How do I start writing my book?

Question

I've started several books, but seem to get stumped in where to take them, if they go anywhere at all. I love establishing the setting and setting the scene, it's in taking the reader somewhere that makes sense and actually finishing the story where I get lost. Any advice would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Know the ending.

If you know how your story will end, then you can plot your way through the story. Without knowing how the story ends, you'll be just writing in circles with no real direction.

It's like taking a drive, but not knowing where to go. You could drive forever and not reach a destination. Once you know you want to go to the mall, then you will start heading that way. Even if you come across road-blocks, bridges or need to do u-turns in your story. If you know the ending, you'll still be able to get there.

Answer 2

Depends on what kind of book it is.

If it's a fairy tale, you could try, "Once upon a time".

If it's a mystery, "It was a dark and stormy night."

Seriously, the best way to write is to... write.

You will probably start out writing crap. That's okay. Eventually, you'll get into a rhythym and things will smooth out (assuming you have any talent). When you are done with a chunk of your book (say, 2-3 chapters) you can go back and look at how truly horrible the first chapter is... and fix it.

This has never been more easy than today. Imagine the labor of fixing something that's type-written as opposed to word-processed!

Depending on what you're writing, you might want to start out with an outline - just put a one or two sentence description next to each bullet item, with each bullet standing for a chapter.

When you get done, go back and tear it all apart and make all those changes you thought of AFTER you wrote the text!

Answer 3

WHat you are having difficulty with is the climax. The peak of hte story. Everything you have written is building up to this moment.SOme people write the end of the book first. That will be your exercise ro build your abilities.
Think of something interesting that has happened to you or a neighbour. and write about it. a story about some thing going very wrong and then fixing it or getting away with it or an achievement that was accomplished.

Answer 4

My advice and what I have done with a couple of my short novels is I envision myself as the character. Just lay down on your bed and let your mind wonder. Don't be afraid to get into it either. If you feel like jumping around like you are imitating tarzan then do it. But keep a notebook or paper handy and jot down ideas as they come up, however once you get an idea don't rush over to your computer and write that small part and think about the net part for hours, just go with letting your mind wonder until you near the finish of your story. I have done it a couple times and people love my short novels.

Answer 5

properly first you're able to have an concept, a sort of writing (or voice), and lots to bypass on. in case you study alot, you are able to in all hazard discover out which variety of voice you decide directly to study, and hazard is you will write with a matching form. in case you have a undeniable concept approximately one area on your head, merely write that area, and bypass from there. this would help you build your tale. Writing a e book takes an prolonged time, and getting revealed is amazingly confusing. do no longer think of you would be completed each time quickly. merely prepare writing and start up everywhere you have an concept. solid luck!

Answer 6

Sounds like starting isn't the problem. It's the continuing. Why do you want to write that book? Where do you want to take it? What do you want to say to the reader? Why does it need to be book length?

Sounds like you might be better off writing short stories until you get the inspiration to answer those questions.

Answer 7

I think what you really want to know is 'how do i give my book a plot?'. I have the same problem... It's really hard because sometimes i just start writing, and i want it to go somwhere... but i just can't think of the plot! But to start a book you just need to think it out carefully and know the characters and plot... either that or just start writing and keep the problems ;) !

Answer 8

Take a writing class at the Community College in your city. Many of them offer fiction and non-fiction, writing courses.

Answer 9

Planning Stacy C.

Before you start you need to think about your plot, decide and delineate your main characters, think about the themes of your book.

I find it is useful for me to write a 1000 word synopsis on my book. That then forms the basis of what I am going to write when I get down to it.

Answer 10

just do it. plan ahead. sit on it. give yourself time to develop the story in your head. have people read your writing and get ther comments/constructive criticism. just do it!! even if youre having trouble, practice makes perfect.