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Blocked, from the back?

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SoulzBaen

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Ok, here's a fun one for you. I had an idea. I know, it happens to us all, but this one decided to throw me through a loop.The story began at the end, as in I know how it will end. I know the faces, the place, the twists and the dialogue. I didn't have a beginning, so I just let it run and there ya go. I started writing the story, and the first few thousand words or so worked for me, the story flowed quite well.
But now.....I seem to have found a fork in the literary road, and the signs are both blank. I know where I need to go, and I sort of know where I started from....but I don't know any of the terrain between. I want to write, I need to write...but it feels like I'm forcing it, and that just causes a worse block.

So, in conclusion,

HELP!?!?

Sincerely,
Stuck.
 
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alleycat

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Just an idea: Create "write to" points. You have something of a beginning, and an end. Create intermediate points from point A to point Z (markers that you can "write to"). Whenever you get stuck ask: What could happens next that moves the protagonist along his journey, whether towards his external goal or his "inner journey," or, conversely, what happens next that blocks the protagonist from his goal. Just make a short list of these points. Major points in the story will be "turning points" that changes the story arc significantly.

You could also create a "story diagram"--a graphic representation that helps to "lay out" the storyline. Something like this is sometimes used in writing a screenplay.
 

SoulzBaen

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Ty. I've tried the diagram before, but unfortunately it only proved to sidetrack me more. I haven't tried the "write to" points though. Or, rather, I have them in my head but don't know how to put them down on paper. Part of the problem is that I am a natural editor, which puts pressure on my flow. Of course, when I write something and feel that I just don't like it.....I want to rethink it, but I leave it alone until I'm done, then I'll go back over it.

Since I already have the end of the book fully laid out in my head, should I go ahead and put it down? I have the (forgive the redundancy) beginning of the beginning. Would having the beginning and the ending down help filling in the middle?
 

alleycat

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As always, use whatever works for you.

You might try breaking the story down in to acts (three or four; I prefer four), and get it clear in your mind what needs to happen in each act to get from point A to Z (eventually). If needed, then break the acts down in to sequences of action.

You don't have to be formal about it. You can just make a simple list, or use index cards, or create just a rough, informal outline (outline? yikes!).

Is this a novel or short story?
 

SoulzBaen

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I'll give that a try. Right about now, I'm willing to try many things. The characters are getting angry at me.

A novel is the intended goal, and I've already surpassed what could be considered a short story.
 

alleycat

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I'm just throwing out some ideas. They might click for you, or not.

If you will send me your e-mail address by private message I could sent you something that might help. Might being the key word. It could at least give you some things to think about.
 

alleycat

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What I sent you might help, or might not. Sometimes someone just needs a little push in the right direction (or even the wrong direction), or a little something that creates a "spark" in themselves to overcome what they see as writer's block.
 

SoulzBaen

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Well, it's helping already. Thoughts are coalescing into finer points and tomorrow I will begin setting up "Write To" points and designing Acts. Those suggestions definitely helped my train of thought and may just get the ball rolling again.

So again, thank you!
 

bearilou

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I'm just throwing out some ideas. They might click for you, or not.

If you will send me your e-mail address by private message I could sent you something that might help. Might being the key word. It could at least give you some things to think about.

*waves hand* Can I have, too? :D
 

Layla Nahar

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Alleycat,

I'm also very interested in hearing those suggestions -

LN
 
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