What do you need to write a novel?

Question

I want to write an adventure/mystery story about the Bermuda triangle and sea monsters. After reading so many of Michael Crichton's books it inspired me to try and write a story. Only I dont know how... help me?

Answer 1

Writing a novel is a huge task. Think about what it probably took Crichton to write all the novels he did. It takes a lot of research(sometimes years), know-how, vast amounts of time, and tremendous perseverance. Michael Crichton is a very good author and he has been doing it for years. I suggest you begin writing by tackling something much smaller than a novel. A short essay for starters. Again, writing a novel is very time consuming and a lot of very hard work. You would need to first outline your entire book before you ever began writing it. You would have to develop your characters (or at least your main one) before you ever started Chapter One. Start simple. An essay or two, or three or more. Then perhaps some shorts stories. Then an article or two, or hundreds. What I am saying here is that Crichton did not sit down one day and just start writing. He prepared. He researched. He outlined. He wrote, He revised. And you must read constantly and everything that you are able to, as that will help immensely with your writing. Your peers will tell you to just write something. That is really not going to help you. No one here has ever had a novel published (I mean one with a real publisher like the best-selling Crichton). I have discovered that many go to the on line, pay for your book to be published websites, but that isn't real publishing and they take everyone' work - no matter how bad - as long as they are willing to pay the money. If you want to be a real writer and have some fun along the way, start very small and work up from there.

Answer 2

I love this question! 1) Characters Problem: Unbelievable, Mary-Sue characters that are the basic hero/heroine with maybe a love interest and special ability. Yawwwn! Solution: You need to practice good forms of character development. Separate your character from the rest. Maybe instead of a vampire, your main character was only half-bitten and has an irrational fear of the dark. 2) Plot Problem: You have a basic idea of where your novel is heading but it is like the map has a big drink spill across it. Solution: Map it out. If you're like me, you hate drafts, editing, and things of that sort. Sometimes just sitting down and writing the basic outline of your story is helpful. Jane is a loser > She gets superpowers > She saves the city > Her best friend proposes to her > Best friend is kidnapped > Jane saves the day (again) 3) Writing Problem: You've just written a good paragraph...you think? Solution: Follow the order of operations. You can't have Billy gasp, open the door and see the killer. He needs to open the door, see the killer and then gasp. It may be hard writing like this and the other way around might actually seem better but in the long run it builds much more suspense. 4) Writer's Block Problem: You've tried everything; listening to music, taking a break, ect. What now? Solution: There are a few to this: 1. Join a SAFE online writing group that is backed by lots of research and reliability or get someone you know to read your story and give input. Sometimes a fresh set of eyes works wonders. It got me out of two months of writer's block. 2. Develop a writing schedule. Write in the same place at the same time everyday. After that time STOP. You will get used to this and it shows in your writing. Good luck! I hope I helped this is all of my own information and experiences.

Answer 3

I've never written a novel, but I bet i is muh like writing a research paper...only on a much larger scale. In fact, it may take years. Start by writing own all of the ideas you have in your head...that is the hardest part becasue they don't always transfer to paper well. Then you can do a rough outline and starting putting everything in order to make sense...then fill in the blanks...keep making it better and better each time and by the 100th rewrite you will have a rough manuscript...the hard part will be getting it to the attention of a publisher...they will help with grammar, spelling, inconcsistencies, etc...good luck and I hope you read your story some day.

Answer 4

There are some helpful books to help you at the book store. One that I found was, If You Can Talk, You Can Write. It says just sit down and start talking with your pen or typewriter and let your imagination run. I have to write an outline first and then pick out names for my Characters. I use Baby Name books. Also I have to research time eras, street names and other stuff as well.

Answer 5

Pen and paper. A computer and Word for Windows are even better. Don't wait! Start it right now before it seals your imagination. And remember, writing is re-writing.

Answer 6

to write a novel you need to find a simple story.
look up newspapers and find a story about a man who died in a strange way.
start wondering why.
create a family for the dead man, a group of friends, some memories, travels, skills.
write it down until he becomes real
then kill him again

Answer 7

Do your research, then pick up a pencil...or just start typing. If you can take a class on writing it may help you get started. Have fun with it.

Answer 8

imagination and start writing

Answer 9

you need

perception ,faith understanding and reason ( plato)

material cause, formal cause , actuality . and final cause ( aristolte