have started a story that is multi chapters long. I will have to do this. I was thinking of abandoning the story because I had started it with someone, but since then our friendship went down the tubes. So, I am thinking of starting something different.

Hello, my assignment is to participate in this discussion, so I guess here is my two cents. ^_^

I have no experience with novel writing, and my short stories (to me) are too short to be short stories.. I haven’t written a real short story since I was in high school hehe. But, I do a lot of rping and of course that’s just another way to go about storytelling, instead of characters from one author, you have many that all work together in order to make the story interesting for everyone.

I’m more of a fantasy writer, it’s a part of my style and in creating stories, the first thing that immediately comes to mind is character creation, this is different than writing about yourself but it does have similarities because how you introduce yourself or your character is an important part in creating a mood. The environment and the feeling of that setting should also require attention, it plays upon what is happening behind the actions and dialogue.

When I begin making my stories, character first of course, then choose a theme or mood for my environment that would harmonize with my character. I can write pages about character creation, but that isn’t what this is for. These are just the things I focus on before even contemplating what’s going to be happening in my story- I’ll have a vague idea, but nothing too specific just yet. If the characters and the environment don’t work together then my story won’t flow properly.

Now, once characters and mood have been decided, need something that contrast their normal ideals or endeavors, create a problem that would bring out how this character is, how she feels, reacts, thinks etc. Your antagonist can do this or even the mood itself. =)

When your problem has been established, then comes the fun part. What’s going to happen, what’s the goal for the story? In my last assignment for level 2 the goal was for my antagonist to convince an otherwise innocent, strong hearted girl to submit to him without forcing her to do so because it would give him more satisfaction than simply forcing her to do so and creates loyalty in the process. How you go about obtaining a situation to place your characters in, is up to the author and really depends on how your characters are in my opinion. ^_^

Here’s an excellent example. I am currently working on creating a new roleplay on Adventure Quest’s rp forums. It’s supposed to be a romance roleplay, I don’t know what characters are going to be involved, I just know that I need a good storyline that won’t be soo corny that no one will participate. Hmm.. –takes ten minutes to think-

It has to be fantasy (AQ rules), I plan on this being a tragedy/drama kinda romance and I’ve already decked out a few characters in mind. One is a female mercenary (a lesbian), and a princess (her lover), and one more girl that I haven’t decided on yet. Thing is, when I come up with stories, they just flow through my mind while I’m coming up with the characters and the world around them, in other words, I have a blurred sketch in my mind about what my story will have in it- but as I write- right now- the story will begin to form.. I can’t tell you what’s going to happen yet, I don’t know myself. Just let it flow ^_^

Right now… I’m imagining my mercenary is in love with a princess who was born with a curse (that neither of them know of) that will slowly eat away at her body until she turns into a demon (>.> see I didn’t even know it was going to be a demon, but demon sounds good <.<.. carrying on). The royal family wants her sealed away so she can do no harm when the time comes for her body to begin to change, but her brother (the king) has prevented them from doing so. See the simple story of how the princess came to be what she was could be a short story, or how the king saved the princess from the rest of the family could be a short story as well. That doesn’t even include her lover ^_^ Endless possibilities.

So (for me) this is how I go about short stories:

Character Developement
-Appearance
-Personality
Mood and Environment
-Theme
-Emotional Impact
Problem and Solution
-Harmonize with Environment
-Contrast or Harmonize with Character
Character Interaction/Dialogue
-Affected by Mood
-Work towards solution

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Originally Posted by Daes

Hello, my assignment is to participate in this discussion, so I guess here is my two cents. ^_^

I have no experience with novel writing, and my short stories (to me) are too short to be short stories.. I haven’t written a real short story since I was in high school hehe. But, I do a lot of rping and of course that’s just another way to go about storytelling, instead of characters from one author, you have many that all work together in order to make the story interesting for everyone.

I’m more of a fantasy writer, it’s a part of my style and in creating stories, the first thing that immediately comes to mind is character creation, this is different than writing about yourself but it does have similarities because how you introduce yourself or your character is an important part in creating a mood. The environment and the feeling of that setting should also require attention, it plays upon what is happening behind the actions and dialogue.

