Detailing a Story

Writing is a very tedious process. After many years and stories, an author will be able to automatically write a story in a matter of weeks, instead of months, and make details count. If you are new to this craft you will soon , if not already, realize just how tedious it can be. So, I would like to share some hints to help you along.
In my daytime job, I am a teacher. I teach 7th and 8th graders. I love this group of children. They can be so wonderful creatures. One minute, they have all the knowledge in the world. They can handle any problems that come along, fight their way to the top. BUT, when they have a situation, like writing, that challenges their abilities, right away these bright, confident,boys and girls begin to doubt themselves and almost give up. As a teacher, I get to have that one moment of “I told you so!” Then I get to work.
I go over the poster in my room. The Steps of Writing!
1. Rough Draft- this is where the main ideas, the characters’ involvements, the plots begin. This is just the beginning. Where your idea forms, and you implement your research and your report or story together.
2.Second Draft- This is where you fill in the details paragraph by paragraph. (I ask a few basic questions that help to bring out such information.) Sensory assessments *What does it look like? *What does it smell like? * What emotions does the character react/act with, to the scene or other character?s around them, *What does it feel like in the scene? Is it hot, cold, warm, cool. These are great context clues to a paragraph. What is detailing any way? Clues to give the reader the idea of a season, a texture, a smell…sweet, savory, stinks…etc.
Editing- This is where you check for spelling words, usage of vocabulary, repeated phrases, crutch words, making sure the research fits the situation realistically.
Critiques- I added this one for manuscript writers like us. It is not in my classroom, although I am thinking of using this step. Student's can get good feedback from a critique if it is done properly. Basically, this is where you send it to your critique partner or group for their views, opinions, and suggestions. A good diverse group will be beneficial here.
Final Draft- The end result. This is the draft you send out to offer a publisher.
Some wonderful tools to use in your craft!, A dictionary- Of course. Thesaurus, grammar book usage, You can go to a library or bookstore in your area to get a great handbook. I suggest personally the Avoid Writer’s Hell handbooks by Faith Bicknell Brown. I use mine alot. Editing Bootcamp by Michele Bardsley. She has an official web page in which she helps authors in need. I will add this to the bottom.
Michele Bardsley’s Official Web Page http://blog.michelebardsley.net/
Faith Bicknell Brown http://faithbicknellbrown.com/
Avoid_Writer’s_Hell Yahoo Group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Avoid_Writers_Hell/
ATTENTION: this is an adult group with adult content i.e. erotic romance and erotica manuscripts, excerpts, etc. Please don’t join if you are under the age of 18.
Wild Child Publishing www.wildchildpublishing.com
Go to the home page, on the left margin look for Resource Links, Inside is a host of wonderful tools for your use.
Noble Romance Publishing www.nobleromance.com
Blog Tab, Jill Noble, the Sr.Editor for Noble Romance write’s blogs to inform of new sites, new techniques, and other pertinent information for the new author.
If you are targeting a particular publisher, check their home page for writing tips and resources.
And of course, My own little set up!
www.ronnagage@yahoogroups.com
I try to encourage writers to get help from one another. You are more than welcome to drop by, check us out, and give a hand. I WILL WARN YOU! If you writing needs work, we will let you know. Sometimes it is not nicest way, but we will not give you false hope. We point out the weak points, make suggestions, and yes, we will give you a guiding lnk to help.
This is a competitive business. Only the GREAT get published. With that said, Good Luck to all.
Sassy