I would like some help turning my concepts into stories.

[MrRiderman 6]

Alright so the title to this says it all. I feel like have many good concepts in my head for a story, and I have been told from friend and family that those concepts sounds like a good idea for a story. However when I try to turn those same ideas into real stories, I don't really come out with anything that worth wild. I might come up with some scenes, but where they are going to come in is just vague like the beginning, the middle, and the end. I really want to make these concepts more than just concepts, and any help would appreciated.     

[Mr. Critical 434]

You should take your time with them. Nothing is built upon one day. Think them through, it doesn't have to be in order, just think of the scenes that you really want to do, and find a way for characters to get there.

[Koelath 445]

You might start by giving anyone here even the slightest possible idea of what these mystery concepts are in the first place.

[MrRiderman 6]

Thanks for the help, however most of the concepts I have mostly revolve around about only two characters (I have just only realized this now). So I guess that might be a weak point, since one of the concepts I really wanted to expand upon has to do with many different many characters and a murder mystery that's going to be a problem.  

[Irish Mist 119]

If you're going to write a mystery I would recommend starting with the solution, what happened and how. Then back step and figure out where to place each piece leading up to the end. And then start from the beginning and figure out, without being dragged along by the story, how the characters could come across each piece of evidence. Also outlines and note cards can do wonders for piecing together a story. 

 

I would recommend watching old detective movies or reading other mystery novels, just try to get a feel for how they did it, how the story progresses; then try to think of a similar way you could structure your ideas. 

 

And if all else fails, there's always writing everything that comes to mind and making it sound good later. 

[Fluffy The Dragon 46]

I have similar problems, I can come up with an idea but not enough details. Maybe we can collaborate. Send me a PM, if you want, and we could exchange our ideas.

Edited December 11, 2013 by A.K. Yearling

[MrRiderman 6]

Thanks that sounds awesome, I'll Pm you with a more detailed version of my mystery concept and maybe a few others. Then you could do the same with me and we help each other write good stories.

[Blique 211]

I have a lot of concepts, so I can relate to your troubles. To turn them into stories, I start by fleshing out the characters, making sure they're not Mary Sues, making them deep and interesting.

 

Next, for the setting, I do trial and error by throwing out ideas and seeing if they have interesting chemistry with the characters. Same goes with the plot - imagine you have a giant snow-less snow globe containing your characters and setting, and you're bored. What events can you throw at them to make things interesting?

 

But most important of all is that one thread that keeps everything connected - your theme. Ideally, every sentence in your story should relate to your theme. I think of themes as "objective statements", and can be stuff like "revenge is a never-ending cycle of hatred", "ignorance leads to fear and hatred", and "the truth is not always the best answer". Every character, action, and event in your story should be dedicated to expressing the message that you choose.

 

Now then, if your main problem is coming up with ideas, I recommend carrying around a little notebook or piece of paper. Every time you think of something interesting, write it down (you'd be amazed at how fast you can forget things). I can get as many as a few dozen ideas written down a day, from character design to intriguing plot concepts. When I have characters and no setting, I look at my list and see if they fit into any. Similarly, if I have an interesting plot, I can look for any characters that might fit into it. As for getting ideas to put on that list, it's just a change in mindset. Be on the alert throughout the day for anything you can use. Read good stories, read good story synopses! You'll find stuff if you look for it.

 

If you're having trouble starting your story, just lay out a basic plot. Look at a part of the story and ask, "Is this boring? Does it tie in well with the rest? How can I make this fun to read? What if I make this part serious? Funny? Insightful? What can I do to make this better?" Just play around with ideas until you get one you like the most.

 

One of my stories started as a single scene and three vague characters. The setting, events and plot were literally barren when I first started, and now, the characters have changed, the events have changed, the setting has changed, the theme has changed...It's completely different from my first plan, and I like it so much better.

 

TLDR; start it out basic, then refine it to become better and better. Just make sure to start it.

Edited December 12, 2013 by Blique