What's the best way to write a novel?

Question

Is it supposed to be spontaneous or is there some sort of structure to it?Please tell me,as I have a £1-million book inside of me and it needs to come out!

Answer 1

some people have a rough outline . . and structure ..

others discover the story along with the characters as they write it . .

some people set aside a few hours everyday and write at the same time each day . .others work whenever they feel like it . .

the trick is to discover which writing process works best for you.

Answer 2

For most first time writers it's spontaneous. If you are able to put together a draft that someone is willing to sit through, you then have an editor read it and they will often tell you where you need more structure. Over time it will come more naturally.

And remember you are almost never picked up after just one novel. Keep writing and keep submitting eventually someone will notice you.

Answer 3

There are no set rules -- writers all have different ways of working. Anyone who tells you differently has no idea what they're talking about. Try reading something like _Writing Down the Bones_ by Natalie Goldberg.

Your ideas may be big money, but chances are your writing isn't yet. So write, write and write. Write about anything and everything. Practice for years. Join a writing group, they're way better than friends because they understand better what works in writing. Oh, and humility usually helps too.

If you don't want to work that hard, find another way to earn your quid. Writing is one of the *lowest* paid professions for the time spent.

Answer 4

You should check out http://www.absolutewrite.com/

It is a writing community that provides informative articles, helpful tips, and an active forum where your questions are answered by experienced writers. On occasion, they have guest authors, agents, and publishers who will answer member questions for a set period of time (usually a week). For the articles on writing novels, at the top of the screen, click Take me to: Novels.

The message boards cover just about any topic you can conceive of. They also have a password protected critique board where you can post a sample of your work and receive helpful feedback. Here is the link to the forums: http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/

Also, try to keep your expectations realistic. As a new author, with no fan base, it would be rare for your to earn those kind of figures with a debut novel. Good luck!

Answer 5

Write down a list of possible ideas.
Select a setting or several.
Write a character list and do character sketches of the main ones.
Write a backstory.
Write a plot outline.
Answer the who, what, where, when, why, and how questions for plot summary.
Set your scenes.....
Write 2-3 pages a day, your book will work itself out.
Submit a synopsis and a few sample chapters to several publishers.

Answer 6

First of all plan!.
Then you need to have a beginning, a middle and an end.
Have a go at writing character profiles so you can create real life people.
Don't change your mind and stick with your plot.
Once you have done a draft, ask your friends to read it and get an honest, upfront opinion from them.
Don't waste your time on thinking!...get into it straight away.!
and above all, switch off the computer!!!.

Answer 7

Many have the potential, but the ability comes with a lot of hard work and soul-searching. Whatever many people write they are loathe to change and yet when you think you've finished your book all you will have done is to have finished another draught. You need feedback and honest friends, but some people don't like offending. You need to practise as much as you can, but on ly when you can. GOOD LUCK!!!!! (it helps to be famous)

Answer 8

Just start at the beginning, and write whatever comes into your head, even if it is rubbish. You can then read over it in stages and change ideas, even though it goes in a different direction.
If you get stuck, leave it for a couple of weeks and read over again and you will spot any changes to be made.
I expect a signed copy!

Answer 9

If it's that good I'd get a hypnotist with the help of some truth serum to extricate that $3 million out of you - saves you having to write the novel.

Answer 10

it's nice to be that confident. i think how most people do it, they have a structure, and they know the characters, and what their personality is like, and their history, before they start writing the actual book. so i guess first you need to find a plot, characters, and their personalities and past, and then you start writing dialogues etc