Dear Stephen King,
The children hogged the two available Netflix channels this afternoon, so I could not get my fix of Fringe. Yes I realize I am way behind. I had not given it enough of a chance when it was airing live on the television. I tried it again a few weeks ago and now I cannot stop watching it now... except when the kids have control of Netflix.
While I was hiding away on my day off inside the house and looking for any excuse not to write my own work, I started surfing some of the other movie providers, and that is where I found a documentary on H. P. Lovecraft. I got drawn in and could not stop watching. This man was a wonderment and led a sad, exciting and expressive life. I knew about him, but I never knew his life story.
I don't really want to talk about Lovecraft himself though. I want to say something about the inspiration to go write when I watched this film. There is something to be said about seeing the success someone else has and using that excitement as fuel to get yourself writing again. I find myself tired and not really wanting to write after a long days work.When I sit down to write my own story, I will sometime only get a couple of paragraphs down before my mind is exhausted and I move to the couch in front of the TV. I should really get rid of that thing.
I am wondering what other documentaries are out there, whose biography can I look into and become inspired by. I have been inspired by the autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. He has a lot of great experience that we can use in our own lives; things like his notebook stating the points he tries to avoid in his daily life. If he breaks one of the rules he set for himself, he would mark his notebook and at the end of the three month period, he would see how he was progressing by observing how many marks were in his notebook. He would wipe the notebook clean and start again.
I have also enjoyed your writing memoir, "On Writing." Even though you are giving advice about how you personally made it in the business and what you learned along the way, I find your personal success story inspiring. It makes me want to sit down and BE you. It makes me wonder, Who were the inspirations for you? Who made you want to sit your butt in the chair and keep writing?
Here's to making today memorable history for tomorrow.
Robert T Gasperson
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Friday, July 5, 2013
Writing on Holidays
Dear Stephen King,
Yesterday was the 4th of July, a national holiday that requires family fun and bar-be-Que and lots of fireworks. I found after getting home from work and having fun with the family, I did not have the time to get my butt into a seat to churn out any words. I thought about it. Are holidays supposed to be free from writing?
I have met authors who refuse to write on holidays because they want to spend their day with their family. They don't want to have a story hanging over their heads, guilt about not sitting down and writing when they are busy entertaining or playing with the kids. They want to set that time aside for their family and friends.
I have met other authors who refuse to miss a day of writing no matter what. It could be thanksgiving or Christmas, they still want to write, even if it is only a hundred words or so. If they don't write, then they feel like they have dropped the ball somewhere. They feel the fear of not picking up where they left off. If they miss one day, that day might lead to a week or a month without writing. Then their story will never get told.
What do I think? I think I should have a specified time to write on holidays. This time does not have to be long. Even if I can get on the computer and knock out 20 minutes of writing, then I feel like I have done something towards finishing my book. Usually holidays are spent sitting around either talking or sleeping or watching the kids play. There has to be a few moments that can be made to write. I try to find them early in the morning before anyone else in the house is up and moving about, this way it is already done when things start happening.
What about you Steve? Do you write on holidays?
Have a great week.
Robert T Gasperson
Yesterday was the 4th of July, a national holiday that requires family fun and bar-be-Que and lots of fireworks. I found after getting home from work and having fun with the family, I did not have the time to get my butt into a seat to churn out any words. I thought about it. Are holidays supposed to be free from writing?
I have met authors who refuse to write on holidays because they want to spend their day with their family. They don't want to have a story hanging over their heads, guilt about not sitting down and writing when they are busy entertaining or playing with the kids. They want to set that time aside for their family and friends.
I have met other authors who refuse to miss a day of writing no matter what. It could be thanksgiving or Christmas, they still want to write, even if it is only a hundred words or so. If they don't write, then they feel like they have dropped the ball somewhere. They feel the fear of not picking up where they left off. If they miss one day, that day might lead to a week or a month without writing. Then their story will never get told.
What do I think? I think I should have a specified time to write on holidays. This time does not have to be long. Even if I can get on the computer and knock out 20 minutes of writing, then I feel like I have done something towards finishing my book. Usually holidays are spent sitting around either talking or sleeping or watching the kids play. There has to be a few moments that can be made to write. I try to find them early in the morning before anyone else in the house is up and moving about, this way it is already done when things start happening.
What about you Steve? Do you write on holidays?
Have a great week.
