Hey guys, how would I go about writing a novel? I've wanted to for a while but don't know where to start :(
Replies
Hello Vic,
There's no exact way to go about writing a novel. And reading "books on writing" is advisable, but they won't write that novel for you.
Just pick up a pen and paper (or sit down at your keyboard) and start writing on what you have in your head. Start with a dialogue/conversation between two people/character and take it from there or see where it leads you. Or, you could start with describing a scene---a woman seated in a public place, waiting for someone? Depends on what you want the novel to be about.
Just write, make mistakes, and enjoy the process. First drafts, in 7 out of 10 cases, are always poorly written. So, write, then hammer it into shape.
A lot of people recommending that you read books here. Which is all very well, and yeah do this on the side if you want but it will not produce a book.
Writing will. So go write!
I had the idea of my book and then started writing it, rather than deciding I wanted to write a book and then finding an idea, which sort of always happens with my stories. So we have different approaches!
However, perhaps try brainstorming ideas of what you think would make a good story, or an interesting character, or captivating conflict. Then develop it, get stuck in and write, write, write. It may be worth keeping, or it may prove to be a warm up exercise but without actually writing you'll never have anything written ;)
Hello Vic,
There's no exact way to go about writing a novel. And reading "books on writing" is advisable, but they won't write that novel for you.
Just pick up a pen and paper (or sit down at your keyboard) and start writing on what you have in your head. Start with a dialogue/conversation between two people/character and take it from there or see where it leads you. Or, you could start with describing a scene---a woman seated in a public place, waiting for someone? Depends on what you want the novel to be about.
Just write, make mistakes, and enjoy the process. First drafts, in 7 out of 10 cases, are always poorly written. So, write, then hammer it into shape.
A lot of people recommending that you read books here. Which is all very well, and yeah do this on the side if you want but it will not produce a book.
Writing will. So go write!
I had the idea of my book and then started writing it, rather than deciding I wanted to write a book and then finding an idea, which sort of always happens with my stories. So we have different approaches!
However, perhaps try brainstorming ideas of what you think would make a good story, or an interesting character, or captivating conflict. Then develop it, get stuck in and write, write, write. It may be worth keeping, or it may prove to be a warm up exercise but without actually writing you'll never have anything written ;)
Hi Victoria,
I found it useful to read BESTSELLER - Secrets of Successful Writing by Celia Brayfield, published by Fourth Estate Ltd (ISBN 1 85702 383 8).
Best of luck,
Robin