Crafting a Story from Scratch: Starting a Novel Without Preconceived Ideas

Every writer has their own process for beginning a novel, and some may believe that preconceived ideas are a must. However, others tackle the daunting task of writing from scratch—a journey without a clear direction. This article explores the unique approach of one writer who crafts a story without initial preconceived ideas. We will also delve into the step-by-step process for starting a novel from scratch and how the creative process evolves as the narrative unfolds.

Why Conceived Ideas May Be Overrated

Do all human beings have preconceived ideas? Not necessarily. The belief that one must have an idea before starting a novel is a common misconception. Even if every human has ideas, not every idea serves as a starting point for a novel. For some, the process of writing is a journey of discovery, where ideas emerge and evolve along with the story.

For example, one writer might not start with a preconceived idea but rather with a character, a setting, or a situation. They see these elements as the foundation upon which the story builds. This writer often begins with:

Defining a character deeply with detail. Placing them in a situation with stakes and risks. Sitting back and watching the character navigate these challenges.

By focusing on these core elements, the writer allows the story to unfold naturally, driven by the character's actions and reactions.

The Process of Starting a Novel from Scratch

How can you start a novel when you have no preconceived ideas? The key is to start with something that sparks your interest. It could be a place, a memory, a piece of artwork, or a conversation. Once you have a spark, you can build from there. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Find something you want to write about: Identify a subject that interests you. It could be a place, a person, an event, or an emotion. Write about it: Begin writing, even if you don’t have a complete story yet. Just start with what you can see or experience. Expand the narrative: Add layers to the story by exploring the past and future of the subject. This helps you to understand the context and depth of the narrative. Immerse yourself in the process: Spend time immersed in the story. Imagine the setting, the characters, and the emotions they experience.

Examples and Inspiration

The writer once stood before Van Gogh’s Olive Trees series in a museum, but instead of marveling at the art, they imagined a different scene. The thinker imagined a man doing so by headlamp, in the aftermath of an apocalypse. The museum was dark and ruined, and the man had taken a Van Gogh painting to his home and hung it on the wall. This imagery sparked the beginning of an 80,000-word novel.

Another approach involves spending a lot of time pondering the story. The writer might spend months or even years considering the plot, characters, and setting. They take notes and assemble a provisional outline, but this outline often changes shape during the writing process. The ideas are the easy part; the harder part is weaving all the elements into a cohesive and compelling story.

The Role of Titles and Beginnings

For some writers, the title and the beginning are closely linked. The story itself often determines the title. The writer may start by writing on a subject until there is nothing left to write, and then they refine the title.

One writer might write because the title of the poem inspires their work. They continue writing until they exhaust the subject, and then they apply the copyrighted material with a title that accurately reflects the piece.

Conclusion: The Path to Writing Without Preconceived Ideas

Starting a novel from scratch without preconceived ideas can be a challenging but rewarding journey. It involves guided imagination, deep character development, and a willingness to explore uncharted territory. While there are no hard and fast rules, the process of starting with a blank canvas and letting the narrative unfold can lead to some of the most authentic and compelling stories. Whether you work from a character, a scene, or an idea, the key is to stay open to the creative process and allow it to take you where it needs to go.