Writing Standards 6–12
3.
Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or
events using
effective technique, well-chosen details, and
well-structured event sequences.
a.
Engage and orient the reader by
setting out a problem, situation, or
observation, establishing one or multiple point(s) of view,
and introducing a
narrator and/or characters; create a smooth progression of
experiences or
events.
b.
Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue,
pacing, description, reflection,
and multiple plot lines, to develop experiences, events,
and/or characters.
c.
Use a variety of techniques to
sequence events so that they build on one
another to create a coherent whole.
d.
Use precise words and phrases,
telling details, and sensory language to
convey a vivid picture of the experiences, events, setting,
and/or characters.
e.
Provide a conclusion that follows
from and reflects on what is experienced,
observed, or resolved over the course of the narrative.
Writing from your own experience is a great way to express new ideas. This allows you to begin from a solid foundation. This can act as a bridge toward bringing a character to life. Drawing from previous experiences can also allow you to give a setting a realistic feel because by using these experiences, small but critical details can be remembered. However, when you do this, you need to be sure not to reflect any biases.
Sometimes writing from experience can be a negative thing. This is because you may have had a bad experience which could lead you to phrase things in an ambigious or negative manner despite your best efforts. One thing I would suggest would be to read a book similar to what you want to write. This can give you an idea of how the story should flow.
Whatever you do do not get discouraged. Like Robert Heinlein said, "Write, Write, write, until you cannot anymore and then write some more. It is only by constantly writing that you grow comfortable doing so."
