There are a number of ways to get inspiration for fiction writing. Actually, I don't even think they have a name for that number. We're surrounded by inspiration constantly, no matter what our conditions are. The problem is, for many people, they get some inspiration, jot down a few notes, and it ends there. Maybe there is a lack of ambition or the inevitable doubts begin to pour into the conscious mind about difficulties and challenges in making it as a writer (there are challenges in everything, so don't let that stop you). There can be something else too. The potential writer may have no idea how to assemble a story.
Yes, we all have to take English classes in High School and anyone who goes to college usually has to take a writing course. Having the ability to write does not necessarily yield the ability to tell a story however. Unfortunately, a number of potentially good stories (that could have been great novels), fall away to nothingness because the author decided that they couldn't tell a story. Maybe others decide to pay some money and sign up for a writing class or purchase books on creative writing and story telling. These methods are more formal.
There is an informal way that you can develop your ability as a storyteller and have some serious fun doing it: Role-Playing Games (RPGs). I'm not talking about putting Final Fantasy XIII in your game console. I'm talking about the good old-fashioned dice, pen, and paper games like Dungeons and Dragons, Rifts, Vampire, Cyberpunk, and a whole host of others. So you may be asking why. Why the pen and paper games? Don't you have to imagine all of the action instead of seeing it on a screen? Yes, and the second question answered the first question. That's the point. You can roll dice and write numbers all you want, but these games require imagination and creativity to weave those dice rolls and numbers into a fluid, moving story that keeps everyone engrossed.
In order to have lasting interest in a gaming campaign (which is an ongoing story that is built on session after session), the Dungeon Master (or Game Master), who is the overall "storyteller", must keep things interesting and allow for a good balance of character development, plot movement, and action. Even as a player, you would be responsible for the development of your own character, having them grow and change with their experiences. These are all important aspects to creating a good short story or novel.
From personal experience, I can say that Role-Playing games were a big help in developing my own ability to tell stories. When I was first a Game Master, many years ago, I had trouble keeping everyone's interest, including my own. My content was typically nothing more than rehashed TV or movies. As time went on and I watched other people as Game Masters (and later Dungeon Masters in Dungeons and Dragons), I began picking up on how to weave that creative web, first with my own player characters, and then with my own worlds and stories as I worked up the confidence to once again delve into being the overall storyteller. I had actually developed so well, that none of the other players wanted to be the Dungeon Master or Game Master, they didn't feel that they could maintain an intricate storyline like I could. They even suggested that I become an author.
The key to opening your ability as a creative writer is to engage in activities that require creativity. No matter your raw talent, taking time to develop and nurture that skill will pay off with the ability to really draw in an audience. Who knows? If you put your mind to it, you could even become a bestselling author!
Mike Saxton
Author
http://www.7scorpions.com
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