What's the best site to finding information on how to start a novel?

Question

I have an awesome idea for a movie! But the only way I think it can go somewhere is if I wrote it as a novel. I'm only a freshman in high school, do you think it's even possible to start writting and make it a novel that will go somewhere, like into movies for instance? Do you have any suggestions or sites with good information that will help me write?? If so, don't hesitate to write...Thank you so much!!!

Answer 1

I would recommend reading as many books as possible in the genres that you like to write, as well as about the craft of writing. When you are reading other fiction books, pay attention to how the authors structure their work.

Here are some of my favorites about writing:
1) "Writing Down The Bones" by Natalie Goldberg
2) "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott
3) "On Writing Well" by William Zinsser
4) "How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy" by Orson Scott Card
5) "On Writing" by Stephen King
6) "No Plot? No Problem!" by Chris Baty
7) "Eats, Shoots, and Leaves" by Lynne Truss
8) "The Elements of Style" by Strunk and White

Also, take a look at a few websites where authors gather. Some of them have very helpful articles and forums. Holly Lisle has a fantastic website that has articles on both the business and writing aspects, including an excellent article on worldbuilding that I highly suggest for any fantasy writer:
http://hollylisle.com/fm/

Forward Motion is a wonderful, helpful community:
http://www.fmwriters.com/

Absolute Write is one of my favorite author communities, with a vast pool of resources and helpful people:
http://www.absolutewrite.com

Write every single day. Set a target for yourself. For instance, my goal right now is to write 1,000 words a day. I get this done before I go on the internet, read, watch TV, or goof around. To begin, maybe set an easier goal for yourself-- try 250 words each day. Write in a journal as well, if you feel so inclined!

When you get ideas, find a way to record them as well. I have a spiral notebook that I keep just for that purpose. This way, when I want to begin a new project I can read through my notes and find just the right idea!

Also, never forget how important it is to edit and rewrite! When you finish a short story or novel, I suggest setting it aside for a month. Don't look at it or think about it (if you can help it). Work on another project. Once that time has passed, go back and read what you wrote. Try to be objective-- are there parts that need to be expanded? Cut out? Rewritten? How is the grammar and spelling? Editing could (and should) take more time than the original draft!

The ideas really have to come from within you. We can give you all the ideas in the world, but if you aren't passionate about it then the novel won't end up being any good IF you even finish it. Write about what you love. The rest will come!

Answer 2

I gave you some sites to look up. I started my first novel in 4th grade. Finished it for a class in 7th and still working it now and making a prequel. You can do it. I'm 18 turning 19 next month. Just work at it and keep editing it. Find people to read it but only in bits so that in case anyone tries to steal your idea, it happens. Focus on your story first and write the way you want it in your style. Then worry about movies and such. If you get it published or let alone finish your novel, then that's something alone to be proud of.
I suggest beginning something that will capture the audience's attention. A line, sentence, word, or phrase. Good luck!

Answer 3

The best thing to do is go to your bookstore and have the clerk show you the books on writing. Here you will find everything you need and, the good thing about this is, you will have something to use a yellow marker on to highlight items that both interest you and that your have questions about.

I just feel the web doesn't offer that and, by the way, your printer's ink cartridge is very expensive. if you're serious about writing, the book will pay for itself many times over. I have at least $300.00 dollars worth of books that are involved with writing. You don't need that many, but I do a lot of research in my work. My first novel Spook Rock took me six months to research and another year before it was finished and another six months before it was actually published.

Other folks here have given you good info, this is just my opinion on the matter.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

I know of a few sites that could be helpful. But the question is: Why haven't you started WRITING it yet?

If you have this idea, shouldn't you be plugging away by now? lol

While it is plausible that you want your book idea to become a movie someday, realistically the chances of that happening are very slim to none.

Hollywood is even MORE unforgiving than the publishing industry is.

Knowing what I know, you WOULDN'T want to get involved. It would be like having to meet Simon Cowell 300 times on American I'doh! over and getting the same ego-destroying one-liners which he is so famous for. :0)

Answer 5

I'm a freshman as well, but don't let anything hold you back if you enjoy doing it. Here are some sties that helped me as a starter, and even now I refer to them!

http://www.fictionfactor.com/characters.html - General, tons of advice on anything you may have trouble with while writing.

http://www.seventhsanctum.com/index-writ.php - Generators on random things.

http://www.thinkbabynames.com/ - Character name site. Believe me, these come in SO handy.

http://www.pgtc.com/~slmiller/writingterms.htm - Has some great tips there, as well as some terms and such.

Best of luck!

Answer 6

I'm writing one myself.

The most important thing that I've found is: to do an OUTLINE.

Also, Steven King's book ON WRITING has been very helpful.

Good luck. Write me privately if you want more info.