Creating a story for your fiction
When you go to see a movie what types of movies do you like to view? Do you like comedy, heavy drama, adventure or futuristic themes? By asking yourself this question you can determine what type of story you are interested to write - if you plan to put your writing skills to test.
Finding your interest in the type of story will help you to develop a framework for your fiction. When you are able to narrow down your interest, then you can go to the next step of listing down your characters. But first, let us explore three common types of stories just mentioned.
Adventure story
This story will have a hero/heroine that will help when needed and is usually superior to other mere mortals – like a Superman. You can predict the ending for it always ends with success: the hero/heroine kills or routs the villain and life returns back to normal again. The hero/heroine doesn’t change. He/she will always be helping others and chasing the antagonist(s) out of their lives.
Discovery story
This story involves drama and life’s journey. The protagonist(s) are created as ordinary people, but have the courage to make change(s) in order to get what they want. The ending is unpredictable. Sometimes the protagonist successfully achieves what they want and sometime they don’t. This story typically replicates issues and dilemmas found in real life. The discovery story can be found in fiction genres like romance, western and realistic fiction.
Futuristic story
This story is all about the unknown. You will find this story in science fiction and fantasy. It is about creating something new and seeing where it goes. The story centers about the “what if” question. For instance, what happen if a scientist finds a way to stop the glacier from melting?
I like a story where the primary character will go through the process of change. He/she must have a fierce need or desire, but due to the difficulties or challenges faced has to suffer and at the end must summon the courage to reach the goal(s). So yes, I like a discovery story better than a futuristic one. I do like adventure, but I like the hero/heroine to show the other side of their character – to make him/her more realistic. I like hero/heroine that I can identify with - especially the human side.
So when you determine what type of story you want to write, you can line up your characters and make them work along the plot.
