Richard Schiver

Tag: creative-writing

  • Transforming Everyday Moments into Story Ideas.

    Transforming Everyday Moments into Story Ideas.

    I’m running a little late this week. That’s been the story of my life lately while I work to bring my post apocalyptic series to an end. Without further adieu let’s get into this.

    One of the most common questions a writer hears is, “Where do you get your ideas?”

    Being the typical smart ass that I am, I sometimes reply they come from the idea tree.

    But the real answer, when authors are willing to admit it, is simple, yet elusive. Ideas emerge from some of the most unexpected places. Maybe a fleeting moment, a snippet of conversation, or even a dream. For some, inspiration is rooted in personal experience or observation. Mark Twain famously based Huckleberry Finn on a childhood friend, proving that real life often provides the richest material for fiction.

    Other writers find their muse in the world around them. News stories, historical events, or even graffiti can spark that “what if?” moment that leads to a compelling narrative. Many authors, like Stephen King and Neil Gaiman, describe their ideas as arriving unbidden. Sometimes half-remembered, sometimes fully formed, yet always demanding attention.

    In his book On Writing, Stephen King spoke of ideas using the cup and the handle metaphor. How some ideas do not arrive fully formed and ready to go. But they get catalogued anyway until the idea that represents the handle or the cup arrives to complete the set.  

    But the secret isn’t just in having ideas. It’s in recognizing their potential. Writers train themselves to notice the unusual, the poignant, or the extraordinary in everyday life. They jot down stray thoughts, nurture them, and let them grow into stories. Sometimes, inspiration comes from other art forms, travel, or even the simple act of people-watching.

    For me personally I watch strangers. I work part time at Wally World, and I’ve wasted a few moments building narratives in my mind for the lives of the shoppers around me. Simple little tales that at times uncover a deeper narrative that refuses to be set aside. Like a hidden treasure trove of ideas that emerge from a simple act.

     Every writer’s process is unique. The magic comes with being open to inspiration while being brave enough to follow these ideas to where they ultimately lead. Turning ordinary moments into extraordinary tales.

    Where do your ideas come from?

  • Plot vs. Character: Finding the Balance in Writing

    Plot vs. Character: Finding the Balance in Writing

    Do you remember the last story or book you read? If it stayed with you long after you closed the cover of the book it’s likely you also remember the main character’s name,. When you look at some of the most beloved novels in literature. It’s typically not the twists and turns of the plot that linger in our minds, but the unforgettable personalities of the characters.  

    When creating memorable fiction, writers often debate whether plot or character should take center stage. While a compelling plot can certainly drive a story forward, it’s the characters who breathe life into the narrative and leave a lasting impression on readers.

    Characters are the heart and soul of any story. They are the lens through which readers experience the world the author has created. Even the most intricate plot can fall flat if the characters are one dimensional or fail to evoke empathy. Readers connect with stories on an emotional level, and that connection is forged through the struggles, triumphs, and growth of the characters. When readers care about the people in a story, they become invested in what happens to them, regardless of how simple or complex the plot may be.

    Focusing on character development allows writers to explore deeper themes and create stories that reflect the complexities of real life. Well crafted characters can surprise us, challenge our assumptions, and provide inspiration. They give writers the freedom to let the plot evolve organically, shaped by the characters motivations and reactions rather than contrived events.

    Ultimately, while plot provides structure, it is the characters who give a story its soul. Writers who prioritize character over plot create fiction that is not only engaging but also memorable and impactful. By investing in rich, believable characters, authors ensure that their stories will resonate with readers long after the final page is turned.

    How can I apply this to my writing?

    Before outlining your plot, spend time developing your main characters. Ask yourself: What do they want?

    What are their fears, flaws, and strengths? How do they change over time?

    Create detailed character profiles. Include background, personality traits, relationships, and motivations.

    Instead of forcing your characters through a predetermined plot, let their choices and reactions shape the events.

    External events are important, but internal struggles make characters relatable. Show how your characters wrestle with doubts, desires, and moral dilemmas.

    Use these internal conflicts to guide the direction of your story.

    When you reach a turning point in your story, ask. “What would my character really do here?” Authentic decisions lead to organic plot development.

    Give your characters relatable goals and vulnerabilities. Readers should root for them, worry about them, and celebrate their victories.

     Use dialogue, thoughts, and actions to reveal who your characters are beneath the surface.

    During editing, check if your plot points arise naturally from your characters’ motivations. If something feels forced, adjust the event or the character’s response.

    I hope this helps writers who might be struggling with the plot or character question. I also hope to offer readers a brief glimpse behind the scenes of crafting memorable fiction. I first started writing in the nineties and have focused on the craft ever since. I went through the usual process of experimenting before I finally discovered my own voice. Being well read also helped as it gave me a foundation to launch my writing career from. Now if I could just figure out this whole marketing thing I’ll be all set.

  • Develop Your Writing Skills with Passion

    Develop Your Writing Skills with Passion

    Sorry for the delay in getting this out there. Been dealing with a bad case of insomnia for the past few days and I’m struggling to think coherently.

    Writing is a journey that demands unwavering commitment and dedication. Whether you’re an aspiring novelist, a seasoned journalist, or a casual blogger, the process of writing requires commitment to your craft. Below are some key aspects you must consider to create written works.

