I want to write a book but i'm new to writing and i was wondering if someone could tell me how to start out?

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

As someone stated in an earlier answer, if you're new to writing, you may not want to jump into writing a book--maybe something smaller--like a short story. But I suggest that whether you write a novel or a short story use this method (it helps, I think):

Write down all your ideas for the plot, the characters, and setting of your story and keep them in a folder or file of some sort. Oh, and keep lots of paper handy. See, as you go along, your ideas are really going to change a lot. Then, of course, there'll be times when you won't get to work on your plans much. If you don't have them written down, you'll forget and any good ideas will be lost.
So this is just the starting point of writing. Then of course there's rough drafting which is really the skeleton process of you writing the novel or whatever you're working on. Once the rough draft is complete, read it, edit it and then that's when you really start fleshing out your work. It takes time, but if you really want to do it, it's all worth it.

Answer 3

The first start is to asses if you are the right person to write a book. If you just want to write book, you'll go no where.

Once you're past that, get a concept. If you already had one, you can go ahead and skip the first step.

Next, visuallize your world, this is critical.

The final step is to sit in front of a blank page and let the words form.

From then on, everything will come naturally, until you get writers block that is.

Answer 4

Write what you are passionate about, what you know about, and experiences you can relate to. Also research the genre you want to work in. Myself, I would love to write SF fantasy but I'm working on a fantasy themed romance because it is much much easier to get into the romance genre than some others.

For a first book don't do anything to complex, you might want to think of it as an exercise in writing. Watch your grammar and word usage and research research research, your facts should be on the ball.

Answer 5

Well figure out genre, plot, ideas, themes, motifs and then get cracking. It helps to have a general idea what you want to set out and write first.

It also helps to have heaps of committment. I've started about seven, eight books, and about the furthest I got into any of them was 30 pages. Still, each one got better than the last, which isn't really saying much, and I suppose I'll work my way up to my magnum opus. :D

Answer 6

You might want to try spending a little while writting articles or short stories before you jump into a book. That's kind of like learning to drive before you can walk.

Answer 7

come up with some idea and no matter how u feel about it just keep writing so that u can at least say u finished writing a book.then ask someone to read it so that you can get some feedback on it.

Answer 8

what do you mean how to start out? as in how to get ready to write? or do you actually want us to give you the first sentence?

Answer 9

well first of all do not start it out withIT WAS A DARK AND STORMY NIGHT.think of a place in your story where the people are doing something like having a drink or dinner and go from there.

Answer 10

If you are truly inspired, just plunk yourself down and WRITE. the editing will come later.