How to write a kick butt Narrative

 

How to write a kick butt Narrative

As a writer who has done a ton of research into the proper way to create a storyline from an original idea, plus understanding the groundwork laid out by previous storytellers, I’ve figured out how to create and write a narrative that is both engaging and gripping due to understanding the true elements of a story from it’s theme to the character biographies to the plot, the conflict of interest by the protagonist, the style of the story and the end point of view. These are the items we will go over in this article today, so, let’s get started.

Your first thought of any creation is the theme to which will drive the story itself and your characters. It is important to know how the story will play out before you start to write. For example, is there something in the past of your main character that he or she needs to learn, say in a love relationship or a behavioral message that needs to be learned. Are their feelings to be explored, strengthened, or absolved? A theme that is cleverly crafted will help bring your story forward in such a way that it stays in the subconscious of your reader from beginning to end. Your theme should be like a mystery throughout the story so that the reader can try to figure it out but can’t until you want them to find the answer in the conclusion of your story.

Then we have your characters. The characters you create must be able to keep your readers engaged throughout the story. They must be either loved or hated depending on what part they play in the theme or plot you’ve given the storyline. Your characters give your story a stable aspect to your story. Your reader has to feel as though they’ve walked in the shoes of your character, whether it be in a love relationship, family relationship or work relationship.  Make them a drunk, a drug addict or just a judgmental individual who sees the need to put others down all the time to make themselves look good in the eyes of others. Your characters must be individuals no reader will ever forget.

The setting is what is called the window into the soul of your story. Where does it take place, timeframe, location, and the details your character remembers about the location. If you’re going to use a known storyline such as one of Shakespeare’s stories or a Hollywood story as your basis but with a different twist, be sure to not copy their work, but us the love story as the center of your setting, or murder as the setting and possible red herring as your basis. No matter how you set the stage, it must be believable and influenced or adapted into a new storyline that is not the same at all.

Your plot is the true essence of your storyline. The plot is the meat and potatoes of your story. Doesn’t matter what genre your writing in the plot develops as your protagonist evolves, escalates and renders the final climax of the story. Your plot should be a three-part storyline; beginning, middle and end. In the beginning, you set the plot up by introducing your characters, the scene and the reason for the story, then in the middle you begin to have your protagonist learn what they need to change about themselves, quit drinking, understand why their marriage fell apart due to work, then the third aspect of your story brings everything together and finalizes the climax that the story unfolds and explains.

When we talk about conflicts within a story, we’re really talking about the tension your main character is dealing with within the storyline. Whether or not the conflict is due to your antagonist or the moral struggle of your main character due to their internal or external issues, that conflict is the basis of your story. That conflict is not only the basis of your story but it’s also your protagonist’s ultimate reason for the purpose of your storyline. That purpose is the reason for your reader to continue to turn the pages of your manuscript and to best to know what comes next.  

When we look at the point of view or the perspective of your storyline you will have a few different impacts with the tone of your storyline. For example, telling your story in the first person will make it more personal and intimate, where if you tell it in the third person, you’ll make it sound more formal and objective rather than understanding what is called the arc of your story. The arc is when your main character realizes he or she needs to change their behavior, their attitude or just how they do things within a relationship. For example, when you write a mystery novel you either tell the story through the eyes and experience of the investigator or the victim’s family member or better yet, the murderer themselves. No matter how you tell the point of view, you’re looking to gain your audience’s sympathy for your conflicting character – your protagonist.

Style is the last concept of any good narrative. Your style is based on how you tell the story, in detail or straightforward prose. As an author my style is based on historical imagery that takes my reader to another country, into a war-torn battled area and learns from the varied characters why we have a military and support our veterans. The idea of your own personal style is to enhance the readers experience in reading your work, and never forget it.

So, write your story based on these simple principles and elements. Good luck and get to writing that next amazing novel.

Author Elizabeth Kilbride is a former political operative, author, scriptwriter, historian, and journalist. business professional, creative artist, and life coach consultant. Ms. Kilbride holds a Master's in Criminology and a BS in Business Management she stepped out of the loop for a while but 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, and photograph her surroundings and is also a gourmet cook who loves to garden and preserve food for the winter months.