How do I do planning when writing a book?

Question

I need some hints on how to plot out a book I want to write. I have my ideas and notes on paper but I need to organize them. Any hints? I also want to draw my characters but I can't draw well. Any manga arts books u can suggest to get that show step-by-step? I don't plan to make a manga but I want to see what my characters look like for reference. (no flames or haters plz)

Answer 1

It's not really manga specific, but you might try reading the book The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing a Graphic Novel (http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Idiots-Guide-Creating-Graphic/dp/1592572332/sr=1-1/qid=1164600881/ref=sr_1_1/102-9532857-6636966?ie=UTF8&s=books), which is about creating graphic novels. I've flipped through it at the book store and it looks pretty interesting. You might also try Alan Moore's Writing for comics (http://www.amazon.com/Alan-Moores-Writing-Comics-1/dp/1592910122/ref=pd_sim_b_3/102-9532857-6636966) for some writing tips. Alan Moore wrote some very popular comics, like V for Vendetta and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. A few other books on the subject of comics/manga writing and drawing include:

http://www.amazon.com/More-How-Draw-Manga-Character/dp/4766114825/sr=1-1/qid=1164601173/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-9532857-6636966?ie=UTF8&s=books
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Idiots-Guide-Drawing-Illustrated/dp/1592573355/sr=1-2/qid=1164601173/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/102-9532857-6636966?ie=UTF8&s=books
http://www.amazon.com/How-Draw-Manga-Ultimate-Lessons/dp/4766115244/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b/102-9532857-6636966
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060780940/ref=pd_cp_b_title/102-9532857-6636966
http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/syltguides/fullview/1S73HUM6U5TSN/ref=cm_sylt_dtpa_fvsy_cfa_2/102-9532857-6636966
http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Comics-Peter-David/dp/1581807309/sr=8-1/qid=1164601128/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-9532857-6636966?ie=UTF8&s=books
http://www.amazon.com/Making-Comics-Storytelling-Secrets-Graphic/dp/0060780940/ref=pd_sim_b_2/102-9532857-6636966

Answer 2

Basically, sketch out your plot line so you know where the story is going. It might change once you start writing, but give yourself something to deviate from.
Nice idea to draw your characters. I usually do a little bio for each of my characters, so as to keep them straight and not have their eyes change color half way through the book
I also use a cork board and pin stuff along the way -- for example, if one of my characters is going to take a trip somewhere, I have a map of that area, and a few tourist bureau brochures so I can refer to things that are at that place.
Good luck with it.

Answer 3

i enjoy writing too, and i know how comeplicated things can be, but if ur ever siting at home with nothing to do, u could try writing ur story a way u think u would like it, then, if u don't like it, u could just start over. i think manga is an awesome way to start off, i think that's awesome! and apparently we have alot in common, cuz i like manga and writing too! but anyways, write ur story creative, fun, and suspenceful! also, send me a message when u finished and i'll send u a message when i finesh mine! good luck! :)