16th March 2010 / Musings
Without a doubt, one of the most common questions I get asked by fans and aspiring writers (like SF and music, in comics these groups have a massive overlap) is “How do you turn an idea into a story?”
It’s a fair question, and something that most of the traditional “How to write” texts take a very conceptual approach to, talking about inspiration and commitment and imagination.
All of which is necessary, of course, but it doesn’t tell you anything about the practical, day-to-day, nuts-and-bolts process of taming wild ideas into stories. And, I know from my own experience, that’s what people really want to know.
Now, a disclaimer: this isn’t some set of immutable laws. My own process has changed considerably over the years, and will probably continue to do so. And even then, what works for me may not work for anyone else. I don’t know if anyone else will find this useful, or interesting.
What I do know is that I’ve personally learnt things by trying out methods other writers have mentioned. So you never know.
Here it is, then: my writing process, in far more detail than you expected. Enjoy.
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