When I begin making my stories, character first of course, then choose a theme or mood for my environment that would harmonize with my character. I can write pages about character creation, but that isn’t what this is for. These are just the things I focus on before even contemplating what’s going to be happening in my story- I’ll have a vague idea, but nothing too specific just yet. If the characters and the environment don’t work together then my story won’t flow properly.

Now, once characters and mood have been decided, need something that contrast their normal ideals or endeavors, create a problem that would bring out how this character is, how she feels, reacts, thinks etc. Your antagonist can do this or even the mood itself. =)

When your problem has been established, then comes the fun part. What’s going to happen, what’s the goal for the story? In my last assignment for level 2 the goal was for my antagonist to convince an otherwise innocent, strong hearted girl to submit to him without forcing her to do so because it would give him more satisfaction than simply forcing her to do so and creates loyalty in the process. How you go about obtaining a situation to place your characters in, is up to the author and really depends on how your characters are in my opinion. ^_^

Here’s an excellent example. I am currently working on creating a new roleplay on Adventure Quest’s rp forums. It’s supposed to be a romance roleplay, I don’t know what characters are going to be involved, I just know that I need a good storyline that won’t be soo corny that no one will participate. Hmm.. –takes ten minutes to think-

It has to be fantasy (AQ rules), I plan on this being a tragedy/drama kinda romance and I’ve already decked out a few characters in mind. One is a female mercenary (a lesbian), and a princess (her lover), and one more girl that I haven’t decided on yet. Thing is, when I come up with stories, they just flow through my mind while I’m coming up with the characters and the world around them, in other words, I have a blurred sketch in my mind about what my story will have in it- but as I write- right now- the story will begin to form.. I can’t tell you what’s going to happen yet, I don’t know myself. Just let it flow ^_^

Right now… I’m imagining my mercenary is in love with a princess who was born with a curse (that neither of them know of) that will slowly eat away at her body until she turns into a demon (>.> see I didn’t even know it was going to be a demon, but demon sounds good <.<.. carrying on). The royal family wants her sealed away so she can do no harm when the time comes for her body to begin to change, but her brother (the king) has prevented them from doing so. See the simple story of how the princess came to be what she was could be a short story, or how the king saved the princess from the rest of the family could be a short story as well. That doesn’t even include her lover ^_^ Endless possibilities.

So (for me) this is how I go about short stories:

Character Developement
-Appearance
-Personality
Mood and Environment
-Theme
-Emotional Impact
Problem and Solution
-Harmonize with Environment
-Contrast or Harmonize with Character
Character Interaction/Dialogue
-Affected by Mood
-Work towards solution

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Very good so in effect you are sort of using an outline---many authors do --and in using one it helps to keep your story going ---by going back and you can easily create chapter two and three----just by changing the mood and enviroment---coming up with new problems and solutions ---and then add characters or things to make it flow---do not be afraid to try this ---after readers --read a story and become comfortable with certain characters it is easy for them to accept them in different situations---some of the greatest novel writers use this ---John Sanford for one, Kay Hooper---just to name a few---

Now using what you learned in Level one which is basicly details and making your reader feel they are there---being famaliar with the characters is a plus
If you have ever read any John Sanford novels you will be like most of his fans and can not wait until his next (Alex Cross) novel comes out--

Level two was basicly common errors and spelling most new authors make ---the importance of Proof readers is pointed out... not proof reading it yourself--let someone else read over it for you.

When I write I see my story ---I am there and try to bring my readers there with me---if they can feel what you feel, see what you see, smell what you smell ---then you have accomplished your task.

I have posted so good articles in the levels to help. Some you may be able to use ---some you may not as no two writers do things exactly the same, although most classes try to make you use a written outline ---and go thru the steps that have worked for others.

I suggest you read some of them----use what you think will work ---forget what you don't think will work for you ---

Earlier I have decussed my methods for writing a story ---and you can see Aesop's and Subwife's---as well as they see yours---this is a sharing of ideas between writers---you may find something you would like to try


Now a question ----do you write you outline down before you start your story?

Actually it's just a kind of system I use naturally, i didnt really think about putting it into categories until I recieved this assignment. When writing it just comes this way unconsciously. Its near impossible for me to begin on a story without thinking up the characters beforehand, but once the characters are completed, the rest of the story flows very easily for me ^_^ So, nope I haven't used outlines in years.

