How do you write a story?

I've been asked this many times, how do you write a story? Where and when is the best place to write?  My usual answer to this, there is no one way or best way to do any of this. Every person asked these same questions no doubt will give the same answer.

Each writer is different, the story, genre and purpose for writing in the first place. we have all heard about the writers who spent their time in either a bar or coffee house. Some have to write at night or during the day. These fortunate writers have found what worked for them. Personally I can write any time of the day and pretty much anywhere except crowded places. I don't like to be watched when I'm writing otherwise I'm too busy watching everyone around me.

Some choose busy places because of the interaction they see with others. Some get inspired for their characters this way or are simply there because of the free refills and instead of having to leave their writing they are brought their drinks, one less distraction. If you’re anything like myself, the slightest things distract me. It can be from a sound, my kids, the garbage truck or simply a fly that lands on my monitor. Personally I need the minor distractions. Not the type where someone talks to you for a while, then I lose interest in writing at that time and might get back to it another day. My distractions are little ones like getting my littlest one a drink, getting a meal ready, changing music I play in the background, talking to my cats or dogs. I might be distracted but I'm running the next part of my story through my head and I'm ready to write it down when I get back to my keyboard.

Right now I don't get a lot of time to write because I'm busy working with my company or my family. I squeeze in writing wherever I get the chance. I have been asked, "How can you pick up where you left off after being gone from it for a while?" This for myself is easier. I'm always thinking about stories or running something through my head. I usually know my characters and where I left off with them. I usually leave off somewhere I already know where the next scene is heading or what conversation is going to be said next. This helps me delve back into the story. If you don't know your story well enough to start writing it again after leaving it for a day, then feel free to try another story or re-read the last one you had and maybe you'll be able to start again.

The main point is to find a time and place your comfortable writing. If that means balancing your laptop on your lap while you sit on the couch or chair, sitting at a McDonald's or some bar. Make sure it’s not somewhere you’re wishing you hadn't been. I've even written while in the car or waiting for someone in the mall and then I add that little bit I've written on a pad of paper to my computer. I always back up my information now since I've lost my work so often. I have bits and pieces of it however I've had to piece it together again or just plain re-write it.

I love having some sort of music in the background to listen to. This helps me with certain moods that I know I want to stay in. As far as the original question, "How do you write?" This really could mean anything. I think about the types of stories I like to read, what I would like to see in a book. What interests myself mainly and hope it’s something others will be interested in also. Some will write out an outline, some have general points they want to make or like myself, I simply write as I go. I don’t always know how the story is going to end and I’ve surprised myself with direction changes the characters take. There are times I thought I was going to write about something when I come to know the characters better and I know they would not do or say that action. This changes my writing quite a bit.

I’ve read so many books and I’m used to seeing the format they were printed in. I’ve learned a lot of my writing style simply from the books I’ve read. As I write I correct my work and by the time I’ve finished my first draft, much of my story has already been corrected or smoothed out. Many need to edit after or find they edit too much. If you find you’re an over editor it might be best to edit when you are finished to make sure later your story flows well. Personally it drives me crazy to leave something unfinished or unfixed when I know later in the story or a part I’m at that it won’t make sense.

If you question whether or not you’re writing is any good for others to read? First make sure you are writing because it’s what you enjoy doing. Second, have a friend or someone you trust that will give you an honest answer. Their criticism of your writing can help you work on areas that need more development.

So simply grab a piece of paper, manual typewriter or keyboard. Whatever you prefer to write on and simply jot down a story. Not all stories need a title right away. I’ve found I change my titles many times. If you need more to work on then simply pick two characters, why are they involved with each other or not, pick a place and situation and find out how they handle it. If you’re like me I like to run the story like a movie in my head and then I just sit and write. Mainly find what works for you, every writer is different. And most importantly, have fun with your writing!