Unveiling the Art of Storytelling Unveiling the Art of Storytelling
When I tell stories, I love the look in people's eyes as they get so engaged. So when I write a story, I write it all out as if I'm speaking it. Then I put it aside for two or three months. This pause allows me to come back with fresh eyes, seeing the story from a new perspective, just like my audience would. It's all about capturing that initial spark and letting it simmer before refining it further.
After the initial draft rests for a few months, I dive back in to enrich the narrative. This stage involves adding more content, vivid details, emotions, and scenic descriptions. It's like painting a picture, layer by layer, ensuring every element is in place. Then, I set it aside again, allowing time for the added details to settle in my mind. When I revisit the manuscript, I focus on correcting grammar and ensuring the flow and coherence of the story. All this is meticulously done in longhand, preserving the raw, unfiltered essence of my creativity.
I strive to follow Stephen King's rule of dedicating two hours a day to writing or creating. However, life's demands often require flexibility. I utilize my phone to jot down ideas, dialogues, and scenes whenever inspiration strikes. My notebooks are my treasure troves, each story meticulously duplicated and dated. Sometimes, I have six or seven versions because past notes might hold the key to future brilliance. While Stephen King's discipline influences me, I maintain my unique style, believing that every writer should cultivate their own distinctive voice.
Ted Barber's creative process involves a hands-on, visual approach. Utilizing a whiteboard, he diagramed a spacecraft for "The Sixth Sun" and imagined and developed the intricate details of a planet for "Gaia Rising". This method allows him to visually map out complex elements of his stories, enhancing the depth and realism of his fictional worlds. This section showcases how these visual tools contribute to the rich, detailed narratives found in his works.
Characters are the heartbeat of my stories. My novel, The Sixth Sun, released in 2011, introduces a multitude of characters, ten of whom reappear in the sequel, Gaia Rising. These characters are my constant companions, living in my mind and conversing with me daily. This intimate connection allows them to speak authentically through me, making them resonate deeply with readers. This approach holds true for every story I've ever written, including my newest, Deferment. By knowing my characters intimately, I ensure they remain vibrant and compelling throughout their journeys.
Reading is both a passion and a vital part of my creative process. I devour 35-50 books a year, often juggling five at a time for both entertainment and research. This diverse literary diet not only entertains me but also fuels my creativity, providing new insights and perspectives. My ultimate goal is to entertain while enlightening others. Readers often echo the sentiment that my work offers a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience. As one reader put it, "Why should one read my work? Because if they don't, they miss out on the experience of a lifetime. No one is going to expose them to my ideas but me."
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