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Originally Posted by Daes

Actually it's just a kind of system I use naturally, i didnt really think about putting it into categories until I recieved this assignment. When writing it just comes this way unconsciously. Its near impossible for me to begin on a story without thinking up the characters beforehand, but once the characters are completed, the rest of the story flows very easily for me ^_^ So, nope I haven't used outlines in years.

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but you are still using the principles of an outline ---you just have a better memory then most if you do not need to write it down.

If like you say you first set your characters then the mood and enviroment then problems and solutions---that is the basis for an outline

ok for you next task I am going to give you a character

using the attached picture --write a story

and along with the story tell us how you developed the character

Assuming we are talking about a "dirty" story

In those two stories where I was given a topic it was easy. Place a character in that situation, create a context (everything is about context in my book) add some kink and then let the story flow.
It is harder if you have no topic given.
Then it starts with an idea. For instance:The House. Girl going to some place to be dominated or tortured.
Find a person to fill out the Girls character. How old, how tall, physical description. This does not need to be in the story, but I need it written down somewhere so I can "see" the character in action.
Then Why: Why is this happening. How did she get to this position. Since my focus is on context, this is very important. It might not appear on a given story, but I need to have it clearly spelled out, so the story goes somewhere. If I cant't see the Why I can't go any further.
The place comes next: Where is this happening, is the place a house, a condo, a backyard, whatever. If there is any outdoor scene, the season, weather.
Additional players.
Then, the action. This is probably my weakest point. That is why I play out the prelude so much. Often I end the story just before the action starts and leave it to the reader's imagination. I now it is a cop out.
I am trying to work on it though.

Some more:
I give a lot of importance to context, but that said, my stories are (I think) character driven.
I put a lot of effort in creating my characters, since they will move the story.
Like Aesop I play around with an idea in my head for days, sometimes weeks before starting to write. After the idea clarifies, then I develop the context, and then create the main characters.
If the context is well created, and the characters are flexed out, then the characters will create the story for you.
Does this make sense to anyone else?

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Originally Posted by kaleun76

Assuming we are talking about a "dirty" story

In those two stories where I was given a topic it was easy. Place a character in that situation, create a context (everything is about context in my book) add some kink and then let the story flow.
It is harder if you have no topic given.
Then it starts with an idea. For instance:The House. Girl going to some place to be dominated or tortured.
Find a person to fill out the Girls character. How old, how tall, physical description. This does not need to be in the story, but I need it written down somewhere so I can "see" the character in action.
Then Why: Why is this happening. How did she get to this position. Since my focus is on context, this is very important. It might not appear on a given story, but I need to have it clearly spelled out, so the story goes somewhere. If I cant't see the Why I can't go any further.
The place comes next: Where is this happening, is the place a house, a condo, a backyard, whatever. If there is any outdoor scene, the season, weather.
Additional players.
Then, the action. This is probably my weakest point. That is why I play out the prelude so much. Often I end the story just before the action starts and leave it to the reader's imagination. I now it is a cop out.
I am trying to work on it though.

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Do you use a written outline or try to do it all in your head ----how do you keep up with a with who is doing what to whom----

do you write your story in long hand first --or type it as you go

how do you decide what action everyone in your story should take

I haven't used an outline yet. The stories have, up until now, been short enough that they are easy to keep track off. Also up until now, there are few characters. The maximum I've played with is 5, and the action is only happening in one place at a time.
I write the story in either Word or WordPerfect; I also keep a Note pad application open with information like, how tall is Bob, what is the color of Martha's eyes, where did Mary go to school, that kind of thing.

As for the action of the characters, I try to create each character as fully as possible. For instance in one story I am working on there is this girl, who has been divorced twice, is aggressive and impulsive and because she intimidates men, she can't hold a relationship. Now, you wouldn't be able to tell this, because these facts do not come out in the story, but they determine what she will do, and how she will go about it, within the general parameters of the story idea.

I then try to place myself within the character and see what he/she would do at any given time.

I do not know if this would work for anything other than a short story. I will have to try something longer, when I get better at this.

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Originally Posted by kaleun76

I haven't used an outline yet. The stories have, up until now, been short enough that they are easy to keep track off. Also up until now, there are few characters. The maximum I've played with is 5, and the action is only happening in one place at a time.
I write the story in either Word or WordPerfect; I also keep a Note pad application open with information like, how tall is Bob, what is the color of Martha's eyes, where did Mary go to school, that kind of thing.

