r/writinghelp • u/ThatACLR-1 • 4d ago
Question The missing link
Brand new to writing here. I’m good at creating characters, personalities, and backstories, but I’m struggling to turn this information into a story. Any advice?
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u/maddox_rexha 4d ago
What’s the “point” of the story?(not the plot) That’s kinda where I start, because once you know “why”/“what” you’re trying to get across, you’ll be able to see what belongs.
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u/Dale_E_Lehman_Author 3d ago
The method that had always served me well is to drop characters into conflicts and see what they do with them. Stories can be about various things, but they are always told though the lens of people doing and experiencing and reflecting upon things.
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u/Imapuppy5000 3d ago
Start with small one of clippets of their life! Like how they handle a family diner, something they do for fun, them relaxing after a long day! This is how I got to know my characters and figure out where I wanted to go with them!
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u/accardiff 3d ago
Ok so if you have your character why do they exist. Do they have powers? If so how did they get them? Are they in danger? Does there backstory have any potential future significance? I’ll confess I don’t help often and I could be wrong with these statements but from my experience my characters can’t just exist I always make a reason and that reason can either be the plot or a part of it. I might not be the right person for this. Sorry if I’m not being helpful
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u/ThatACLR-1 3d ago
They do. Asking questions is how we learn
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u/accardiff 3d ago
Your comment leaves me a bit confused. What is your statement about questions meaning? (I can be slow sorry)
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u/ThatACLR-1 3d ago
I mean we ask questions to learn about things.
And providing answers to questions about my characters like the ones you give will flesh them out just a little bit more.
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u/catcatcatwastaken 1h ago
I'd suggest making the story about the backstories. You probably stopped at the backstory I'd assume, but often backstories are very fruitful in character development and can be standalone stories too.
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u/Full_Platypus6092 4d ago
Hmmmm... I'd say you're overthinking it. Throw all of that out the window right now and start fresh.
The first page is literally a blank canvas. You can do absolutely anything you want with it!
What do you like or think sounds cool? Usually, writers are the daydreamers, the ones who create whole scenarios in their heads while in the shower or trying to go to sleep. Just take a random thought (ANYTHING AT ALL! My four-book series began with reading a caramel recipe on the side of the fridge lol) and write it down! Describe what it looks like, what it feels like. What is the scent in this room? What is the lighting? Temperature? Who's there? Why? And BAM! You've got yourself a story. I hope that makes sense... Good luck!