Robert T Gasperson
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Why Do People Ask, "Where Do You Get Your Ideas?"
Dear Stephen King
I think, "Where do you get your ideas?" is probably the most asked question people ask authors. I am not sure why. It is one of those questions that can't be answered easily. The answer, in my own mind, has to be: "It Depends."
Every writer has a different way of developing ideas for stories. Some get their ideas while in the shower, a time in their day when they have complete alone time and their mind can spend time thinking about stories. Some people keep a dream journal next to their bed where they write their ideas down when they awake with strange and ingenious dreams.
Most writers jot down ideas that are inspired by the experience of their days. If something happens to them or to someone around them, they will sometimes think, "What would happen if a different person were in this same situation, or if these people made a different choice, what would the consequences be? This is why most prolific writers carry a pocket journal with them. You never know when inspiration is going to strike.
I have started a universe bible for a series of more than 300 novels. I think that will keep me busy for most of my life. I have an overarching idea that connects all the stories, but as I have other ideas throughout my experience, the timeline is loose enough that I can insert new storylines. Because I have this set of rules for my universe, I can sit down and write more ideas as they come to me. I don't ever have a time when I don't have something to write about.
For those people who feel they need to ask the question, "Where do you get your ideas?" I think they should ponder why they are asking that question. Writers are writers because they always have a story to tell. Their idea stream never drys up. In fact there should be more ideas than they have time to write. I know I am going to be busy for the next 100 years, and that is only if I can churn out three novels per year, otherwise I might have to live to be several centuries old.
If you have a hard time coming up with a story idea, then maybe you are not a writer. Don't let that stop you from writing when you have the occasional idea though. If your having to search hard for the ideas, then just step back and look at other hobbies that you are more suited to do. It is not a bad thing. You just write when you have something to write about.
Here is to all those stories we have outlined in our pocket journals. May they all find a way to be written.
Robert T Gasperson
I think, "Where do you get your ideas?" is probably the most asked question people ask authors. I am not sure why. It is one of those questions that can't be answered easily. The answer, in my own mind, has to be: "It Depends."
Every writer has a different way of developing ideas for stories. Some get their ideas while in the shower, a time in their day when they have complete alone time and their mind can spend time thinking about stories. Some people keep a dream journal next to their bed where they write their ideas down when they awake with strange and ingenious dreams.
Most writers jot down ideas that are inspired by the experience of their days. If something happens to them or to someone around them, they will sometimes think, "What would happen if a different person were in this same situation, or if these people made a different choice, what would the consequences be? This is why most prolific writers carry a pocket journal with them. You never know when inspiration is going to strike.
I have started a universe bible for a series of more than 300 novels. I think that will keep me busy for most of my life. I have an overarching idea that connects all the stories, but as I have other ideas throughout my experience, the timeline is loose enough that I can insert new storylines. Because I have this set of rules for my universe, I can sit down and write more ideas as they come to me. I don't ever have a time when I don't have something to write about.
For those people who feel they need to ask the question, "Where do you get your ideas?" I think they should ponder why they are asking that question. Writers are writers because they always have a story to tell. Their idea stream never drys up. In fact there should be more ideas than they have time to write. I know I am going to be busy for the next 100 years, and that is only if I can churn out three novels per year, otherwise I might have to live to be several centuries old.
If you have a hard time coming up with a story idea, then maybe you are not a writer. Don't let that stop you from writing when you have the occasional idea though. If your having to search hard for the ideas, then just step back and look at other hobbies that you are more suited to do. It is not a bad thing. You just write when you have something to write about.
Here is to all those stories we have outlined in our pocket journals. May they all find a way to be written.
Robert T Gasperson
Saturday, June 29, 2013
A Man of Decision Cannot be Stopped
Dear Stephen King,
I have been re-listening to my copy of "The Law of Success" by Napoleon Hill. One of the first points in this series of books is "The Man of Decision Cannot be Stopped, the Man of Indecision Cannot be Started." I have been thinking about this quote and I am trying to find ways to apply it to my own life.
Writing is one of those things that many people think about, but never do. I have met several people who say they are planning their "All American Novel". They have been planning it for decades. Some of them have binders of information about the world they are writing in and sketches about their characters, but they have yet to start writing the novel itself.
Two days ago I decided to take the initiative and publish a short story on the kindle store. I had been putting it off because I was afraid. I made three editing passes over it and believe it is as good as it is going to be without a proper editor, then I uploaded it and pressed the publish button. What I like about the kindle store is I can make changes to the story as people make comments about it, or I can just ignore them and leave it story alone.
