Often when sitting down to write a story authors have areas they tap which tend to help set the narrative of stories. One of the easiest ways to get started is to write in genre you know and allow the story to flow from there.
Write what you know, the story always flows from a place of knowledge and shared experience.
Three genres that have been known to be catalysts for great stories are war, military, and espionage. While the first two may sound like they are the same, they involve two complete different sets of circumstances. Events, emotions, and interactions between military forces during war time differ dramatically from events, emotions, and interactions in the military when there is no war. Life, death, and rebirth through stuggle of war pushes men to define themselves through action, interaction, and shared sense of purpose that often results in a rebirth of all involved no matter the outcome.
Writing a story that revolves around characters in the military can take nearly any track, yet will seem authentic and real to those who read the story as the shared experience of either past service or knowing others who have served. Career paths, family issues, personal growth, dealing with “office politics” all are valid and proven vehicles for story development that is grounded in a military experience. Ultimately those who serve have their sense of purpose and duty to their country, their family, and themselves and the challenges that come from balancing these equally important demands.
One of my favorite genres for any story is espionage as espionage allows you to expand your story arc in ways that are virtually limitless. You can give your protagonist tools that do not currently exist that helps to transform him into a super-spy allowing you to bring in elements of science fiction. There is also great possibilities in the “cat-and-mouse” chase that is part and parcel of an espionage tale. With espionage being globally centered you can incorporate different locales, people, customs, and targets that provide a rich fabric to weave into the tapestry of your story.
No story was ever ruined by using too much detail, but ensure your details build a complete picture for your reader
When you are developing your story always focus on details that help build a complete picture of your characters and locales. While you may feel you have adequately described your central protagonists choice of vehicle by describing it as a silver BMW i8 you are missing opportunities. Why does your central protagonist chose this vehicle? What type of engine is it equipped with? Has there been modifications made to the vehicle that gives it a superior edge over a standard BMW i8? Are there features about the choice of vehicle that can be incorporated into your story at an inflection point?
Another area that should be an area of exercise and focus for use of descriptive details is the clothing worn by your characters. If you are writing an espionage based story focus on what your central protagonist wears down to the deepest level of detail. While the mind immediately goes to a character like James Bond who always wears a specific type of watch, go deeper with your characters choice of clothing and accessories. Does your character carry a wallet – of course he does, but what type of wallet is it and what is it about this wallet that makes it ideal for your character? Give extra emphasis on everyday carry items like this as they will help illustrate your character development and also give you references to utilize later in your story.
The choice of clothing, accessories, and other character level details are essential components to story development but are not the only factors. When your central protagonist meets someone in your story, what does this new character look like? How does he speak, does he have an accent? This is an area of development where the interaction and observations made by your protagonist will help bring your story alive in the mind of your reader. Add distinguishing characteristics to characters like facial scars, tattoos, or other signs of membership in organizations that may play a part in your story arc. Paint a vivid picture with your words and you will hold your readers attention as they turn the pages of your next great story.