Can anyone offer practical advice on how to become a novelist?

Question

I'm just wondering if anyone has any practical advice to offer on becoming a writer, especially of novels (science fiction, fantasy, etc.).

Answer 1

I've often thought about writing my own novel. To be honest, I don't think you need to do an awful lot besides be a good writer, so long as you have the ability and the imagination. You're on the internet so I assume you have a computer. A programme like word is perfectly adequate for writing novels.

You're into fantasy, sci-fi, so you wouldn't need to do loads of research (although it would help a lot for certain sci-fi stories). Just try and think of something original. I think I would spend several weeks or months just brainstorming, i.e. jotting down random thoughts and ideas that I might think would make a good story.

After the brainstorming (when you have the basis of a good story) you should plan out the basic narrative of your novel - how it begins, how it ends, the characters etc before putting pen to proverbial paper.

You could try writing short stories first. They're easier to write and you could still get them published if they're good enough. Many of the best writers have done short story compilations.

Answer 2

Unless you are driven, with burning desire, to tell a story, you need to realize it is not for everyone. When they sat around camp fires, and listened to a story teller, chance told you that the story teller had a certain talent. The story teller drew from travel experience, life's stumble, and bolders thrown his way. The deeds he took a part in (good & bad ) and the curiousity, that had him skip a meal or two, to be in the right place at the right time. Now, not all of these were able to form the written sentence, and the rare exceptions that could, became authors, and took their rank in the page of history, that has still to be written. Go and do some living and gain experience, research novelist's great and less than great alike, because there were always critics out amongst the story tellers, and they had their warped oppinions, and tastes.

Answer 3

Write down what inspires you and when you do make sure you date it. In other words keep a writer's journal. It can also be your personal journal.

Take the inspiration for your writing from life itself. If you have one person or thing that permeates the very basis of your writing then write about that in as many genres.

I would also see if you have any poetry and see if it can be legnthened into a novel or at least an epic poem. Epic poetry can be considered as literature look at "The Oddessy" and "The Illiad" by Homer. They are epic poetry and are considered to be novels in some English classes today.

Answer 4

It takes a lot of work. I"m working on a novel now, but it's more then just writing words. You also have to create a name for yourself. Get stuff you've written in magazines and contests, get your name out there. That way, when you do try to publish, you have some standing.

Research your material, but don't lord your knowledge over your reader or assume your reader is too dumb to understand what you write. Show more then tell. There are several wonderful research books out there. Use them.

Good luck.

Answer 5

there are several books out there to help you format your thoughts and get you focus on the objective of your story. Such as the guide to good writing by randon house. Also there are books that help outline and formulate your story in a step by step fashion.

Answer 6

I don't know if this is what you are looking for, but this is an e-book by Holly Lisle - a woman who quit her day job and supports herself and her family by writing novels. It has some great food for thought - even if you're not interested in doing it as a full-time career.

http://www.envisionsoftware.biz/hollylisle/muse2-new.pdf

Answer 7

I think whatever in life it always takes 99% persirations and only 1% inspirations. But I know if you seek long enough and watch "The Secret", it will guide you well!

Hope it helps.

Regards,

Alvin Titus

Director, author
Quachee Enterprise

http://www.batikinspirations.com
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http://www.freewebs.com/quachee/...
http://www.quachee.com/


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Answer 8

Stick to your story!!! That doesn't mean don't be descriptive, but I've already read books where they take no less than eight paragraphs to describe the sun! I hate that.

Answer 9

Read a lot, write a lot, and never ever give up trying. Persistance is everything.

Good luck

Answer 10

The best place to start would be to make sure you're able to compose a complete (and correct) sentence.