Starting Point of Story?

writeshiek33 · Jun 1, 2016

Normally, I would just start writing and let the characters take me where the story goes, but with this fantasy comic book idea, think magnificent seven meets the fairytales, the protagonists are the 7 dwarves. I have a problem.

For the first time, I have 2 or 3 possible ways to start the story. For simplicity sake and piece of mind, I could write the story as prose first, then break down into comic book script, but how would I choose a start with so many ideas swimming around in my head? This is the first time this is happening and it's freaking me out

Ireth · Jun 1, 2016

Write them all down and see which one works best.

Heliotrope · Jun 1, 2016

Have you ever story boarded? I find it super helpful for planning.

Garren Jacobsen · Jun 1, 2016

In that case I would do a rough outline of the whole novel and see which one fits at the beginning the best. If you break down each chapter or scene to seasick skeleton it's easier to see what should go where.

Chessie · Jun 1, 2016

Just come up with a sentence and go from there. You can always go back and change the beginning later. Nothing is ever set in stone!

skip.knox · Jun 1, 2016

It sounds like you have ideas but no story. Do you have an ending? A middle? Whose story is it?

If you really are going with The Magnificent Samurai, er, Seven, then take another look at the movie(s). Where does it begin? Also, even though there are seven characters, whose story is it? How does it end? What are the turning points?

evolution_rex · Jun 1, 2016

I'd say start at the earliest point. That way if you feel that the earliest moment isn't the best place, all you have to do is cut away what you don't want.

troynos · Jun 2, 2016

skip.knox said: ↑

It sounds like you have ideas but no story. Do you have an ending? A middle? Whose story is it?
Click to expand...

This.

What is the middle and the end? Define those and which beginning to use should fall into place.

Telcontar · Jun 2, 2016

If you don't want to take the time to write all of the different beginning and just see which one feels better, you can try thinking about what differences each would have on the story that follows after. Are they really different beginnings? Do they have different events? Would they change the structure or tone of the rest of the story?

Decide how each beginning affects the story and then you'll be able to make a decision based on what you want the story to be.

writeshiek33 · Jun 2, 2016

skip.knox said: ↑

It sounds like you have ideas but no story. Do you have an ending? A middle? Whose story is it?

If you really are going with The Magnificent Samurai, er, Seven, then take another look at the movie(s). Where does it begin? Also, even though there are seven characters, whose story is it? How does it end? What are the turning points?
Click to expand...

I don't know know how it ends, yet whenever I write, usually I don't how it ends, but that works for me. Basically, the two type of beginnings I have is to start with them disbanded and bring them back together. Second beginning is that they come together and find trouble. Basically, the main villain is snow white, who due to the evil queens spirit possession, has multiple personality disorder. Even her nice side is affected. The seven dwarves are the main characters. The way I write I let the characters tell the story.

KC Trae Becker · Jun 3, 2016

I agree with Heliotrope. Storyboard your different beginnings and see how that goes. That way you can work with both the pictures and the story at the same time, because they are so integrated in this genre.

Thokk Nightshade · Jun 6, 2016

writeshiek33 said: ↑

I don't know know how it ends, yet whenever I write, usually I don't how it ends, but that works for me. Basically, the two type of beginnings I have is to start with them disbanded and bring them back together. Second beginning is that they come together and find trouble. Basically, the main villain is snow white, who due to the evil queens spirit possession, has multiple personality disorder. Even her nice side is affected. The seven dwarves are the main characters. The way I write I let the characters tell the story.
Click to expand...

Given that in both scenarios they are not together at the beginning, I could see a possibility of an Avengers style intro. They are disbanded but have to come together due to trouble that has arisen (Snow White).

My main question is are you going to let all 7 of them tell the story or are you going to have Happy/Doc/ etc. be the main storyteller? That decision can open up infinite possibilities and change it dramatically.

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Starting Point of Story?

writeshiek33 Sage

Ireth Myth Weaver

Heliotrope Staff Article Team

Garren Jacobsen Auror

Chessie Guest

skip.knox toujours gai, archie Moderator

evolution_rex Inkling

troynos Minstrel

Telcontar Staff Moderator

writeshiek33 Sage

KC Trae Becker Troubadour

Thokk Nightshade Dreamer

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