Any tips for a first time Author?

Question

I have been thinking of writing a book for a while and have come up with a good plot and storyline for it. Yet i could use some tips.....

Answer 1

I disagree with the 'always know where you are going" thing...when i do that, i lose insterest. I Just completed a book yesterday (50,000 word young adult novel).

First, know your character. Take some of those silly quesiton things you always get in emails (like whats yoru fav color, do you like Horror or Romance, Ice cream or Cookies, etc) and fill it out from yoru MC (main character) view.

Once you do that, take off! Follow this one simple rule: DONT GET IT RIGHT. GET IT WRITTEN.

Its okay if it seems likes its crap-- jsut keep going.

And try getting a free account at www.fictionpress.com. I started there three years ago and finished tons of novellas (30-40,000 words) before jumping into full length (50,000 to 100,000 words) novels. I now have an agent and we are shopping my book to editors soon! yay!

Also, plan on shorter stories first-- anywhere from 20,000 words to 50,000 words-- this will help youlearn how to write a beginning, middle and end...and how to FINISH. This way you're not investing too much in a 'first' novel and you can learn from it and move on to create your masterpiece. :-)

Answer 2

I am an author with many published books; I have been writing all my life. There is only one way to write a book. Don't fiddle around too much with plots and storylines, but head a page with 'Chapter 1', and get on with it! If you have what it takes, the very act of writing will create ideas (not, as many amateurs think, the other way around). Even if it seems rubbish to you at first, keep going, and bit by bit better stuff will come to you. And write a little - no matter how little - every single day; in due course, to your surprise, the thing will be finished. It's hard, and there are no guarantees but, as a distinguished author said, "It's dogged as does it, not thinking about it." Good luck (you need some of that too).

Edwin

Answer 3

i'm just like u (well, not really, but i'm a first-time author)

if you have a good idea, WRITE IT!!! doesn't matter if it's for the ending scene, and you haven't even started - put it down on paper (or on the computer) so you don't forget! and if a scene's not right the first time you write it, keep going - you can *always* go back later and change it so it flows better.

no matter what, DON'T GIVE UP!!!!! if you're really thinking that no one's gonna read your book, and you're all ready to give up, then i've got two things for you: 1) keep writing - if not for the readers, then for yourself. You'll never forgive yourself for giving up, so even if it's not coming out how you want it to, write!! Eventually, you'll think of a better way to write it. and 2) if you won't write for yourself, then write for your characters. How would they like to be left there, forever stuck in the same scene? (i kno, kinda childish, but that always helps me when i'm stuck.)

another thing: if your *totally* out of ideas, then just think: "what would so-and-so (whatever your character(s)'s name(s) is/are) do now?" get to know your characters - they're as real as you and me, they have feelings, thoughts, odd quirks, all that. Make them *live*...if you can do that, your story will never die.


and when you publish it (cause i kno you will - whether it takes you a week or ten years), you *have* to tell me what it's called!! i wanna read it!!!

Good Luck!

Answer 4

Always make sure you have a complete plot and know where things are going; Beginning, middle, and end. Put in twists and always develop the characters to keep the readers interested. Make sure to put in good detailed environments and such so you can paint a picture in the reader's mind.

Answer 5

I have read so many of these 'i felt like writing so look, i wrote a novel!' pieces of writing that my only advise now is dont write. And if you really really want to write, write a story of 2500 words first. When critics say its good, write another one, a bit longer. And so on. Never start with novels.

Answer 6

I just recently decided i wanted to write, and so i started writing as well. i know i love it and i hope you enjoy it too. but just remember to enjoy it and have fun while doing it. the best kind of writing comes from the heart..

Answer 7

Only three:

1.) Join a writer's group for support (check your local Barnes & Nobel bookstores).

2.) Don't dispair.

3.) Don't give up.

H

Answer 8

Plagiarise A LOT!

If it's your first book, it's not gonna be that good so use other people's work to get a good start.

Good luck!

Answer 9

Me too,I would say just write what comes from your heart and just have fun doing it.

Answer 10

describe the setting if you can't think of how to start. Move on from there. you can always go back and edit (or in my case, go to it with a bloody sledgehammer)