I have also made a definite decision about this blog. I really enjoy writing to you. I know you are not reading this as of yet. Maybe as I write more and get better with my commentary, you might take notice and feel the inspiration to respond. That would be awesome. The point of this blog is to use you as a Mentor to bounce my writing thoughts and ideas off of. I am able to use you as someone to speak to.
The idea of this blog came from my goal on 43things.com to one day meet you. I didn't want to just stand in a line and wait to have you sign my copy of your latest book. I wanted to earn your respect and develop some sort of relationship that would lead to a meeting of meaning. What I decided to do to make that happen is to become an author (another goal I intend to achieve), someone you might be able to relate to. To help me become that author, I started this blog to focus myself on the craft, to give me a way to see all the things that might make my writing great.
Needless to say, you are an inspiration to me, as to millions of other people all over the world. Now all I have to do is make myself stand out from the crowd. Until then you can always find me here writing to you.
Take care my friend,
Robert T Gasperson
I have been re-listening to my copy of "The Law of Success" by Napoleon Hill. One of the first points in this series of books is "The Man of Decision Cannot be Stopped, the Man of Indecision Cannot be Started." I have been thinking about this quote and I am trying to find ways to apply it to my own life.
Writing is one of those things that many people think about, but never do. I have met several people who say they are planning their "All American Novel". They have been planning it for decades. Some of them have binders of information about the world they are writing in and sketches about their characters, but they have yet to start writing the novel itself.
Two days ago I decided to take the initiative and publish a short story on the kindle store. I had been putting it off because I was afraid. I made three editing passes over it and believe it is as good as it is going to be without a proper editor, then I uploaded it and pressed the publish button. What I like about the kindle store is I can make changes to the story as people make comments about it, or I can just ignore them and leave it story alone.
I have also made a definite decision about this blog. I really enjoy writing to you. I know you are not reading this as of yet. Maybe as I write more and get better with my commentary, you might take notice and feel the inspiration to respond. That would be awesome. The point of this blog is to use you as a Mentor to bounce my writing thoughts and ideas off of. I am able to use you as someone to speak to.
The idea of this blog came from my goal on 43things.com to one day meet you. I didn't want to just stand in a line and wait to have you sign my copy of your latest book. I wanted to earn your respect and develop some sort of relationship that would lead to a meeting of meaning. What I decided to do to make that happen is to become an author (another goal I intend to achieve), someone you might be able to relate to. To help me become that author, I started this blog to focus myself on the craft, to give me a way to see all the things that might make my writing great.
Needless to say, you are an inspiration to me, as to millions of other people all over the world. Now all I have to do is make myself stand out from the crowd. Until then you can always find me here writing to you.
Take care my friend,
Robert T Gasperson
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Writing for Money or Pleasure
Dear Stephen King,
This week in my own time of writing, I thought about what it really means to write. Is writing something you do just for the fun of it, or am I only writing because I think I will make money or even a living from it?
I am beginning to believe that most people write because they expect to make money from it. Writing is one of those things you don't have to invest a lot of money into to make a return. All you really need is a computer and some time. Most people these days, at least in America, own a computer already, whether it be a desktop, laptop, a tablet or even a smartphone. Most people have something they can write on. Even if they don't have a computer, a sheet of paper and a pen are easy enough to come by. You don't even need to buy them. Companies will give you paper and a pen from only an inquiry.
Sure, most people will say they love to write. They would continue to write even if they never got paid for it. I think that is true for a while, but I think the prospect of being able to sell something is a driving force behind anyone who writes on a regular basis. Most want to be able to show off a properly bound hardcover book with their name on the front.
I want to know if there is a way to switch my thinking about my own writing. Can I turn off the thought that I want to publish something to I just want to write for other people's enjoyment. I want to share what I create and then maybe I can create just to create.
I guess right now I am worried about publishing a short story, selling it on the Kindle store without a proper publisher. I am worried that people will not like it and everyone will want their money back. I know in my head that it is decent work, and I will be able to grow an audience from it, but the fear is still there. Maybe if I can give it away for free and just let people enjoy it, then maybe I will not be so worried about the content.
