How does one start to write a novel?
Yeah, I know its like asking somebody how do you write. The typical response is ‘write one word and 50,000 more’. I’ve done NaNoWrimo and written a pretty medicore novel, really. Now, I planned out the novel; I want to write a really good novel not under pressure.
But now I’m staring at a blank screen. How do I motivate myself to write and what should I write about (a setting, description of a character) to begin?
- mbtafan
Tags: Blank Screen, Response Write, Typical Response, Write A Novel
October 21st, 2008 at 3:06 am
u can’t really force yourself to do it
u have to wait until the perfect idea pops into your head
October 22nd, 2008 at 1:42 am
Write about what you can relate to.
October 22nd, 2008 at 3:26 am
All that is within you. Perhaps a fantasy, or dream. I often write about the people in my life.
October 26th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
First, you need an idea for a story – what are you writing about and why should be interesting to the reader? Then, you need to create the characters who’ll act out the story. Once you’ve established those two things, sit down and get to know your characters. Write their biographies. Most of what you write won’t be included in your novel, but with biographies established, you’ll be able to better understand and explain why your characters do the things they do, why they think the way they do, etc. Without fleshing out your characters psychologically, you can’t really write about their actions or motivations and without these things, you have no story. The rest is just writing it all down.
October 30th, 2008 at 2:06 am
You need to do a skeleton outline for each Chapter. Start with Chapter one and the Characters and events to be in Chapter One.
When all the Chapters have an outline – go to the Library and start researching to add the background and social setting.
A Novel about Suicide Bombers might sell – then you would have all of Islam to research.
October 30th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
How bout’……Once upon a time……????
October 31st, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Begin by responding to Yahoo questions and try to get “Best Answer points often. That is an indication that people respect your shared knowledge. Writing is easy. Getting published in expensive, tedious and for the persistent–those willing to share life enhancing experiences. Take part in at least 10 writing contests. You would need to score in the top 20% in at least 60% of those contests. Those are the easy parts. Then again, if you have the money, you can always publish your own stuff. Would people buy enough for you to recover your initial outlay? That is the big question.
Boaz.
November 4th, 2008 at 12:28 am
You have to wait for the inspiration to come. If you are intent on forcing yourself, for me at least, I tend to fail drastically. You have to wait and then write furiously.
November 5th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Write the last paragraph first. Let all the emotion out, THIS IS THE VERY END! theclimax of the an epic work. Spare no feeling. Make it intense, memorable and satisfying. Then, when you’ve finished, all youhave to do is go back and write what should have come before.
But, here’s the trick…what you’ve just written could just as easily be the beginning as the end…so if you want, you can use it in either place! voila! You’ve just written the beginning
November 7th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
The first person that posted is right, you can’t force yourself to write something. It has to naturally come out of you. If you’re staring at a blank page, you’re either scared or don’ know where to begin or both. Do you know enough about the story to begin? You probably don’t by the sound of it. You don’t have to do an outline, or anything that extreme, but you have to have a pretty good idea of the characters, setting, and story before you begin. You don’t have to know everything but spaces will fill in randomly and you will be surprised at what comes out. If you need motivation, read. Nothing’s better than a book by your side to cheer you on, preferably one that’s similar to the book you’re writing. Because if that guy/girl could get published, you can get published. And play some music to get you in the mood, whatever music at all, to invoke the feeling. And, begin wherever you want. It’s your book, your own art. Do it the way you want and most importantly, have fun. If you don’t have fun with your novel, it will come out lackluster. If NaNoWrimo has taught you anything, it’s to loosen up internal barriers and get something on the page. If you don’t like what you have on the page, you can always revise it later. So, enjoy yourself and good luck, and remember, have some fun.
November 10th, 2008 at 9:40 am
Start with an everyday event that might happen to one of your main characters. David Eddings started The Belgariad with the activities in a kitchen and it worked all right.
November 12th, 2008 at 9:15 am
I am a writer, i write what is in my heart, start to write your feelings down, simple things at first, it helps clear your mind, and inspiration comes after that..good luck