The Writing Process

 Many have asked me over the years how do I write a book or movie script? My response is always the same, the movie script comes first then the book is written. However, it's not always that simple. You have to have a story idea and a picture in your mind as to who your main characters will be and the location for the story idea. If research has to be conducted, then it's off to the library or many hours on the internet researhing history, a location, or a city to ensure I can describe it correctly and accurately. Once I have my research done and my story concept locked down it's easier to begin the concept of writing the story down on paper. But that's not the reality of writing a book or script, there are other steps that must be taken before I can sit down and begin writing. Here is what has to happen before you can even think about writing a book or movie script, first you have to have an idea for a story. 

You must come up with a story concept. Ask yourself will your story be a thriller, a murder mystery, an adventure or a comedy? Once you've determined the genre, then you have to flesh out that story to the point that you can write a paragraph or two explaining it to someone. Those paragraphs will be your starting point.

Some say you must have a title before you can write the book or script, I totally disagree, your character biographies are more imporatant than your title, because the title will come later. 

Theme: Pick a theme for your story from either a poem, societal mores, religious commandments, nursery rhymes, or a family rule, but once you pick your theme make sure you stick to it throughout the story. Your main character must be consistant in continuing your theme throughout the story to ensure continuity. 

Some writers say you must know your ending before you start to write. While I usually know how my story is going to end, I also allow my characters to take control of the story of guide me to the ending on their terms. 

Plot Rationale: When I come up with a plot for my stories, I either make it plausable to reality or fantasy. In otherwords, could it really happen or is it so far reaching that it would be more likely to be found in a scifi story? If it is resembles real life events then be sure to do your research on situation, terminology, verbage and persons involved. No cliches please. 

ARC: know your arc so your character can grow and discover themselves through your story. 

Who are your characters? You will need to describe them in your story concept and know everything there is to know about them so you can discuss them in the story. Remember the back story of your characters are your filler pieces to enhance your story along the way. So make sure you get to know them inside and out. Where their from, what they like or don't like, what they eat, what pisses them off, what makes them happy, etc. Are they married, divorced, if divorced was it amicable or horrible, was drugs involved, scandel, an affair, if so, who strayed, etc. Pick strong names and back stories. No nuetral names for both sexes, this is a story, not a politically correct story, it's a real story, so pick a strong male or female name for your characters. 

Then you must come up with  your bible of characters, locations and back stories.  This will be your reference book when you forget what color hair your character has or where they were raised and by whom. Descriptions of various locations and the outline of your back story. The legends of your characters are important to write down so you don't forget them. 

Logline: An effective Logline is about 30 words that describes your story in a nutshell. It's your pitch line to entice someone like a producer or money person to jump on board to helping you make your script a real life visual production. 

Structure: Structure is the meat and bones of your story. It's the beginning, middle and end or the three part structure of your story. 

Inner Circle: Having an inner circle to call upon to read your word and tell you if the story makes sense, does it flow correctly and if it sounds realistic in nature is key to your success. These are people with whom you trust with your work. Each of them should be of high integrity and honor, plus have signed a non disclosure agreement stating they will not share your work or try to sell your work without your written permission. This ensures trhat your intellectual property is safe in their hands. Their job is to give you critical feedback on the written work. I am a part of many inner circles because I am not afraid of giving their work the red pen test. listening to the feedback is only hard to do, but can also open your eyes to new ideas to enhance your work, so keep an open mind. Your inner circle can be made up of many people, I try to keep mine to 4 or 5 based on genre and type of storyline. If it's a mystery then its these people, if its military story then it's another group of people. They can be smaller or larger groups depending on who I pick to preread my work. 

Best of luck in your writing and storytelling. Don't be afraid to shoot me a question or inquiry message.

Author Elizabeth Kilbride is a former political operative, author, scriptwriter, historian, journalist. business professional, and creative artist, and life coach consultant. Ms. Kilbride holds a Masters in Criminology and a BS in Business Management who stepped out of the loop for a while, but who is now back with a powerful opinion and voice in the direction of this country and our economy. As a life coach, she is available to counsel individuals to enjoy their dreams and a better life. Ms. Kilbride loves to travel, photograph her surroundings and is also a gourmet cook who loves to garden and preserve food for the winter months.