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The Story Writer’s Path
Mapping the Novel
What you need to know before you start writing
So you think you are ready to set off on the story-writing path.
You’ve got the best idea ever, you’ve got your why, and you’re committed to the writing process. You’re ready to go!
Oh, I hate to do this to you, hate to stop anybody when they are excited about writing. But…..you might want to do a bit of prep work before you begin.
I know, I hear you. All you want to do is write! Your story is clamoring to get out on the page! But hear me out: would you take off across uncharted territory without at least a loose map? Okay, if it’s uncharted you might not have a map. But wouldn’t it be easier if you did?
Writing a novel (or memoir, or short story, or essay) is indeed uncharted territory. Millions of people have gone there before you, and yet there is no easy map, no sure-fire easy route, no fabled Northwest Passage. Even after you’ve written numerous stories, the route may change.
However, there are things you can do that will help you prepare. And if you take time to do them before you begin, your story-writing path will be much easier.
You’ll want to get to know your characters, figure out where they live, work, and…
