Creative writing is a funny process...
Originally I made a picture and wrote a story based on it. Over time the stories grew in length and I felt burnt. I felt like I couldn't post a picture without a 1000 word story (at least).
I stopped posting for a while. It didn't seem worth it. I still made my pictures though. One day I had a burst of creative energy and wrote three stories.i posted them the next day. Then I looked over some of my pictures. Some didn't need a story at all, others only a couple sentences. I've tried since then to discern what it telling and what is over telling.
Lately, my stories have been character driven. Maybe it's my background in theatre or D&D, but I also believe characters should have arcs. I define the wants and needs of each, how they'll grow, what will change their mind. Some examples:
Princess is autistic. She's not good with social cues but is adamantly loyal to her friends. She instinctively compartmentalizes relationships. She'll use what she can to get a better life for her and her friends.
Tusk is worldly. She was a slave, now she's a rogue. She keeps her owner's collar on to remind herself of where she's been. She uses her sexuality in tandam with the genie's wish to get the upper hand.
Tonya is in a monogamous, loving relationship. She loves her husband and likes to put on a sexy show, whether in enticing lingerie, light kinky things, or even in a swimsuit by the pool. She's fun and happy, with strong loving themes.
Corina's disgusted by you. She's had better; hates you having your way. She has a self entitlement and superiority complex. She's always at least slightly angry.
I also do a lot of one-off pictures. Summer require a story, some a few sentences, some nothing at all. It depends a bit on my mood, a bit on my level of burnout, a bit on the picture itself. Some characters get arcs, some get nothing but reader imagination. Let your stories speak to you or not. Accept that. If you feel you need an arc then let it come naturally from the characters. Otherwise it leads to madness.
Edited by user Saturday, April 16, 2022 12:31:08 AM(UTC)
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