The WOW Story—Where Should a Writer Start?

The WOW story, novel, blog or article takes preparation in the form of research, investigation and on-hands knowledge. Writing is hard work but writing that very special bit of prose is excruciating. The writer needs to draw deep within and string words together perfectly in order to come up with the WOW story.

An excerpt from Donald Maass' book WRITING THE BREAKOUT NOVEL tells us: "A truly big book is a perfect blend of inspired premise, larger-than-life characters, high-stakes story, deeply felt themes, vivid setting and much more."  Big equals popularity and success.  

Where should a writer start?

1.     Answer the question why does this story, novel, blog or article need written. 

·        To persuade

·        To inform

·        To explain

·        To entertain

·        To Share

2.     Answer the question what style to use.

·        Witty

·        Bold

·        Serious

·        Warm

·        Business

·        Combination of one or more

3.     Answer the question where will this be read or in what context.

·        Online

·        Snuggled in bed

·        Book Club

·        In a doctor's office

4.     Answer the question who will read the material.

·        Man, woman or child

·        Age bracket

·        Specific target group

·        Public

5.     Answer the question when will this story, novel, blog or article go public.

·        Right away

·        Time sensitive

·        Relative forever

6.     Answer the question how to add interest, fun, joy or deep emotion.  Try these exercises:

Describe a room so messy that the occupant has disappeared into the mess. What’s cluttering the room in detail and tell about the room’s owner and how he or she got into this predicament. Tell what happens to the room’s occupant over time. Does he or she ever get out?

Chose a color, go for a walk and then write about everything you see on the walk that is that color, or everything that reminds you of that color. This is a great early morning exercise for the body and mind.

When writing the WOW story start with the above questions and then add more layers. 


It is said, "Write what you love." I say, "Write what you love to research." Research is a key element in writing. Even if the subject is familiar, research will reveal different aspects or facets to add to the prose.  

Sources: 

Donald Maass, Writing the Breakout Novel

Cher'ley Grogg, quote, "Write what you love to research."

Exercises adapted from Edu Guide

Girl Reading Photo by Anna Theodora http://www.flickr.com/photos/annatheodora/2775643078/
Frog Photo by Doug 8888 *http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug88888/4581541909/
Yellow Toadstool photo by Cher'ley Grogg