How Do You Actually Start Writing a Story?

 

I often get this question: “Where do you begin when you work on a story?”

There’s no single right answer. Every writer has their own approach. Some just start writing and figure out the details later. Others prefer solid planning.

Here’s how it works for me. I like careful planning, but I leave room for surprises along the way.

 

Start with a vague storyline or idea

 

I start thinking very loosely about a storyline. Just something small—a scene, an emotion, or an idea stuck in my mind. It doesn’t have to be fully developed.

For me, it’s about that first spark. And that spark doesn’t always arrive on command. I’ve been busy writing one book when suddenly a thought for the next story pops into my head (Filtervlinder). I once had a nightmare that fit into just five sentences (Ontfrommel), which ended up as only one chapter in the final book, but I built a whole story around it.

 

Plan the plot and conflict

 

I jot down rough notes:

  • The protagonist is human, flawed. The reader must feel for them.

  • What does the main character want?

  • What stands in his way?

I create incidents and turning points that block the character’s goals, creating conflict. Without conflict, there’s no tension. Without tension, the reader won’t stay hooked.

Importantly: The character must grow after each event. They must adapt and change. I show that transformation by the end.

 

Develop the characters

 

I create unique characters: personality, appearance, desires, secrets, weaknesses, how they react under pressure, family, car, environment, background—everything as real as a person. I don’t always use all the details in the story, but I know them.

Secondary characters I develop only as far as necessary. I want to know their role, but I don’t need to know their favourite ice cream flavour!

And I think about how characters clash or click with each other. That adds to natural conflict or chemistry.

 

Build your world and atmosphere

 

Where does the story take place? City or farm? Present day or past?

I also think about the tone: light and humorous, or dark and serious?

 

Write a strong opening

 

I want to hook the reader immediately. It’s not always easy, and I usually rewrite those first paragraphs several times.

For example, in Klippe kan Kraak, the first line is: “He should still have been in prison.” and “She hides behind the shop shelves.”

Why? The reader has to keep reading to find out.

 

Visualise your ending

 

This simmers in my mind from the start: how do I want to end the story? I have an idea early on, but the plot must unfold so that the reader keeps wondering right until the end.

I ask myself: What must the reader feel when they read the last page?

 

Choose voice and perspective

 

I decide whether I’ll write in first person or third person, and in present or past tense.

From whose perspective does the story unfold? One character or two? Different points of view shouldn’t mix within the same scene. I prefer one chapter or scene per character.

These decisions affect the whole feel of the story, so I make them before I dive in.

 

Do your research

 

If I write about something I don’t know/experienced personally—a job, a place, a sport—I dig in. Fiction or not, it must be believable.

I start with AI or Google, but then check my research with a real person in that field.

For example:

  • Klippe kan Kraak — I consulted a correctional supervision officer.

  • Kersfees Kans — A lawyer helped me with real-life legal facts in South Africa.

  • Ryk Armgat — I could write from personal experience after living in Mozambique for four years.

 

And then... I start writing!

 

The most important thing: I don’t try to have everything perfect before I begin. That first draft is always raw and messy.

It’s only once you get words on paper that the story truly comes to life—and your characters might surprise you with directions you didn’t plan!

 

Your Turn

How do you start your stories? I’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced writer, everyone’s process looks a little different.

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