Any tips on outlining a novel? Or any tips on anything about writing a novel in general?

Question

Anyone have any helpful tips on outlining a novel or writing a novel in general? I don't want to say what the novel is about because I don't want anyone to steal my idea. I am really motivated to start writing this and I am fully committed to doing all the reseach, outlinging..writing..drafting...revision...editing..etc...So, please don't tell me that I'm too immature to write a novel if I have to ask for help. (this is the response i got from many when i asked similar questions before)

thanks so much in advance for any tips!!

writing exercises are also appreciated as well!! especially ones that can help with the development of characters..

well, thanks again!


Kiara

Answer 1

Kiara:

Glad you are writing a novel. When you do your outline, you want to decide how you want to tell your story. First, write a paragraph on the basic story. Then from there, begin to detail your story in an outline. After that, you can begin to write down descriptions of your characters; decide hair/eye color, character, etc. and keep that while writing because you will need it.

Do you know how to do a basic outline? If not, I suggest you go to the library where you can find some good books written by authors on outlining, character development, etc. Also, check out Dan Poynters website, he is an expert on publishing and writing. Good Luck, happy writing!

Answer 2

If you really aren't sure where to start there are some great novel writing software programs out there that can help you with outline, plot, theme, genre,character development, structure, protagonist, antagonist,

This can really help with writers block and inspires you to keep working at your story and not getting lost or overwhelmed.

Personally I think Story Weaver is the best, you can download it for free, but the full version costs around $30 .

Age has nothing to do with being a writer, I personally can name half a dozen writers under 20 who have sold millions of books.

Everyone who starts writing needs guidance and support, this is a good and inexpensive way of having that, I use it every day and I'm a professional writer.

It doesn't matter how old you are, you're voice and message is unique and special. Write your book.

Answer 3

I would never say that you are too immature that you have to ask for help. I asked a similar question once and a lot of people said to start from the end. How I write though, is to just start. I have a million 10 page novels I started before and then thought they were stupid. I always start a new one when I am struck with inspiration. One of the hardest thing I had trouble with was , belive it or not, the characters names. stupid huh? but it was true. I can sit forever and think. i even see baby name websites. But i also have trouble with conflicts. dont get me started about that...

the characters- i made a circle with the characters name and then put traits around it that i thought they should have. I base my characters on real life people usually me or my friends. Also include some weaknesses. Like maybe they are blind or can't stand to take advice from others. Am i helping? probably not.
is your novel based in modern times? the conflict can be totally different if you're writing it in mid evil times for example. It takes me forever to find inspiration. i dont relly know how to help. im nor helping am i? good luck anyway.

Answer 4

What I do is solely write the tale first after which divide it up into chapters at average preventing features. As for protagonists, 5 - 6 most important ones is mostly sufficient so that every one has some thing predominant to do however you are no longer clogging up the tale with a wide variety of pointless characters. I generally tend toward movement with a few description-no longer sufficient to bore the reader, however sufficient to get a normal experience of atmosphere.

Answer 5

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGLJ,GGLJ:2006-41,GGLJ:en&q=writing+a+novel