Writing a Werewolf Story

There are hundreds if not thousands of ways to spin a werewolf story. From all out horror to romance, any narrative is possible.

Crafting a werewolf tale isn’t much different from creating any story. There are still the basics to cover.

Characters – I’m a firm believer that characters always come first. It’s easier to create a believable, interesting character and then drop him into any setting than vice versa. With a werewolf story, you have to consider the main characters, at least one of whom will be the wolf. What is their past, their personality, their goals? How did they become a wolf, what do they do in that form, what do they ultimately want?

Setting – Where is the story set? What is the time period, the location? Werewolf stories can be set in the present or the past. (Or even space if you like!) Think of the world you will create and how it affects those who are werewolves and how they will interact.

Plot – This is what moves the story forward. The plot needs to be a cause-and-effect of the characters’ actions. It can begin with an event out of their control, but the rest of the story needs to focus on what they do. Also consider the character arc and how the characters grow and change. Do they become more aggressive? Less? Do they overcome their wolfen challenges?

Conflict – This is what drives a story harder and faster. The stakes need to increase or there is no tension. Is the character trapped and trying to escape? Is he desperate to find a way to change his wolf form? Is he after a mate? And what comes in between him and his goals?

Theme – This is a story’s central idea and can be created during the earlier phases. Themes should be based on the human condition so readers can relate. It can be very simple or complex—redemption, revenge, taking control, etc.

POV – What point-of-view is best? First person single? Dual? Will third person be better? Which one will draw the reader in best? A werewolf POV will add some mystery and possibly unease.

Style – This final element is all on the writer. What is your unique voice? This is something that needs to be developed over time and there is no wrong style. It’s all about what makes you the writer shine brightest.

For more in-depth details on writing a werewolf story, visit these sites:

https://www.wattpad.com/545503243-a-z-of-werewolf-writing-the-perfect-plot

https://thewritersrepository.com/werewolf-story-ideas-and-prompts/

https://www.build-creative-writing-ideas.com/character-writing-prompts-werewolves.html

Whether you decide to write a werewolf story or not, I hope I’ve given you a good template for getting started.

A professional speaker and author, L. Diane Wolfe conducts seminars, offers book formatting, and author consultation. She’s the senior editor at Dancing Lemur
Press, L.L.C. and contributes to the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.
http://www.spunkonastick.net - Spunk On A Stick
http://www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com - Spunk On A Stick’s Tips
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com - Insecure Writer’s Support Group

In Darkness: The Werewolf

By L. Diane Wolfe

Souls shrouded in darkness…
On her own in England, Vicki trains at a prestigious fencing school. Face marred by a birthmark, she’s suspicious of Nicholas’ attention. A dinner date reveals his genuine interest and they begin to connect. Nicholas is attractive and she wonders why he’s so shy and reclusive.
Then one evening she happens upon him changing into a lycan. Every werewolf legend is shattered by the gentle, fearful creature before her. Vickie accepts his secret, but Nicholas knows he’s an unpredictable beast. Can they trust love enough to overcome their physical challenges?

Romance/Paranormal/Shifters, Romance/Paranormal, Fantasy/Paranormal
eBook ISBN 9781939844927 $3.99