How Do I Start Writing a Book?

Question

Well, I have this great idea(s) for a story (a whole trilogy) that had been trapped in my mind for 3 years now. I've written some of the scene in my notebooks and stuff. But sometimes I keep losing them (but the story is still fresh in my mind though). It's there. It's just that I don't have enough time to sit down for hours and write (I'm 15 and I need to study for this year exams).

What should I do? I know I can't just write it down. It took JK Rowling like 4 (i think) years after she get the idea for Harry Potter for her to write the first book. I also know that JRR Tolkien have this dictionary-thick notebook.

What should I do? Should I wrote the name of all the characters, settings and stuffs? If I have the notebook, what should I write in it? How do I know if I'm ready to write the story? How should I start? What should I do?


*sigh*


thanks in advance!

Answer 1

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Answer 2

Well first you have to have an idea, a form of writing (or voice), and a lot to go on. If you read alot, you can probably find out which type of voice you like to read, and chances are you will write with a similar style. If you have a certain idea about one section in your head, just write that part, and go from there. This will help you build your story. Writing a book takes a long time, and getting published is very difficult. Don't think you are going to be done anytime soon. Just practice writing and start anywhere you have an idea. Good luck!

Answer 3

First of all -- don't try and be Tolkien. While one of the most amazingly creative authors ever to have lived, he was pretty much crazy, and his series was decades in the making (and never finished to his satisfaction.)

That said -- it is hard to get started. I just scrapped a book I've been writing for too many years, because I let it get muddled and it wasn't flowing anymore. So that was 375 pages down the drain, and I'm currently on re-write page 11. But don't think of it as a chore, think of it as a delicious outlet for all those people living in your head and clamoring at the walls to be let out. You aren't a professional author, so there's no pressing financial stress (in other words, take time to study, I'm sure your characters will understand, even if they get in a bit of a tiff)

Speaking as a fledgeling author who lost a ton of notebooks and wrote without a game plan -- write an outline. No matter how sketchy, with a beginning middle and end in mind you won't drift off in directions from which you can't recover.

But really, those people sharing the space in your head will let you know when they're ready to venture on to the page. Don't try to rush them (though they can be pretty insistent, believe me!) Really, though, sometimes you have to let go a little and see where things lead. If it comes to something you love -- amazing! If not, well . . . that's where the awful but appropriate expression "kill the baby" comes from. Even if you love a bit of dialogue or a scene, if it doesn't forward the plot or develop character significantly, cut it.

A little story to inspire confidence in your characters:

This book I've just re-started had a character I added almost as a whim, because he had a strong voice and I liked him. He did a few fairly mysterious things, had a few attributes I (yes, the author) couldn't quite explain, but I trusted it and he turned out to be a member of an entirely new race my brain had thought up all on its own, and one of the strongest elements of my story.

One more bit of advice: I don't know if you've ever indulged in fanfic writing, but it you're struggling after you have some set characters and whatever world they live in, a fanfic style short episode on the side is a great, fun way to explore characterization and releive the pressure, since you know there's no way in heck it'll be published.

Good luck, send my best regards to your characters, and I hope to see your work on a shelf someday, if that's your goal. But be wary of too many internal re-writes or you'll get bogged down and never finish. Get that first draft banged out, then finesse to your little hearts content!

Answer 4

Yeah, carrying a notebook is perfect! You can store any names that pop into your head, especially if you carry the notebook to school, too.

Yeah, being in school is a tough one, but think about breaks, weekends, summer vacation. And if you keep an organizer, you'll be able to plan everything. Keep your tests and exams and homework-time separate from your writing time. =)

Seems like you're bursting with excitement. There's no "right" time to start a story. Depends on what type of writer you are. You could be a "Planner" who needs to have everything perfectly structured before starting. Or you could be a "Diver" who gets right into the story and goes over it later. Or you could be in between, like me.

Good luck, hope you can turn your dream into a reality! =)

Answer 5

Know that the book has already been written for you, when you receive its inspiration. It is a gift to you from the Universe, writing it down would be your gift to the Universe.

Now it is only matter of downloading it from the higher mind, it will never let you forget anything, as its characters will remain alive in you till you decide to set them free.

Let the time come and you will automatically feel inspired to write them. Nature knows what would be the best time for them and for you.

Instead of *sighing*, ask for a 'sign'.

Answer 6

You're wrong. You can just sit down and write it. Take a small notebook around w/ you and just write your little heart out. If it takes you 4 years then so what!!!

Send your manuscript to the library of Congress to ensure your copyright can be proven and look at publishing companies.

You can do it. Good luck:)

Answer 7

A good book about methods for getting the writing down, overcoming the various challenges of the writing life, and staying on track in spite of challenges is:

Word Work by Bruce Holland Rogers

Answer 8

Incorporate your story into your assignments whenever possible. I married a writer who was a teacher. One of her students was planning to be a writer, and that worked for her. She got editorial comment, spelling and grammar help while she was doing her work. You should keep your notebook separate, work out the storyline, then work on it at a regular time, and for a predetermined length of time so that your studies won't suffer. Use what you learn in school as parts of your story--it lends authenticity and reinforces what you need to know for classes. Good luck.

Answer 9

You should gear up for Nano write in November. http://www.nanowrimo.org/

You just write and write and write and don't over analyze - just get the words down and then go from there.