Did you ever just write because you loved to write? Did you ever just want to share your stories with the world? It is hard to believe you were where I am now early in your career. You are a superstar author, someone I strive so much to be like. I remember reading somewhere that you had a homemade magazine that you published on your own. It make me smile when I picture you going about sharing those creations with your family, friends and neighbors. If only we could go back to those simple times, simple thoughts and simple writing.
Take care Steve, and keep writing.
Robert T Gasperson
This week in my own time of writing, I thought about what it really means to write. Is writing something you do just for the fun of it, or am I only writing because I think I will make money or even a living from it?
I am beginning to believe that most people write because they expect to make money from it. Writing is one of those things you don't have to invest a lot of money into to make a return. All you really need is a computer and some time. Most people these days, at least in America, own a computer already, whether it be a desktop, laptop, a tablet or even a smartphone. Most people have something they can write on. Even if they don't have a computer, a sheet of paper and a pen are easy enough to come by. You don't even need to buy them. Companies will give you paper and a pen from only an inquiry.
Sure, most people will say they love to write. They would continue to write even if they never got paid for it. I think that is true for a while, but I think the prospect of being able to sell something is a driving force behind anyone who writes on a regular basis. Most want to be able to show off a properly bound hardcover book with their name on the front.
I want to know if there is a way to switch my thinking about my own writing. Can I turn off the thought that I want to publish something to I just want to write for other people's enjoyment. I want to share what I create and then maybe I can create just to create.
I guess right now I am worried about publishing a short story, selling it on the Kindle store without a proper publisher. I am worried that people will not like it and everyone will want their money back. I know in my head that it is decent work, and I will be able to grow an audience from it, but the fear is still there. Maybe if I can give it away for free and just let people enjoy it, then maybe I will not be so worried about the content.
Did you ever just write because you loved to write? Did you ever just want to share your stories with the world? It is hard to believe you were where I am now early in your career. You are a superstar author, someone I strive so much to be like. I remember reading somewhere that you had a homemade magazine that you published on your own. It make me smile when I picture you going about sharing those creations with your family, friends and neighbors. If only we could go back to those simple times, simple thoughts and simple writing.
Take care Steve, and keep writing.
Robert T Gasperson
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Turning Short Stories into Novels
Dear Stephen King,
I am excited about the work I have been doing. I have been working on a series of short stories that will eventually come together to form a full length novel. There are several reasons I am doing this. First; I can't seem to finish writing a novel.
I have been able to get 40-50,000 words into a story and either get bored, or jump to another idea. These short stories will allow my short attention span to hang on long enough to get done with a short story before moving on to the next one.
The second reason I am doing this is to have something finished so I can post it on the amazon kindle store. I am writing each of the stories so they can stand alone if the need to. Then if the reader wants to know more about the story or the world, they can go read my other short stories. Also, If for some reason I decide to abandon the novel, the short stories can stand on their own.
I was wondering if you have done anything like this. I remember when you released "The Green Mile" as a 6 part serial. I loved it. I had a coworker who was reading it at the same time. Since we had to wait for each episode to come out, we could discuss the part we had just finished. Then we could talk about what we thought was going to happen next. I kept those paperbacks for a while, then when you released it as a Hardback, I bought it to go with my collection.
Sometimes I wonder if some of the Dark Tower series was written as short stories. Then assembled at a later date. Maybe you can let me know about that one day.
Have a great day,
Robert T Gasperson
I am excited about the work I have been doing. I have been working on a series of short stories that will eventually come together to form a full length novel. There are several reasons I am doing this. First; I can't seem to finish writing a novel.
I have been able to get 40-50,000 words into a story and either get bored, or jump to another idea. These short stories will allow my short attention span to hang on long enough to get done with a short story before moving on to the next one.
The second reason I am doing this is to have something finished so I can post it on the amazon kindle store. I am writing each of the stories so they can stand alone if the need to. Then if the reader wants to know more about the story or the world, they can go read my other short stories. Also, If for some reason I decide to abandon the novel, the short stories can stand on their own.
I was wondering if you have done anything like this. I remember when you released "The Green Mile" as a 6 part serial. I loved it. I had a coworker who was reading it at the same time. Since we had to wait for each episode to come out, we could discuss the part we had just finished. Then we could talk about what we thought was going to happen next. I kept those paperbacks for a while, then when you released it as a Hardback, I bought it to go with my collection.
Sometimes I wonder if some of the Dark Tower series was written as short stories. Then assembled at a later date. Maybe you can let me know about that one day.
