A to Z: (C)reation

*Warning* No offense is intended with this post.

Today's A to Z post deals with creation. The creation of worlds, the creation of characters. Every writer is involved with creation in some form or another. By making up a character and placing them in this world is creating, or by making up a whole new place for all your characters to live.

Believe it or not, anyone can create something magnificent with the right dedication. It could take years to find the right medium (a canvas, clay, marble, or paper) but anyone can do it.

Writing is the ultimate form of creation. You aren't limited to space like someone who creates music, or to a small square for painting or drawing. As a writer, you have the opportunity to make something unforgettable.

With your work, you are God (or whatever higher power you believe in). You must think of everything. What do your characters eat and drink? What do they wear? Do they worship? Where and when and how often? Do they live on earth? When does the story take place? It is all vital information.

When creating, try to keep your methods of development uniform. If you have a ten page questionaire for your characters, use it every time you come up with a new character. If you have something specific you want to add in that isn't in the questionnaire, make sure to write it down somewhere you'll remember it.

Maybe you like to start your stories with the plot line or the synopsis. Maybe you like to start with your characters or a setting. Whatever it is, always try to start the same way. Personally, I like to start with a specific scene, that usually involves the main characters, a setting, and bit of the plot line.

Be Thurough. Treat all of it as though it were real. You want to see, feel, smell, taste, and hear your world. By thinking of all these things, you give your reader a world they can fall into and love (or fear). When you write your story, its easier to add these things in if you had them in mind beforehand. Make sure you add them appropriately, though. You don't want to lump them all together. Let your characters guide you (and the readers) through the world you've created. Give them the free will we all have, and have faith that they will do it for you and these (albeit imaginary) creations will impress you.