Where to start a story+Structure

I'm going to just run down some simple rules for writing. I hope this can aid (you) whether you are a seasoned writer looking for something to tighten your stories up or you are fotb and just starting out.

What If

To start a story, what happens if X(so and so event) occurs. This is your plot. Have a clear plot at first. Sometimes it's your characters, sometimes it's your setting that is clear. To consider your plot, have your main character want something. Their desire is impeded by obstacles. Give your reader a question to drive the narrative. For example, will E.T. phone home? The reader will want this question answered! Now you need to deliver them on the journey to reaching that answer.

Have a desire to make meaning. Examine your events(scenes). X happens and you seek out the meaning of it.

The most important thing to know about your character is what they need/want. What are they after? This is their motivation! What will they gain and what will they lose over the course of your story.

Your character will face obstacles. Internal obstacles like doubt or depression also count. Don't repeat your obstacles, it lessens their value. Don't give your character easy to overcome obstacles either.

You may already have an ending in mind, that's ok! You can choose whatever you want and while writing you may find yourself changing your mind! Having an ending in mind will allow you to write the body to reach it.

Write out what you can. Lay out the body of the story, build scenes and connect them all together with bridges.

Scene's are where things happen. X happened, then Y happened and then finally Z happened. Don't tell! Show!

Bridges are your telling statements! Catch your reader up or contextualize what is happening. A brief sentence or two.

Put it all together and at the end, answer the readers question, did your character get what they wanted?

I hope this was helpful! Continue writing on /∞/! <3