Have a great day,
Robert T Gasperson
Friday, June 14, 2013
Stephen King's Writer's Workflow
Dear Stephen,
I searched and searched and searched for my copy of your book "On Writing." I bought it back in 2000, when you first had it published. I've read it a couple of times. Then after I got married and life got filled with all the other things that happen, I believe that book along with most of the other books I had got sold or donated to make way for cribs and toys and all the other things that come with having a family.
The reason I was looking for the book was because I am curious about your processes for writing everyday. I want to know how you are able to sit down and get so many words out, allowing you to publish 2 or more books per year. Researching the information online things I found a blurb from "On Writing" where you say you write 10 pages a day without fail, even on holidays. That’s a lot of writing. If I work out the math that would be 250 words per paperback book page which means you have to write about 2,500 words per day. If you write 10 pages single spaced in an 8.5x11 page format, then you will have almost twice that at about 5,000 words per day. I suppose that is what you can do when your career is writing.
Lisa Rogak wrote in her book about you, "Haunted Heart: The Life and Times of Stephen King" a statement you made, “There are certain things I do if I sit down to write, I have a glass of water or a cup of tea. There’s a certain time I sit down, from 8:00 to 8:30, somewhere within that half hour every morning, I have my vitamin pill and my music, sit in the same seat, and the papers are all arranged in the same places. The cumulative purpose of doing these things the same way every day seems to be a way of saying to the mind, you’re going to be dreaming soon."
This makes me want to find a routine in my own life where I can sit down everyday and write. My schedule is so unpredictable. I am working all kinds of hours. The kids always have something going on that needs my attention. I just have to find that hour everyday where I can sit down and write. I would love to find the consistent time, the time that happens each day where I am not doing anything, where I can place that block of writing time. At this moment, I believe that perfect time would be right when I get home from work and before I start making dinner for the family. That is usually the time I sit or lay down on the couch and rest for a while. Maybe this is the time I should be writing.
I think I am going to hunt down another copy of "On Writing." I really want to read it again. The thing is I want my first edition back and it seems it is a little difficult to find. Even on Amazon, there are only 2 used editions available. I am also going to see if I can find a copy of that book club release called, "Secret Windows: Essays and Fiction on the Craft of Writing". I am sure there is a lot of great information in that book I could use to become a better writer.
I hope you have a great week. Here is to being productive.
Thank you for allowing me to carry on as I do.
Your Buddy,
Robert T Gasperson
I searched and searched and searched for my copy of your book "On Writing." I bought it back in 2000, when you first had it published. I've read it a couple of times. Then after I got married and life got filled with all the other things that happen, I believe that book along with most of the other books I had got sold or donated to make way for cribs and toys and all the other things that come with having a family.
The reason I was looking for the book was because I am curious about your processes for writing everyday. I want to know how you are able to sit down and get so many words out, allowing you to publish 2 or more books per year. Researching the information online things I found a blurb from "On Writing" where you say you write 10 pages a day without fail, even on holidays. That’s a lot of writing. If I work out the math that would be 250 words per paperback book page which means you have to write about 2,500 words per day. If you write 10 pages single spaced in an 8.5x11 page format, then you will have almost twice that at about 5,000 words per day. I suppose that is what you can do when your career is writing.
Lisa Rogak wrote in her book about you, "Haunted Heart: The Life and Times of Stephen King" a statement you made, “There are certain things I do if I sit down to write, I have a glass of water or a cup of tea. There’s a certain time I sit down, from 8:00 to 8:30, somewhere within that half hour every morning, I have my vitamin pill and my music, sit in the same seat, and the papers are all arranged in the same places. The cumulative purpose of doing these things the same way every day seems to be a way of saying to the mind, you’re going to be dreaming soon."
This makes me want to find a routine in my own life where I can sit down everyday and write. My schedule is so unpredictable. I am working all kinds of hours. The kids always have something going on that needs my attention. I just have to find that hour everyday where I can sit down and write. I would love to find the consistent time, the time that happens each day where I am not doing anything, where I can place that block of writing time. At this moment, I believe that perfect time would be right when I get home from work and before I start making dinner for the family. That is usually the time I sit or lay down on the couch and rest for a while. Maybe this is the time I should be writing.
I think I am going to hunt down another copy of "On Writing." I really want to read it again. The thing is I want my first edition back and it seems it is a little difficult to find. Even on Amazon, there are only 2 used editions available. I am also going to see if I can find a copy of that book club release called, "Secret Windows: Essays and Fiction on the Craft of Writing". I am sure there is a lot of great information in that book I could use to become a better writer.
