(no subject)

[the_rck]

I'm having trouble getting started with my Yuletide fic. I've been poking at canon and thinking hard, but I don't have a starting point. I can't even decide if I should use first person or third. I have two characters to fit into the story, and these particular two mean a post-canon story if I don't want to go AU (and I'd rather not for Yuletide). That means I have to decide what to do with at least some of the dangling plot threads that are left at the end of canon. I suppose I could handwave all of that and set the story far enough in the future that that's all history. I might be able to get away with that.

Today doesn't promise much open time for writing, but I'll dedicate tomorrow to starting the story. I'm going to try to do at least 100 words a day. That's not a lot. I should be able to manage it. I just have to decide on a frame and figure out what happens. I'm considering a five things story, but I don't know if I can manage one or even if it would be the right choice for these characters.

Anybody have any writing tips for getting started?

Comments

[retsuko.livejournal.com]

You could start far enough in the future but leave an opening for flashbacks that deal with unresolved canon plot points. That way, you're not obligated to resolve everything, but there's the option if you feel like it. :)

My only other advice is something that I tell myself all the time:
1) Always end when you have more to write (so it can percolate in your brain for next session), and
2) Just get something down, and don't worry if it's good or bad or not.

I wouldn't even worry about the first/third person problem yet--just get something down, and give yourself time to sort out what the overall plot will be like.

My $.02! :)

[the_rck]

Thanks for the advice! I'll try some of it today. I'm determined to get a first paragraph, at least. I can do that much, I'm sure, and the next paragraph will be easier (I hope).