Ultimately, creative writing can be difficult because, at its core, it is whatever you want it to be. There is so much opportunity and space to explore, and it can become overwhelming. It's easier to digest something when it is broken down. In these moments, I like starting at the core of the story, AKA, the character.
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The first thing to understand about the characters is their needs and wants. Their need will ultimately drive the arc, and their want might hold them back. Where will they start and end?
How much, if any, will they change? Make sure to add a few (not too many) contradictions to create internal conflict, thus leading to complex characters.
The second thing to understand is the details. When I start writing a story, I prefer figuring out the character's details as I go and just writing what feels right in the moment. If I need to, I'll go back and change things later.
However, it can also help to write bits of information out beforehand. My go-to list includes: physical description, age, traits, hobbies, pet peeves, career, fears, relationships, and religion.
When revealing this information, it is important to show rather than tell the reader the details. How the character presents information adds to who the character is. Take, for instance, two characters with the same fear of clowns.
Character A might react to that fear by the fight response and getting into a brawl with said clown. Character B might react with the flight response and simply run. As a writer, it is your job to create the reason why they'd react that way.

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The World
Think of the world as another character. What does it look like? What does it do?
How does it react? The most important thing to establish from the beginning is what type of story you are interested in writing. Whether it's dystopian, historical, or realistic fiction, the world must reflect that.
Once you decide that, set up the rules of the world. What is or is not allowed? Consistency and lack of contradictions are important (unless the opposite is important to the plot).
Tip: Don't get stuck in the rules. I always find myself vigorously attempting to fit my characters or plot into the rules of the world, even when it's better to change it. Don't forget you are the writer and have the power to alter the laws of the land!
The rules or outline for the world are written, so now it is time to fill in the details. Think about the geography of the world (draw a map if it helps - even if it's just for a single room), the history, the culture, the people (and their values), etc.
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The Narration
Decide on the point of view. Is it going to be 1st ("I" & "Me"), 2nd ("You"), 3rd ("She" & "He") person? Is it going to stay one perspective or be multiple? When I'm having trouble picking, I like to write a small paragraph or two, testing out each point of view to see which one feels right.
Whatever you choose, make sure to create a unique voice for the character(s). For example, the diction or dialogue used in a child's point of view is vastly different from an adult. Stick to it once you are comfortable with the voice, especially in a story with multiple perspectives. If you are unsure if the voice is distinct enough, read it out loud or have someone else read it out to hear the distinction.
The End
The first draft will be terrible, but the point is to finish it and worry about the rest later. It is one of the first pieces of advice I received as a writer, and it's always been true. It can be easy to get caught up in rewriting details and sentences, and, trust me, you will get to do that in draft #2, #3, #4, etc.
However, the rewriting loop keeps your idea prisoner, where it will eventually find a way to run away. Write everything about the world and the characters down. Explore all the narration styles if you want, but make sure the idea stays. If you find yourself stuck, there are resources out there for you.
Building a community is a part of those resources. Go join that book or writing club. Sign up for workshops.
Sign up for classes. Build and foster these connections you make, and don't hold yourself back. They will be crucial pillars of support, trust, and understanding as you make your way to writing the words: The End.
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