As for the action of the characters, I try to create each character as fully as possible. For instance in one story I am working on there is this girl, who has been divorced twice, is aggressive and impulsive and because she intimidates men, she can't hold a relationship. Now, you wouldn't be able to tell this, because these facts do not come out in the story, but they determine what she will do, and how she will go about it, within the general parameters of the story idea.

I then try to place myself within the character and see what he/she would do at any given time.

I do not know if this would work for anything other than a short story. I will have to try something longer, when I get better at this.

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I also keep a Note pad application open with information like, how tall is Bob, what is the color of Martha's eyes, where did Mary go to school, that kind of thing.

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this is a form of an outline ---that is all a out line is supposed to do ---help you keep up witht your characters ---you just expand this to handle more characters and their info in a longer story or more complex story

and add what part each character will play in your story ---it is pretty simple



Your next task is to write a story using this picture ---and post it here also tell us how you developed the characters in the story

Cold Shower


It was a really stupid idea. In my defense I can only say that I cannot stand braggarts, and male chauvinist braggarts really rile me up. Before you think that these are the ramblings of a mad woman, let me start at the beginning.

I went to a party that Friday; well, it wasn’t much of a party, only 7 people. Alone, like so many other times. It is not easy being a successful career woman. It is even harder if you are half Puerto Rican half Chinese. On one side there are the Puerto Rican, who think that anyone with a pussy is a legal target, and Oh, by the way, it’s OK if I (The guy) is married, I can have a few bits on the side, but if my girlfriend even so much as looks at another guy, I’ll give her the biggest black eye this side of San Juan. On the other the Chinese; they might not fool around so much, but they are no fun at all, so focused on their careers and the pursuit of the American dream, they have no time for a woman. Not for a Chinese-Puerto Rican at any rate; no they want pure bred Caucasian. Then there are the Americans, they have a different stereotype, if you are Oriental, they think you are the “Me so horny” congai from “Full Metal Jacket” or the subservient “Geisha to Go” girl from Channel J. Bottom line, I went alone; as usual.

You should never drink alone. Moreover, you should never drink alone at a party; and if the drink they are serving at the party is Lemoncello, right from the freezer, straight up on a Martini glass, you should immediately run for cover; or home, whichever is nearest.

So; we have established that I went to this party, and I was drinking Lemoncellos. For those of you who aren’t sophisticated enough, a Lemoncello is a drink from Italy, which should be outlawed immediately. It is made by steeping lemon rinds in Vodka, adding sugar, and probably Ruffies for all I know.

So, in the middle of the party, this guy, Jose, a Puerto Rican from San Juan, and also a total Nerd, whom I never even met before, starts off in a rant about why women cannot play chess. He was probably intoxicated, and took off in a rant about Freud, and how winning at chess would not get girls closer to screwing their fathers, or something like that. Now, I am a pretty decent chess player, I could beat my dad, years ago, back in San Juan, and yes, I had had too many Lemoncellos. So I called him up on it. I told him I could beat his ass. I hadn’t played for years, but I figured, what the hell. I could beat him. He was a braggart.

I am not sure how we set the bet up. Loser to be the winner’s sex slave for the evening. I knew I could take this loud asshole. I picked up two pawns. One white, the other black, hid them in my hands. He picked white.

He plays PK4 and so do I. Then he plays KNB3; how original, I respond QNB3, to which he answers B4B, so do I, The Italian game. Then the surprise, 4:PQN4 Well this is going to be easy, BXNP.

I saw him smile at this point. Then I realized my error. The Evans gambit! I had taken it, but I did not know this opening! He gives me more material, a second pawn, and then another. I try to castle, to get my king out of the center, where he is vulnerable, but I cannot. He is ahead in material, I have two pawns on him, but he is now pressing his attack, I desperately try to defend my King’s bishop pawn, but he’s got his bishop lined up against it; then his queen comes out. I haven’t been able to develop any of my queen’s side men. By turn 18, the game is a foregone conclusion. Checkmate.

I sobered up in a nanosecond. I stared at the board. I could not believe this. Nobody plays chess anymore. How could this nerd beat me?

He smiled, winked, and said “Arizona, High school champion 2003”

Groan.

