Where to start?

A lot of authors are very, VERY, stylistic. They can differ from their tone, their dialogue, their character development, etc. However, I think one thing most people tend to overlook is the variety of how authors go about beginning new pieces. I thought maybe I could go over some of the major ways that authors go about doing this.

There are typically three things authors keep in mind when starting new stories; a character, a plot, or a theme.

When starting with a character, authors will put their focus in them. They want to develop this person and show the inner workings of them, showing us readers why we should take concern with this character. That's what the writer has in mind the most when writing, nothing more. Then, upon finishing, they'll go back and begin inspecting the plot, making sure there's no holes or confusion, and then lastly go through for theme, trying to give their character a point.

When starting with a plot, it works pretty similarly. It's just about getting the story on paper, and doing it in a way that makes readers think and is entertaining above anything else. They'll plow through it, not considering the depth of the characters or even putting a single thought into the theme. Again though, the writer will then go back through and check for the other two things afterwards, trying to correct them and make sure everything fits together.

The last popular way, which is probably the least popular way of the three, is starting with a theme. If you've ever tried this, then you should know that it is pretty hard to pull off, although if done successfully, it can pull off some pretty great stuff. You'll end up with pieces much more thoughtful and interesting then you've ever created, and, if you're good at subtlety, you'll find that you can create some great ambiguity, but that's for a later post.

I think you'll also find, if you ever try to create a story based almost purely off theme, that it's much more technical and probably provides the best first drafts, considering everything is very thought out and more organized.

I think 99% of writers can relate to one of those three styles, and hopefully now you have a better understanding of it and can use these styles more effectively. Until next time, peace.

-Ink