I have all kinds of stories I have thought up, but do not think I 'm ready to write a novel. What can I do?

Question

Over the last couple years I have thought up some pretty good foundations for stories. The only problem is I have no experience on writing and once I get to a dead spot I just stop. Not to mention my grammar might not be up to par.
What are some good steps to good writing? Any good college courses that can help?

Answer 1

A basic fiction or creative writing class at a community college might help. Also, you need to start writing. Many writers will tell you that they hardest thing they have ever done is write their first book. Sometimes writers will take years getting the first book written. There is often a natural resistance that has to be overcome as well as walls that you occasionally run into. So, if you aren't ready to write a novel, write short stories. Start writing, put words down, it doesn't matter how they first come out because you will rework them over and over, but get words down. You will probably gain momentum once you start the process, but there is no true method for any given writer, except to start.

Answer 2

First off, put your ideas down on paper...even if it's the back of a subway napkin....I can't tell you the number of times I've had a good idea that I've lost in a "brain flush" because I didn't write them down.

Try taking some composition or writing classes at a community college, or even online (like the University of Phoenix). I found that I became a much better writer by getting tips and advice from other writers and professors.

Always be open to constructive criticism. It may feel a bit unnerving at first to have another person scrutinize your hard work, but keep in mind that if you want to be published, your words are going to be out in the world for everyone to read...so getting other people's opinions isn't such a bad thing. Perhaps they'll see something you didn't.

Most of all, keep writing...every day...even if it's not that good (you can always fix it later). The more you write, the better your grammar will become. Have your mom, wife, sis (or someone you trust to be objective) read some of your work. My father and I trade chapters all the time....he butchered mine with a red pen, but I'm glad he did...I had a lot of fixable "mistakes" that I didn't notice as my fingers were flying over the keyboard.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Do a book of short stories. Stephen King has written tons of short stories and then occassionally would go back and use one to be the basis of a novel. In other words develop a short story into a longer story with more details. He wrote a book entitled "On Writing" where he gives advise to those who would like to become authors. It's a really helpful and interesting book. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Absolutely! Most college courses offer creative writing courses of some kind. Many offer them online as well, which allows you to study at hom, at your own pace. A word of caution, ensure you choose an accredited school, avoid private business with names like "Career Institutes." Also, check with your local library, sometimes they offer workshops on creative writing. And many cities now have alternative education centres which offer courses at the high school level. I went to one of these and took several creative writing courses that were genre-specific (science fiction, English literature, and poetry, for example). They will also have English courses that look at grammar and sentence structure. The courses at the senior levels are fariyl challenging, and you would be studying with many other adults. Any lifelong learning looks awesome on a resumé as well :o) Cheers!

Answer 5

First and foremost, write down the ideas/storylines and keep them all together in a notebook for now. When you feel comfortable with your writing abilities, then you can develop them. As for courses, check with a community college near you. Often there are writing courses available. I believe that is your best bet.

Answer 6

the best-selling book (and now movie) Eragon was written by a teenager. Your short story or novel will never feel perfect to you, but the best thing is to get something out there that has a beginning middle and end and let some people you respect read it.

Answer 7

practice practice practice! keep writing short stories if you are determined enough you will finally be able to write a novel.
P.S.
Bad grammar is what spell check and all of that stuff is for.

Answer 8

What you are experiencing is self-doubt.
Every writer worth his or her salt suffers this.
The more you write, the more confident you will become, and the doubts slowly melt away.
Keep going.

Answer 9

read some books that are the same genre of the novel you want to write. take ideas and morph them into your own. =)

Answer 10

just write then go back & edit.