So here I am. Down in the basement. Tied to an X bamboo frame; a cross bar across the top of the X serves as a convenient gag too. Jose is nothing if not efficient. I hate engineers.

My hands are tied behind my back with hemp rope. He tied rope around my chest, above and below my size B tits. Then he snipped off the fabric around my tits. Well it was a cheap white tee anyway. It could be worse. This is uncomfortable, but not painful.
Damn stupid nerd. Doesn’t even know what to do with a defenseless woman.

Suddenly, out of the blue, a flood of ice-cold water falls on me. I scream. I try to get out of the ice cold flood, but I am firmly tied to the bamboo frame. The hemp ropes getting tighter. I scream louder. I look down, my nipples, erect, as if I was excited, rather than freezing.

The ice cold deluge ends. I look up at Jose. He is laughing his ass off. He unties me, and hands me a towel and a white T-shirt. Then he leaves.

Damn Nerds!

How did I craft the story

First I looked at the picture. She looks very gorgeous, but who is she, andhow did she get into this predicament?
So I decided she was Oriental since I kind of like oriental women, but her tits did not look oriental, so I made her Chinese-Puerto Rican. As a matter of fact, I made her a 27 year old, 5'2" 117 Lbs interior designer. Also her father met her mother in Nam. (All of this has nothing to do with the story of course, but I did not know this at the time of crafting the character)

Then I had to get her into her predicament. How would a young, attractive, successful interior designer find herself tied up to a bamboo frame, with ice cold water pouring over her?

Get her toasted, and get her to lose a bet.

What would be original is to make the bet be a chess game.

I could have been more specific on the actual chess game but a) my chess set is in storage and b) nobody on this site cares about chess anyway.

I decided to end it after the shower, because Jose is a nerd anyway, so obviously he doesn't know what to do with a woman; Does he?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Polecat

How did I craft the story

First I looked at the picture. She looks very gorgeous, but who is she, andhow did she get into this predicament?
So I decided she was Oriental since I kind of like oriental women, but her tits did not look oriental, so I made her Chinese-Puerto Rican. As a matter of fact, I made her a 27 year old, 5'2" 117 Lbs interior designer. Also her father met her mother in Nam. (All of this has nothing to do with the story of course, but I did not know this at the time of crafting the character)

Then I had to get her into her predicament. How would a young, attractive, successful interior designer find herself tied up to a bamboo frame, with ice cold water pouring over her?

Get her toasted, and get her to lose a bet.

What would be original is to make the bet be a chess game.

I could have been more specific on the actual chess game but a) my chess set is in storage and b) nobody on this site cares about chess anyway.

I decided to end it after the shower, because Jose is a nerd anyway, so obviously he doesn't know what to do with a woman; Does he?

---

I must say not quite what I was expecting---very good all the same


you next task is to read a story

Sending Her To The Edge by Sybriate D'anguisette

http://www.bdsmlibrary.com/stories/s...p?storyid=1647

Then review it both on the story page and in the
Critic's Circle forum

using this as a guidline for the review

Review writing made easy:

http://www.bdsmlibrary.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5386

How I put together a story depends on a fair number of things. The last story for level two, well, that was raw emotion that basically came gushing out of me. There's really no character development and there's not much of a plot, per se. It was awfully therapeutic, though, and I'll never reveal why I wrote it. :) Must protect the innocent, you know. I will say that it is the basis for a novel I'm working on and hope to actually finish.

For short stories, I tend to get an idea in my head, mull it over for a day or two, then just write. I have a fabulous proofreader, who never backs away from telling me where I've messed up and where I can do better.

I have hated outlines ever since I learned they exist. Even for projects like my senior honors thesis (The Role of Religion in the Indian Captivity Narratives of Early Colonial New England -- how's that for sounding stuffy and self-important?), when I had to come up with an outline, I knew I wouldn't stick to it.

I recognize the need for some sort of notes or basic rough outline if I'm going to write something longer than about 1500 words. So, yes, I've been jotting notes about character backgrounds and how I want the story to unfold for My Great American Novel. I can visualize certain scenes in my mind already and I have a tendency to write stories out of order, just so I don't lose some fabulous dialogue or description.

