1. Writing Fiction
Step by Step

2. What is Fiction?
A fictional story is one that is created from the author’s imagination. Almost all of the elements of the story are made up, but there can be pieces taken from real life, from history, from science or from ancient myths and legends. It is a story that will hopefully captivate the reader, and make them feel like a participant in the story, or at least witnessing the action first hand.

3. Types of Fiction
Fiction stories include, but are not limited to, the following genres:
Fantasy
Historical
Romance
Horror or Supernatural
Science
Mystery Thriller
Western
Action Adventure
Or a combination of two or three.

4. Elements of Fiction All good stories have three very important pieces.
1 – An interesting plot
2 – A descriptive and detailed setting
3 – Well rounded and realistic characters
The story teller should also consider things such as point of view, voice and audience, and story length before crafting their short story or novel (or series).

5. Plot
A plot is a series of events or occurrences that moves the character from the initial beginning to a final conclusion.
A plot can be mapped out and has a:
Introduction -
Rising action – where the characters face conflict
Climax – where the conflict is fully realized
Conclusion – resolution or denouement

6. Plot Types
A plot requires that the protagonist (the hero) will struggle against or face conflict with the antagonist (enemy).
Antagonists don’t need to be another person. The antagonist can also be:
Natural forces Technology
Animals Society or government
Supernatural beings
Themselves (internal conflict)

7. Setting
Great settings make the reader feel as if they are right there. Points to remember are:
Be descriptive – filled with metaphor, similes and narrative.
Be detailed, with numerous little surprises for the reader to discover.
Be sensory – all 5 senses are described.
Dates, times, seasons are carefully accounted for.
Places real or imagined are accurately portrayed.
The reader can connect with the setting on some level
Background characters (extras) are used to bring depth to the setting

8. Special Settings
Historical Fiction has an element of historical truth to it. The main protagonist will move among people who really lived, in a time and place that truly existed.
Science Fiction has some piece of futuristic science that doesn’t yet exist, such as living on another planet, travelling through space faster than light, intelligent robots or transporter beams.

9. Characters
A fully rounded character has more to it than just a list of vital statistics. The reader must discover traits of their character as they read. These traits should be fully developed before the story is created, as every character trait will affect how the protagonist deals with conflict, and advances the plot.

10. Character Traits Physical description Name and Age Occupation, wealth
Home, lifestyle
Place of origin, nationality
Childhood & upbringing
Personality traits
How they deal with conflict
Motivation & goals
Relationships with others

11. Step by Step
Decide on your plot type. Is it hero against another person, or perhaps the environment?
Decide on your setting, and brainstorm all the descriptive words you can to describe it to someone else. Diagrams and word maps help.
Decide on your character, and write out the 10 traits they have.
Research the details if your setting or plot involve things you know little about.
Blend it all together, remember each sentence should advance the plot and describe the setting and character when possible.