I hope you have a great week. Here is to being productive.
Thank you for allowing me to carry on as I do.
Your Buddy,
Robert T Gasperson
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Not Your Ordinary Stephen King Fanboy
Dear Stephen King
I was thinking about what it would be like to meet you in person. I'm not talking about just meeting you in a line of other fans or outside a venue trying to get you to sign my book. I was wondering what it might be like to sit down at a table and speak to you as a human being. I'm thinking more than just an interview, more like a talk between friends or colleagues.
I wonder how I would react. I know that you say you are just another guy who happened to sell a few books and become recognized world wide. There is no reason to put you on a pedestal. Many of your fans do that. I'd like to think I would treat you more like a friend, that I would be able to sit down with you and have a real conversation, a conversation that would not restate all the things everyone else talks with you about.
I am sure that you talk about your books on a regular basis, or how you find ideas for what you write. I can find that information anywhere online. I want to sit down and hear more about you. I want to hear about your Red Sox and some of the stories you might be able about meeting some of your favorite Rock and Roll superstars. It would be fun to hear about your fanboy moments.
Would I try to get you to Sign my stuff? I have tried to get your autograph in the past. I have sent you letters to see if you might send me an autograph. I received a letter from your assistant stating that you were uncomfortable sending autographs through the mail. I can understand that. It is more meaningful to the fans who get to meet you in person and have you autograph their book.
I think I have decided that it is more important for me to have the experience of meeting you, to have a meaningful conversation with you. Your autograph is just a pen mark on paper. Nothing more, nothing less. An autograph would be nice but it would not change me as a person, a conversation with you would.
Thank you for taking the time to read my humble words, and I hope one day we will get to meet each other. Until that day, take care and keep writing.
Your Friend,
Robert T. Gasperson
I was thinking about what it would be like to meet you in person. I'm not talking about just meeting you in a line of other fans or outside a venue trying to get you to sign my book. I was wondering what it might be like to sit down at a table and speak to you as a human being. I'm thinking more than just an interview, more like a talk between friends or colleagues.
I wonder how I would react. I know that you say you are just another guy who happened to sell a few books and become recognized world wide. There is no reason to put you on a pedestal. Many of your fans do that. I'd like to think I would treat you more like a friend, that I would be able to sit down with you and have a real conversation, a conversation that would not restate all the things everyone else talks with you about.
I am sure that you talk about your books on a regular basis, or how you find ideas for what you write. I can find that information anywhere online. I want to sit down and hear more about you. I want to hear about your Red Sox and some of the stories you might be able about meeting some of your favorite Rock and Roll superstars. It would be fun to hear about your fanboy moments.
Would I try to get you to Sign my stuff? I have tried to get your autograph in the past. I have sent you letters to see if you might send me an autograph. I received a letter from your assistant stating that you were uncomfortable sending autographs through the mail. I can understand that. It is more meaningful to the fans who get to meet you in person and have you autograph their book.
I think I have decided that it is more important for me to have the experience of meeting you, to have a meaningful conversation with you. Your autograph is just a pen mark on paper. Nothing more, nothing less. An autograph would be nice but it would not change me as a person, a conversation with you would.
Thank you for taking the time to read my humble words, and I hope one day we will get to meet each other. Until that day, take care and keep writing.
Your Friend,
Robert T. Gasperson
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Brainstorming a Short Story
I have been trying a new way of outlining short stories. I wanted to see if it would make the process of writing any more efficient. The idea is simple. I find 7 points in the story I want to tell to get from the hook to the resolution. Each of these points are the beats and the movement of the story.
I then come up with seven points between each of those major beats. The idea is to decide how each of those beats will unfold. I try to keep the ideas to 7, but if need be, I can go longer.
So 7 beats times 7 points per beat means I will have 49 Steps in my story. If each of those steps are about 100-200 words each, then I will have a short story that is 5,000-10,000 words long. Not too shabby.
I then come up with seven points between each of those major beats. The idea is to decide how each of those beats will unfold. I try to keep the ideas to 7, but if need be, I can go longer.
So 7 beats times 7 points per beat means I will have 49 Steps in my story. If each of those steps are about 100-200 words each, then I will have a short story that is 5,000-10,000 words long. Not too shabby.
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