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Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/17449
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

For advice on the more creative aspect of writing, see Tommy's answer. As for how to start from a structural standpoint:

The plot diagram of most stories is well defined, and a version of it can be viewed here: [Plot Diagram](http://mrkamermanenglish9.weebly.com/uploads/3/8/6/9/38695419/plot-diagram-2.jpg). As you can see, it begins with the **Exposition**.

During the exposition, three things are introduced: _Setting_, _Characters_, and _Conflict_. Obviously, the length of the exposition and amount of detail will be defined by the length of the story as a whole.

A common type of story is the **Hero's Journey** , which also has a diagram: [Hero's Journey](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m1wsKocxLow/VHMiskmGIMI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/qwNlhsAyzdM/s1600/500px-Heroesjourney.png). This follows the **Initiate** , who starts his journey in the _Known World_. In this case, the exposition mainly consists of introducing the Initiate, his or her "known world" (village/town, friends/acquaintances, goals, interests, etc) and then the event which pulls them into the unknown world (which is the conflict/inciting incident from the plot diagram).

As for style and creativity, that all has to come from you. Structure will only take you so far.

I hope this helped, and keep writing!

Original score: 2