HELP!! It's in my head, I just can't get it down on paper.?

Question

I have always had a desire to write a romance novel. I have the idea and storyline in my head and know the basic characters, I just can't seem to get it together and put it on paper, please does anyone have any idea how I can get started?

Answer 1

Yeah, I know what you mean, it's like they're all floating around in there, but you can't catch one. I mean an idea. :-P
Try doing a mind map, it dosen't matter if everything links up or not to begin with, if you can think of the characters and maybe some themes to start, it dosen't need to be in prose form, as long as it's on paper. Then try moving on a little from that and developing your characters, putting it into prose, than put down some ideas of a plot, then link these plot ideas to the characters and their personalities.....You get the idea.
I recommend that you don't try to sit down and just write the novel, because as you say, the ideas just refuse to flow. Don't push it, do some really simple things to start off with, like a mind map or talking to yourself about how you want it to go, or even just random words on a piece of paper, then linking them all up. When you get into it you won't be able to stop! Have fun, and please can you post a bit of it on Yahoo when you're finished as I'd love to read it!

Answer 2

How do you prefer to write? Computer or pen and paper?
Whichever it is, sit down and just start writing. It doesn't matter what you write, it can be pure garbage. Write!
The most difficult part of writing any book is applying your bottom to the seat of the chair!
We all do it.
Don't give in.
Say to yourself, I'm going to spend *** hours on Tuesday and Friday, (or whatever days you want), in writing. And just do it.
I think practically all writers have this problem. There's always something much more important than work.
You need to discipline yourself to sit and write for a certain time each week, whether what you get down is good or bad.
Remember" Bottom! Chair! The secret of successful writing.
All blessings, sweetie.
Drop me an email. Let me know what name you're going to write under. I'll look for you on the shelves.
Jon C

Answer 3

write down whats in your head, like an outline. start out by introducing each character individually then go into how they meet. remember that details will help the reader understand the scene you are trying to create for your characters. try reading a romance novel and see what other writers have done, if you havent already done it. good luck with the novel, if you need an option let me know.

Answer 4

Just start writing. I think that is the hard part. It doesn't have to be in order; you can expand and rearrange later. Also, keep a journal and pen handy for when you have inspiration or some time to yourself when away from home. Once you write a couple of sentences, the rest will follow.

Best of Luck!

Answer 5

Write some chunks down first - the best bits of the story. Link them together later. Get the best ideas down on paper, then worry about if they are good or not.

Answer 6

It seems that you could be experiencing a mental block. You thought up the story like you say....but when you want to put it on paper..you're not sure if it's going to sound ok and your mind goes blank and you dont know if you should continue. Perhaps you started a bit strong by inventing a three sided affair and the woman is trying to make her mind up of who she should choose. try and think of a simple affair like one man and one woman and then introduce a second man later on in your novel.

Answer 7

Hiya!

The best thing i can think of is to draw a spider diagram.

Put the name of the novel in the middle of a circle on a blank piece of paper

Then draw lines off of that circle to other circles and write out the names of the main sections of the book in each of the smaller circles.

Then draw lines off of the smaller circles and write doown the broad elements of each sections 'topic' or 'action'

This will give you a structuer that you can then 'pad out' section by section, rather than simply trying to writ from A to Z in one big literary line so to speak.

Answer 8

make an outline web. have the basic idea the main point. then put related things off of it and go on from there[ex. setting, climax, etc.]. then you have more detail to write from and you can write it down and have something to look back on. you can even have the character be part of the web and then have things come off of them for more detail about them ike their height, occupation, etc.

Answer 9

Start with an outline, then write it out in rough and basic paragraphs. Write it again with finer detail and keep going over it until you have added and deleted all that you want.

Answer 10

start with the outlines, then write what your heart tells you, just let it flow. I'm a writer too.