Deb Brammer

Hi Christy,
You need much more character development in a long piece, like a book, than you do in a short story of 1200 to 2000 words, but in either case, you need to know your characters. Plot flows out of characters. Characters help determine plot. You can start with either plot or characters but you need to have a basic idea of your plot and characters before you begin to write. As you write keep your characters in character so that they say, think and do what your character would say, think and do. But, of course, you can change your characters or plot to make your story work as it progresses. In the end you need interesting, well-rounded, true-to-life characters put in a situation that makes them sweat.

Hope this helps.

Deb

Every person works differently. You need to find out what works for you. But before you begin the actual writing of a story you should have an idea of where it is going and what you are going to include in the beginning and middle and end. As you get ideas, jot them down before you forget them. I like to walk and try out different ideas in my mind. Some writers like to have everything planned before they write. Others need to just get everything down on paper as it occurs to them. Then they have something to work with. Both kinds of writers need to revise and polish, but those who plan less need to work harder on their revisions. You’ll notice that I include a variety of checklists to help you evaluate and revise what you have written.