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7 answers

Start here:

http://www.bookwritinghelp.com/

For more free information, simply go to google.com and type in: how to write a book.

2007-06-07 09:36:47 · answer #1 · answered by Beach Saint 7 · 0 0

Come up with characters first. Don't just give them superficial details and call that character development. Who are they really? Where do they come from? What made them who they are? What are their strengths and weaknesses?

If you have a couple characters that are well-rounded, realistic, and interesting then a story will flow from them! There is nothing I hate more than reading a book and having the characters make a decision that is completely against their nature. It makes it seem like the author contrived the whole plot and then just stuck random people in there. The decisions have to seem natural! If someone is left wondering "why would they do that?!" then you probably have just lost another reader.

As for titles, do that last. Write the entire story, then choose a fitting title. If you are writing for possible publication, don't get too attached. Most publishing houses will change it later anyway.

While you are at it, read as much as you can. Read books in the genres you want to write and study them closely. Find out how the author does what he or she does, how the book is structured, and how the characters are developed. Also, there are many terrific books about writing. Here are some of my favorites (your local library should have most of them):
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:
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

Happy writing!

2007-06-07 16:43:44 · answer #2 · answered by Obi_San 6 · 0 0

These are my favorite books on writing that you can read at your local library or bookstore:

* Writing Successful Self-Help and How-To Books by Jean Marie Stine
* The Complete Handbook of Novel Writing by Meg Leder
* The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing a Novel
* How I Write by Janet Evanovich
* Anybody Can Write by Roberta Jean Bryant

2007-06-11 15:48:25 · answer #3 · answered by KimberlyDawnWells 2 · 0 0

Obviously, the first thing you need to do is to begin reading every book you can get your hands on. 2. Take writing classes from a local university, college, or tech school. And #3. Read "ON WRITING", by Stephen King. Yes, THAT Stephen King.
Every writer, who does it for a living, reads constantly.
DO NOT attend a writer's workshop. All they will do is confuse the issue. Don't even attempt to ask for feedback until you're deeply on your way. College instructors will give you direction. Learn from their direction. You may actually need it, someday. Surround yourself with people who see your attempts at writing as a positive thing in your life. Oh, and...
Read. Have I mentioned that?
Good luck.

2007-06-07 16:43:36 · answer #4 · answered by Dopey 1 · 1 0

i went to google and found some pretty good sites to look at.

2007-06-07 16:42:16 · answer #5 · answered by Socastee_Angel 2 · 0 0

http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com

you migh find that useful

2007-06-07 16:35:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

about.com

2007-06-07 16:38:27 · answer #7 · answered by Linds 7 · 0 0

fedest.com, questions and answers