How to start writing a book?

Question

I've been drawing places and building a fantasy worlf for about 5 years now, and I think it's time to get writing. I want to turn this into a trilogy of books, but am having a problem starting. any pointers on how to get the ball rolling would be helpful.

Answer 1

Go with the stream of conciousness approach - just write. Put the pen to paper or fingers to keys and be off. Let your mind take you to that fantasy land in which you are so familiar. You have been illustrating it for five years. You will find yourself lulled to write if you just start. DO NOT EDIT OR THINK THINGS THROUGH. Your first draft will probably seem a little crude at first, because that happens while writing whatever first pops into your mind. Yet, you may also be pleasantly surprised how your novel(s) turn out by just writing the stream of conciousness style. When you have a book or however you want to break it down, then go back and edit, tweak, and add. This is just one way, but it may really work for you. Good luck in your endevours!

Answer 2

I think that the best way to get going is to jot down the basic things that you want to happen in the story, and then use your imagination to link them together and put them in order. Be creative, and think about maybe begining with a tactic like foreshadowing, or something. Once you have an idea about where you want to start, then dive in! And just remember,you can always change things, because when you write- you are god:) there should be no pressure to just get it all on paper and work it out. I write poetry and some shorts stories, and I have looked at some of the pages of notes and mess ups and scribbles, and its kind of funny- but it helps me broaden my horizons. Oooh, another key thing for me is keeping a thesaurus handy- its amazing how much will open up when you incororate new words. Good luck and have fun!

Oh, and I just read Bob D's posting, and he is sooo right about the importance of character development

Answer 3

My friend, I have been doing the same thing. My best advice. Just write. Sit down with a pen/pencil and paper or at your computer and write. If you do not have a story line, setting, and main characters set up yet, think that out first.

I personally write Contemporary Fantasy and use thos eI know best as my insiration. Things they say, their trials in life, the way a big body builder friend freaks out about a tiny spider. An basic outline i use for character looks something like this:

Name:
Baisc personality:
Quirk(s):
History:
Role:
Importance of Back story:
Favorite (insert food, game, ect):

I have also gone as far as to include grades in highschool, taste in music, movies, ect. With places I like to use something like this:

Name:
Role:
Government:
Economy:
Temperment of citizens:
Key figures:
Characters of special not:

This can work for a world to a village. Just adjust it to your needs. I like outlines, even though I only follow them about 20-40% it gives me a good starting place.

Also hit a borders, BnN, or such and they have some great books to help you get started. Best of luck!

Answer 4

Go to the reference section of the bookstore...look for books that will help get you started. Some ones I found helpful...

Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy by Orsan Scott Card
Gotham Writer's Workshop
any books on development of character

Also...The Screenwriter's Workbook by Syd Field gives you some excellent exercises on the development of character that will help you in any form of creative writing.

Also...since you will be writing something I'm assuming is scifi/fantasy...I would go to the mythology section and get a couple books by Joseph Campbell. "The Power of Myth", "A Hero's Journey". "Hero with a 1000 faces". And I would just do basic research on mythology in general. That is where the ideals of this genre originate from. Look at Star Wars and Harry Potter...so much of those books comes from Ancient and Medivial history and mythology. More than many people realize.

I am a creative writing major in college...a senior by this time next week...and in my opinion...fantasy and science fiction are the hardest genres to write for. They are both weaved and seeped in so much history, science and mythology, that the author needs to know his characters better than anyother type of writer. ..


Oh...and I would start buying The Writer's Magazine every month...you can get it at Barnes and Noble and Borders...incredibly helpful for an aspiring writer.

Answer 5

I always start with character sketches--what the person looks like, how old he/she is, where they live, etc.--and write it in a separate book or notebook for future reference in case I forget something. Then just put pen to paper--or finger to keyboard if typing first (I usually do it in ink first in case I want to change something later and don't want to retype half the book just for a few sentences)--and let the words flow. You might try writing contests like those through Writer's Digest first to see what the "big wigs" think of your ideas. With them, there is a word count limit for short stories (think it was 4,000 words--about 3,815 fits on 12 double-spaced pages and 3,990 on 13 pages). Believe it or not, I had 2 story beginnings come to me in dreams and I had to get up in the middle of the night to write them down so I wouldn't forget the details the next day. Also, if you create a language of your own for the characters to use (like KLINGON, on "Star Trek" movies), keep track of what word means what. I've heard of books on the market that will show you how to create an "alien language" and make it sound normal.

Answer 6

properly first you are able to desire to have an concept, a sort of writing (or voice), and lots to pass on. in case you study alot, you are able to likely locate out which type of voice you elect for to study, and probability is you will write with an analogous type. in case you have a undeniable concept approximately one section on your head, only write that section, and pass from there. this could help you build your tale. Writing a e book takes a protracted time, and getting revealed is rather confusing. do no longer think of you would be finished every time quickly. only prepare writing and initiate off everywhere you have an concept. solid success!

Answer 7

You know DJF it isn't the starting that is so difficult it is the keeping going! I have files and files of 'the perfect novel' but I've never been game to try a publisher. My grammar lets me down badly. Oh, I have the ideas but hell it is hard convincing someone to actually say "WoW! What a great book this would make!" Good luck. I really mean that.

Answer 8

OK, figure out who your characters are, the good guys and the bad ones. Give these characters a detailed identity, define their physical characteristics and their individual nature. keep a notebook on your characters with maybe pictures of each, along with descriptions. Then figure out what you want your characters to accomplish in your story. Draw up a short outline, create an opening setting, and get writing.

Answer 9

Find the conflict in your world and start writing a scene about it. Be prepared to change your world as needed, especially if it lacks conflict.

Answer 10

it all started....
seems as good a first line as any.