The dictionary says that a concept is an idea or thought; abstract notion. This is how a writer gets into the writing season, they develop an idea.
In the stage of Concept, a writer will ponder on the idea that they have come up with. Say for instance a writer comes up with a storyline about a young wife who loses her husband in a tragic accident. The author would need to figure out other storylines to go with this idea. What might happen to this wife? Who will tell the story? How will the story begin? What other characters will be in this book? When faced with questions like these, the writer should build a character profile.
A character profile is a group of questions put together to get to know the character in the book. During this stage, the writer would create a profile of its characters in the book. Not every character needs a profile. But if there is someone in the writer’s story that the readers will get to know personally, the writer needs to do a profile on them. Questions in a profile would include:
*The full name of the character
*Their age
*Where they were born; where they live
*How did they grow up
*What is their personality like
*Are they married; have children; have pets
*Where do they work
*Where are their parents, any siblings
*How they react to conflict. Sadness, happiness
*How will this person change in the book
There are many other questions asked but these are a few of the questions readers may need to know as they read about the characters. If it’s not necessary to mention the characters siblings or parents then the writer would not include that question. It’s important to ask questions that will help the writer develop a good character.
It is also important to determine what character is which. Who is the Villain or Superhero? Who will play the victim? These are things a writer needs to have figured out before they begin to write the book.
In this stage of writing, a writer does not want to rush anything. I know the story may sound fascinating and we are eager to get it on paper but it if a writer rushes this stage, they will not have developed a good storyline or good character. For example, let’s say we have the same storyline of the wife who loses her husband in a tragic accident. If a writer has not created the wife enough, when it comes to write her reaction of the accident, the writer will not know how to express her feelings. If the writer has not decided on her reaction, the writer can not put it into writing. But if the writer has already decided that she is already emotionally unstable and this type of news will break her, it will make writing that particular scene a lot easier.
So, it’s very important to take your time when in this stage of writing. Also, be sure to decide the point of view in the story. A lot of writers have a hard to differentiating First person, Second Person and Third Person. Doing this will determine who will actually tell the story. Will it be the main character, her best friend, the dead husband or the narrator? View my tips, advice and links on this below.
Stay tuned for Stage Number Two: Formatting
Tips for the Concept Stage of the Writing Season
*Take your time
*Do a character profile on the important characters. Be sure to complete it.
*Determine your POV: View more info here on the different POV’s in writing: http://www.tarakharper.com/k_frstpr.htm
*Email me for a sample of a Character Profile
*Write down all your ideas for this story. Anything that comes to mind. It does not have to be in order.
