I'm writing a fantasy novel, so far about half a chapter or so, about 3000 words so far.
I'm using the present tense. Will this cause any problems or are there any difficulties in using the present tense over the past tense? Is it advisable to go straight into the action and then introduce the concept in chapter two or should it be done at the start?
Approximately how many words should a chapter be and how many words should your first book be? Also general tips on writing a fantasy novel is always appreciated. Thank you very much
2007-01-26 05:35:52 · 9 answers · asked by Oz 4 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
not fantasy as in sex, fantasy as in imagination!
2007-01-26 05:41:40 · update #1
You can try present tense, though it's not common, and you have to be *very* careful to not slip into past tense.
As for the concept and the action, it's up to you.
A chapter can be however long you think it needs to be, and the book can be however long it needs to be.
The biggest tip I can give you about writing a book is to have people read it after the rough copy is done, and take whatever constructive critism they give you. You don't have to take everything they say, but do keep an open mind. Even the very best writers need help and will write various drafts before the final one. And definitely have someone who can do spelling and grammar checks for you.
Also realize that getting published is *very* hard, and you will not make a lot of money from it if you do. And if you want to self publish, it'll be very expensive.
Good luck.
2007-01-26 05:48:37 · answer #1 · answered by alimagmel 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, Oz, I'm not sure I understand how you can have half a chapter that is 3000 words. That's a long half of chapter. Generally, all your information can be found on the internet somewhere. Try looking up different publishers and writing sites. I tend to write my stories in past tense and although it has it's own problems, I don't think I would want to try present tense. It would, however, be very descriptive, I would think. Also, as far as for a first book, it can be as long or as a short as it needs to be to tell the story. That being said, most publishers will have posted somewhere on their website the word count they're looking for.
2007-01-26 05:45:36 · answer #2 · answered by megan nichole 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you've not done much writing, try to write a short story or a novella first, before embarking on something as ambitious as a novel. All writers tend to do some form of planning, you might want to create your own fantasy world with its own creatures and landscapes, or set it in present day or historical, in the future or an alien planet. Sketch out some interesting characters, maybe borrow things common to mythology and fairy tale like Dragons and Magic, and think of some exciting or interesting things that can happen to them. With fantasy a common theme is to start in the normal world, introduce a move or a change, such as Harry Potter being invited to Hogwarts, or the children in the lion witch and wardrobe and five children and it, going to live in a house in the country. With the change, you introduce the fantasy element, such as when lucy discovers narnia in the wardrobe. The protagonists will then undergo some sort of emotional or personal change through adventures in the fantasy world and become stronger, and then leave the fantasy world understanding more about themselves. I used this theme in one of my early novella. Sleep Runners (Link Below)
2016-03-29 03:41:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel that the tense that you use should depend on what you're trying to accomplish. However, be careful not to drift back and forth in such a way that you lose the reader. However, unless you're showing the character having a flashback or a memory or what have you, its generally easier to follow a book written in the present tense.
Just try to keep your readers in mind and don't make this thing a chore to read and puzzle out. Best of luck!
2007-01-26 06:24:14 · answer #4 · answered by Ann Marie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The first chapter has to hook the reader.
Avoid making up words that cannot be pronounced!!!!
If you haven't published before, try going through a science fiction/fantasy magazine (Steven King started this way).
Make your chapterreadable in a short period of time.
Be original ...too many copycats out there doing "Harry Potter", "Eragon" or Lord of the rings" BS
2007-01-26 05:48:16 · answer #5 · answered by The Cheminator 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry about what you think there should be for page numbers or word numbers or anything else like that. That is just forcing the writing to come out of you, and forced writing is often bad writing. Just go with the flow of it; it will be what it will be. If you want to make it longer once you are done, that's what re-writing is for! I tried to worry about this in my writing once and it doesn't work. What works for you works for you, and maybe no one else. Every writer does things differently. Good luck on yours!
2007-01-26 07:42:29 · answer #6 · answered by Rainsfriend 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The best advice given to me by a collage professor was: "Read you stories out loud!". Try it - you will automatically stumble at places that need revision…
2007-01-26 05:45:14 · answer #7 · answered by Ralph 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First you should know everyone's way of writing is different.
But what I go by is if I go back and read it,Does it work for you.
If it does then it is good.
2007-01-26 05:42:13 · answer #8 · answered by Dragon Goddess 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
lots of sex
2007-01-26 05:40:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 5⤋