How do you write a story?

Question

Ok i want to begin to write a story novel whatever but its just too hard i dont want people explaining because i will get too confused please just tell me a website that may help me thanks

Answer 1

Here's a few sites to get you started

http://www.amateur-writing.com/
http://fictionwriting.about.com/
http://www.writing.com/
http://www.write101.com/shortstory.htm
http://www.newnovelist.com/
http://www.literature-study-online.com/creativewriting/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/getwriting/
http://www.oneofus.co.uk/
http://www.greatwriting.co.uk/

Answer 2

I'm not explaining how to do it because you asked us not to, and I don't want to confuse you. However, take it from me, the first thing you will need to do is improve your grammer and then take a serious look at your punctuation. You will need to know where to place commas etc.

I suggest that you don't look for a website in this case. Whilst the internet is an amazing place, it would be much better for you to get a real book on the subject. Your nearest bookstore will have numerous and you must find one that suits your needs. You will also need a good dictionary and thesaurus.

So to answer your question, it would be better to find a good reference book on the subject rather then a website. Read the book because it will be well written and grammatically correct, whereas a website may not be. Also, as you go, underline in pencil all the things that you find of interest and want to remember. That will make it easy to refresh your memory.

I wish you the best of luck

Answer 3

Start by deciding who your main characters are. Learn as much about them as you can (there are tons of character worksheets out there, if you google for them). Give them names and backgrounds. Make them well-rounded.

Then I would work on an outline of your story. I don't tend to have very detailed outlines when I begin (I have a one or two page plot synopsis, though), but for many writers they benefit immensely from doing a thorough outline first. It really depends on how your brain works, but give it a shot and see if it helps!

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

Here are some of my favorites about writing (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

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!

Answer 4

Perhaps you need a straightforward manual - look up creative writing books on the Amazon website. There are some good ones there, which shouldn't confuse you.

Answer 5

Pl. take a look at some of the writing and publishing sites, yahoo groups etc. There are books that help you write your book. Email me and I will give you the links.

Answer 6

I think some people just have a gift of being able to write, I haver trouble writing letters

Answer 7

Most of the times you just make up crap.....that's why they are called fictions.

If you are writing non-fiction, start referencing other people's books. And try not to plagiarise.

Answer 8

Check out yahoo groups, I know of 2:
mdpublishing and worldofwordstwo, but there may be others more suited to you.

Answer 9

Try starting with, 'Once upon a time...'. Apparently Miss B. Cartland used to lie in a chaize-lounge and stroke her pet-cat and ideas came flooding in. It may work for some.
Failing that, try http://fictionwriting.about.com/

Answer 10

u need an inspiration first, then think of a plot, then build the story around it.