4 of 13

Page 3 of 4

draft for a column like this one; in ten days I have enough words for a short story, and in a hundred days I have the makings for a novella or a good chunk of a novel. This way I'm not locked into a timetable that I know I can't possibly keep day after day. If my muse is in a good mood, I might get out a thousand or more words in one day. When this happens, I head out to the golf course the next day without any guilt.

Of course, each writer is a little different. Decide for yourself what is best for you. But, don't set unrealistic goals and then give up when those goals aren't met. Your writing plan-like writing itself-should be enjoyable and within your capabilities.

GETTING STARTED:
Once you have your space and the time to write, the fun part starts. You stare at that blank sheet of paper or empty computer screen. You adjust your chair. You crack your knuckles. You scratch your head and ... nothing!

Okay, don't panic. Take a deep breath and look around you. What do you see? Now, describe your surroundings as if you were writing to your best friend. Don't worry about punctuation, grammar-just write! Once you get going, change gears-don't stop!-go directly into what you wanted to write in the first place. Your mind is like a locomotive. Once it builds up steam, it will roll along swiftly and almost effortlessly. But you have to jog that big engine out of the station first. You will be surprised that, many times, it pays to write before you think.

STICKING WITH IT:
The hardest part of writing at home for many writers is the guilt that goes along with it. You tell yourself you should be spending more time with your loved ones. All writers have struggled with this dilemma of how to balance writing time with the needs of family and friends.

Author James Faulkner once missed his son's birthday party because he needed to write and was told, "I'll bet Shakespeare didn't miss his son's birthday party." Faulkner shot back, "Who cares about Shakespeare's kids?"

This disregard for the feelings of others may sound harsh, but the point Faulkner makes is that if you believe you are destined to be a great writer you often have to be selfish. The amount of time you spend writing-alone, away from family, friends, and other worldly distractions-will determine the degree of success you will eventually receive.

And, this "selfish" attitude also means being selfish toward yourself as well. You can't give into your personal craving to watch television, or go shopping, or play a round of

Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

The major elements of writing fiction

1 of 13
by Elton Gahr

There are many ways to break up the elements that go into creating a work of fiction, but the classifications that I have
read more
2 of 13
by Donna Burgess

Characters: The Literary Tour Guides
Of all the elements of good literature, the characters are the ones who provide the
read more
3 of 13
by Mike Klaassen

THE FIFTH ELEMENT: The "Other Stuff" of Fiction.
Not too long ago, the most enlightened of mankind considered the basic elements
read more
4 of 13
by E. P. Ned Burke

Make A Writing Plan

Before you lock yourself in your room to write that best-selling novel or whatever, you should honestly
read more
5 of 13
by Fb Publications

There are several principle elements in writing fiction:
Characteriz ation
Storyline
Theme
Style & writing
Point of view
(Genre)

These
read more

View All Articles on:
The major elements of writing fiction

Add your voice

Know something about The major elements of writing fiction?
We want to hear your view. Write_pen Write now!

Writing:

Writing Process

The major elements of writing fiction

The major elements of writing fiction

Related Titles:

Helium Debate

Do great writers rely more on effort or insight?