Their own lives is where many writers, especially beginners, would get their ideas from. There are reasons why this is useful, such as relating directly to the main character, you're not likely basing your book on what you've read, and your emotionally invested in the topic. But remember, just because you find this thing that happened to you or your child fascinating, it doesn't mean it will be fascinating to thousands of potential readers.
There are many instances where real live events are just events. This scene is something you can recall with pleasure or a family joke that's already been repeated many times. It evokes strong emotions when you remember it, perhaps you even look back on an event as a turning point in your life. But reality providing a plot rarely happens.
When writers stick too closely to what really happened they fail to develop the elements necessary for a good story: a believable main character who is faced with a problem or conflict, mounting tension as that character tries to solve her problem and experiences setbacks, and a tension- filled climax followed by a resolution that's satisfying to the character and the reader.
If your son is the main character, then it's unlikely you want to throw rocks in his path and get him in trouble. You're going to have to, however. It's the only way you'll create a story that will keep readers hooked and wondering how it will end.
Speaking of endings, if the resolution of your story comes too easily, it's probably obvious and predictable. Try mixing up real life and have the situation evolve in a different direction. Surprise yourself, and you'll surprise an editor.
However you get your idea, focus first on whether it's a plot or a theme. An initial idea most of the time is the underlying meaning of the story and what the author wants to be conveyed to the reader. Themes should be universal in their appeal-- such as friendship, appreciating one's own strengths, not judging others too quickly. Until you develop a plot that makes this theme clear to the reader, play around with the sequence of events. And remember; if you're using a childhood incident as the foundation of your story, tell it from your childhood viewpoint, not how it feels to you now as an adult.
There are many instances where real live events are just events. This scene is something you can recall with pleasure or a family joke that's already been repeated many times. It evokes strong emotions when you remember it, perhaps you even look back on an event as a turning point in your life. But reality providing a plot rarely happens.
When writers stick too closely to what really happened they fail to develop the elements necessary for a good story: a believable main character who is faced with a problem or conflict, mounting tension as that character tries to solve her problem and experiences setbacks, and a tension- filled climax followed by a resolution that's satisfying to the character and the reader.
If your son is the main character, then it's unlikely you want to throw rocks in his path and get him in trouble. You're going to have to, however. It's the only way you'll create a story that will keep readers hooked and wondering how it will end.
Speaking of endings, if the resolution of your story comes too easily, it's probably obvious and predictable. Try mixing up real life and have the situation evolve in a different direction. Surprise yourself, and you'll surprise an editor.
However you get your idea, focus first on whether it's a plot or a theme. An initial idea most of the time is the underlying meaning of the story and what the author wants to be conveyed to the reader. Themes should be universal in their appeal-- such as friendship, appreciating one's own strengths, not judging others too quickly. Until you develop a plot that makes this theme clear to the reader, play around with the sequence of events. And remember; if you're using a childhood incident as the foundation of your story, tell it from your childhood viewpoint, not how it feels to you now as an adult.
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