How to Write Apocalyptic Stories

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Decide what kind of apocalyptic story it is: before the world ended

   immune).
   
   If you don't, you'll leave major holes in your story.
   
   If you're writing a story placed before or during the apocalypse, you can use a character's survival method to your advantage by making it the story line. , If you're going to write about it in the past, then make it obvious your story isn't true. , Decide how and where your characters end up, either alive or dead, so you can thread a story leading up to this. , The main story line, as in any story, must be interesting and sensible to readers.
   
   Gaps in logic detract from a story's quality. , Leave the readers with a certain sense of closure (for a single book) or an urge to know more (for a series of books).
   
   Be sure to read through and edit your work.
2. 2

   Step 2: while the world ended

3. 3

   Step 3: or after the world ended.

4. 4

   Step 4: Decide why the world ended and how: plague

5. 5

   Step 5: nuclear war

6. 6

   Step 6: aliens contact

7. 7

   Step 7: Decide how your character(s) survived the apocalypse (e.g.

8. 8

   Step 8: Set it at a specific year or time period.

9. 9

   Step 9: Write an ending early on in your process.

10. 10

    Step 10: Make the plot believable

11. 11

    Step 11: even if the premise isn't.

12. 12

    Step 12: When you're done

13. 13

    Step 13: all plots and subplots will be tied off.

Detailed Guide

About the Author