I write when I'm alone, 99% of the time. It's a very personal thing for me. I remember finishing my senior thesis and holding the printed out pages for the first time. It felt like a part of me. I'd never felt that way before about anything. I'd like to feel it again.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by maddie

How I put together a story depends on a fair number of things. The last story for level two, well, that was raw emotion that basically came gushing out of me. There's really no character development and there's not much of a plot, per se. It was awfully therapeutic, though, and I'll never reveal why I wrote it. :) Must protect the innocent, you know. I will say that it is the basis for a novel I'm working on and hope to actually finish.

For short stories, I tend to get an idea in my head, mull it over for a day or two, then just write. I have a fabulous proofreader, who never backs away from telling me where I've messed up and where I can do better.

I have hated outlines ever since I learned they exist. Even for projects like my senior honors thesis (The Role of Religion in the Indian Captivity Narratives of Early Colonial New England -- how's that for sounding stuffy and self-important?), when I had to come up with an outline, I knew I wouldn't stick to it.

I recognize the need for some sort of notes or basic rough outline if I'm going to write something longer than about 1500 words. So, yes, I've been jotting notes about character backgrounds and how I want the story to unfold for My Great American Novel. I can visualize certain scenes in my mind already and I have a tendency to write stories out of order, just so I don't lose some fabulous dialogue or description.

I write when I'm alone, 99% of the time. It's a very personal thing for me. I remember finishing my senior thesis and holding the printed out pages for the first time. It felt like a part of me. I'd never felt that way before about anything. I'd like to feel it again.

---

Lol ---I have wrote things out of order before ---and yes a outline of sorts helps you put it in the proper place later----and the purpose of this course is not to tell you that you have to have an certain type of outline---but to help you develop your own writing style---one of the novels I had published started out as a short story ----like I said on short stories I usually do not even thing of an outline----but when I finished my short story --more and more kept coming to my mind ---so I used the first part as an out line after I printed it out---using notes and a highliter---I turned it into an outline ---now that is all I use---That is my style----the main purpose of this decussion is hopefully for others to pick up tip to try on their own to help develop their own style ---something they may not have thought of --to make things easier on them. A good proof reader is a great asset---and good luck on your great american novel ---my first one took 5 years to write


your next task is to write a short story about this picture ---you have two weeks to do so

and PM me when the task is completed

Ooooh. Interesting picture. Thank you, Rabbit!

A very interesting thread this and full of wonderful information. I must confess I'm a little awed by the company I am in. You are all so talented and well educated; Maddie, a senior honors thesis even. I, as I informed Ruby, only managed three years at high school and have learned what I do know in the school of hard knocks. By the way Ruby, thanks for your last PM. It made me sit back and indeed take a deep breath instead of baling like I was going to.

I would call myself an intuitive writer. The stories I have written thus far have been based on people I have met here on the forums or in real life, apart from the story contest when the Right Honorable Rabbit gave us the photo theme. The roleplay "The Taking of Khaera" of course was Daes' brainchild, that I have been really excited to be a part of. The Pony Ranch role play was my own idea but sadly, due to the server move, two characters that had joined lost their posts and have not rejoined the fray.

I digress. I was saying I write intuitively. I get an idea for a character usually from someone I have met and take it from there. I seem to have a pretty good memory for the characters I develop as I am writing the story and haven't bothered with an outline, but having read this thread I am beginning to see the benefits of having one, possibly some notes as well. This would be really handy for longer short stories and books.

Without wanting to sound like some kind of Prima Donna, I tend to see myself as an artist and rely heavily on creative flow to fuel my stories. When my muse sings it's nothing for me to bang out a story like "Crossing Diana - The Awakening" in two to two and a half hours. I tend to be a little punch drunk after that, it is a very intense creative burst if you like. The inevitable writers drop (is there such a term?) is equally intense.

I hope what I have written here makes sense to you who read it and it covers what Ruby assigned me to do.

Congrats, Gregsta!

You did it. I knew you could. An "intuitive writer"? That term applies well to your style.

About how many stories do you have in progress at any particular time?

Do you prefer to write short stories or longer ones?

Do you want to take some of the stories you are already writing and use them for your assignments or do you prefer to have writing assignments that stand apart from what you are already writing?

What is your preferred genre of storytelling?

The reading assignments for everyone at Level 3 are here:
http://www.bdsmlibrary.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6313

You can get started on those at any time.

Does anyone have any questions for Gregsta?