User blog comment:Pandaboy2/Advice Needed!/@comment-6788126-20110813180551

I'm not good at writing a story, and finnishing it when it isn't planned out. I tend to plan as I go, but I've learned that the way I've been writing doesn't turn out very well.

Now, I like to have a vague idea of the problem, the obstacles in the way of solving the problem, and then, finaly, a way to tie up all the loose ends of the story and solving the problem. If you want to create a sequel, a good way to start one is to leave some loose ends untied, and tie them up in the next story(s).

Secondly, you need character development. Character development starts with a person, say, with a major flaw, and working his way up until he overcomes his flaw. A darker, more saddening way for character development is to create a a character with only one, very minor flaw, and work his way down until that flaw consumes him.

You need a main protagonist for the story, and he has to be unique. That's where a self-MOC comes in. There's no one mor unique than you, so why not make a character just like you (maybe exagerate the flaws a bit)?

Also, if you own a dictionary, a thesaurus, and an english book, keep them close at hand. You can learn how words are spelled in the dictionary, find more descriptive words than you have in mind in a thesaurus, and remind yourself of the many rules of writing with an english book.

Finally, read several good books. I recomend John Flanagan's Ranger's Apprentice series, J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, and C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia series.

Probably the most important parts of writing is imagination, creativity, originality, correct spelling, correct grammar, and an interesting subject/plot.

I hope my advice helps!