How do you write a book?

Answer 1

Honestly, I just get a basic idea of what I want to write and who my characters are then I start writing. Often, I try not to over think things, because tons of new ideas come to me as I write.

I think a person that is an author-at-heart can just pick up a pencil or sit at the computer and just write. Some people have a real talent for having story flow and making up great characters without needing to "learn" how to do it.

Other people need to sit down and make out drafts and write down all of their ideas, think things through...and often you can tell that it isn't as "natural" a talent in these cases, these are people that learn the trade and write what they learn, rather than what comes as a second nature talent to them.

Neither way is bad, but I can usually pick out the people that have a natural gift, and the people that have honed their skills from creative writing classes and books. It's sort of like music, some people have a natural "ear" for it and can pick it up easily and some practice for years to get where they are.

Answer 2

It's very difficult. Many here will tell you that you gather your thoughts, use your imagination, just begin writing, and all that stuff. It's so much more complex than all of those things. Writing a book takes time, dedication, hard work, a total and complete knowledge about not only your characters and plot, but the mechanics of writing. It takes knowing that you don't just sit down one day and write a real book, you read voraciously, write hundreds if not thousands of short stories, hundreds of articles and essays, etc., before you ever think of tackling a real book. Many here will tell you they have written a number of books. These are teens who often send their "books" to these on line publishing sites and they will publish anything for a fee. I have recently discovered this. This isn't real publishing, and their work is so bad (most of it) that it isn't worth reading. Photocopying your work and putting it into "books" isn't real publishing either. There is a huge difference between publishing and printing (that is what the teen set is doing, having their books printed). That isn't real publishing and it isn't real writing. Start small, Try and write an essay, or two, or hundreds. Then short stories. Then articles. Then more of all of those. And if you find you are having fun, then try and for the book.

Answer 3

I think it depends on what your writing. (Drama, Comedy, Horror, etc..) From the books I have read, they are more detailed, as far as scenery, character, and described to make the reader indulge into his/her mind, meaning from the words alone, they can see your "Story." It's tricky though. I tried to write a book a long time ago, but it took a different direction, which in case, suits my writing style. Oh, ans RESEARCH is critical. Don't guess, or just assume something, because nowadays you can find it here. (Internet.) Good luck writing if you do!

Answer 4

Okay, well, first you'll want to come up with an idea. Once you have even the tiniest hint of what you want to do, write it out. I suggest keeping a notebook with you so that every time you get an idea, you can quickly jot it down, no matter where you are. You can get inspiration from anywhere,whether it's a name of your character or a place. Even if you don't have an idea at first, just write down random things that you're thinking, maybe you'll get one! Once you have your idea, organize it on the computer, or with post- its. Then....start writing! For a more detailed explanation, feel free to e- mail me at [e-mail]

Answer 5

First you need a main idea. Then get a plot or problem. Gather up some characters. Show how they live and get to the point where the problem comes in. You also need to show some background of what is happening to the characters, what they are they going, you know stuff like that. Then you need to find a solution to the problem. Make all of this into the beginning,middle , and end.

Answer 6

First, you have to have a general idea of what you want to do. Once you have that idea, you have the beginning to your story. Name and develop your characters, develop their personalities, and know them as if they were real. Then, just write. Don't worry about how it sounds the first time through; you can fix it later. For now, just tell the story, then go back and edit when you're finished.

Answer 7

The other answers are good, and I would also recommend reading John Gardner's The Art of Fiction. Also, taking some workshops in your area and meeting other writers will help. Most of all read, read, read. Like any other skill or art, there are some basics you ignore at your own peril, like basics of characterization and plot. Also, American readers want more psyche explanations, whereas British readers are okay with the occasional unexplained trait or plot twist.

Answer 8

You sit down wit some paper and a pencil or in front of a computer
and start writing.

Then you have some one you respect and who respects you read
it and tell you if they like it or not. That is the only question you ask.

Works for me.

Answer 9

gather your thoughts and ideas
put them into a web
dreams might help dude
get paper and pencils!
draw it out!
sketch
write a "thesis statement "
a main idea!!!
visualized
gather ideas from people places or things