    1. Time. If possible it’s essential to carve out dedicated time in your daily routine to write. This might mean waking up an hour earlier or setting aside time in the evening. Consistency is the key. Even if you can only manage a few paragraphs a day, the cumulative effect will be significant over time. This commitment to regular writing sessions helps to build momentum and keeps your creative juices flowing.
    2. Learning. Writing is an evolving skill, and there is always room for growth. Like a muscle it must be exercised regularly. This also means reading widely, attending workshops if possible, and seeking feedback from peers and mentors. It’s important to embrace constructive criticism and to be open to revising your work as needed. This willingness to learn and adapt is what separates good writers from great ones. It’s also important to develop a thick skin. Sometimes that honest criticism will hurt, and you have to be able to put aside your feelings to look at your work with an objective eye. 
    3. Perseverance. The path to creating written works is often fraught with challenges, including writer’s block, self-doubt, and rejection. It is important to stay resilient and keep pushing forward, even when the going gets tough. Remember that every writer faces obstacles and overcoming them is part of the journey.
    4. Authenticity. Writing is a deeply personal endeavor, and your unique voice and perspective are what make your work stand out. Stay true to yourself and your vision, and do not be afraid to tackle difficult or controversial topics. Authenticity resonates with readers and adds depth and meaning to your work.
    5. Passion. It’s the driving force that fuels your creativity and keeps you motivated. It is what makes the long hours and hard work worthwhile. Find what inspires you and let that passion guide your writing.

    Embrace these aspects, and you will be well on your way to becoming a successful and fulfilled writer. Happy writing!

  • Overcoming Self-Doubt in Writing

    Overcoming Self-Doubt in Writing

    Anyone who is seriously perusing a career as a writer is familiar with the ups and downs that is the writer’s life. Some days you’re riding the top of that emotional wave as the words just flow from your fingers. Hanging ten from that proverbial surfboard of creation as the ocean of ideas washing through your mind batters itself against white beach of the blank page leaving in its wake the basis of what will become a powerful story.

    For every peak in the creative process, where it seems nothing can stand in your way, behind or beyond lies a shadowy valley of self doubt. When that creative wave dashes you against the unyielding stone of cold reality, you tumble from that peak to land in the valley of the shadow of death for the creative process.

    Suddenly the words that had flowed so freely dry up and one is left staring at the blank page as blood begins to form upon their forehead. Who wants to read anything I write? Why do I waste my time doing this? Who really cares anymore?

    Self doubt has silenced the muse. It has thrown a monkey wrench into the machinery of creation, clogging the gears, and stopping them dead in their tracks. Everyone who dares to believe they can create something another person wants to read faces these moments from time to time.

    The greats have carried on their own personal battles with self doubt. Struggling in the years of anonymity before they became an overnight success. Stephen King threw away the original manuscript for Carrie believing no one would want to read it. His wife rescued it from the trash and convinced him to carry on. Great writers from the past were known to agonize over the placement of every word, never really believing that what they were doing would ever be widely accepted.

    How many unknown greats have given up entirely, trashing their greatest works, and turning their backs on their dreams to accept second best? How many Lovecraft’s, Shelly’s, or Stokers have given up even before they started?

    More than we will ever know. One thing we’ve all learned when embarking upon our writing career is that we are our own worst critic. In my opinion what happens when we turn our mind to writing is that we begin to read as writers. We forget how to read as readers. We dissect every story, searching for clues to how the writer put the tale together. In doing so we forget the one thing that drew us to reading in the first place, the excitement of discovering a brand new world living between the covers of a book.

    Writing a novel is like driving a car at night. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.
    – E. L. Doctorow

    If you can tell stories, create characters, devise incidents, and have sincerity and passion, it doesn’t matter a damn how you write.
    – Somerset Maugham

    Any man who keeps working is not a failure. He may not be a great writer, but if he applies the old-fashioned virtues of hard, constant labor, he’ll eventually make some kind of career for himself as writer.
    – Ray Bradbury

  • How Music and Writing Connect: Finding Your Flow

    I’m running a little behind right now. Installed a new entry door on my house last week and have been paying for it ever since. My sciatica is kicking my butt and the heating pad has become my best friend. Hopefully soon it will loosen up and I can get back to our normally scheduled programming. My apologies all around.

    I recently found a clip on You Tube taken from the concert film, The Song Remains the Same, a movie released in 1976 that featured the group Led Zeppelin. Filmed during three nights of concerts at Madison Square Garden.

    The clip features the song Stairway to Heaven which has become a classic since it’s release in the early seventies. I grew up listening to groups like Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Boston, and The Eagles just to name a few. But this was the first time I even saw the guitar solo by Jimmy Paige halfway through the song, and I was blown away.

    In the close up you’ll notice that Jimmy’s eyes are closed as he’s playing. It’s as if he has transcended the mechanical melding of guitar and man, the song no longer coming from the musical score in his head. It is no longer the act of metal strings being strummed while fingers move to the appropriate fret. This goes much deeper than that. In a sense he has become the song itself and what we hear comes from the depths of his soul. Jimmy has entered the zone. If you were to ask him what he was thinking about while he was playing, I’m willing to bet he wouldn’t be entirely sure himself.

    Writers do the same thing when they create. During the initial phase of a story’s creation, after the spark that inspired it. To write that first draft the writer finds it necessary to venture into the zone where all things become possible. In the zone there is no grammar, no punctuation, at least not consciously at first. That will come later, during the many rewrites to polish the story to a hard brilliance. No, during that first stage, the very first time a word intrudes upon the unblemished page, the writer infused with the fever of creation slips into a state of self-hypnosis.

    For some the ability to slip into the zone becomes second nature. As soon as they sit down at their work they enter that altered state. For others it is a struggle to find that quiet room in the mind where all things become possible. Here time has no meaning. The seconds, minutes, and even hours pass unnoticed as the writer becomes wholly focused on that imaginary place they have created in their mind. Where the words flow like the waters of a swift moving river that passes through their consciousness. Dark, deep, and muddied by the swirling emotions that whisper across the page.

    It is only then that the writer is at peace.