I'm starting to write one, but mine needs deep information of history. How long does it take to investigate about it and write it in your own way?
2007-07-23 06:37:38 · 13 answers · asked by . 5 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
There's no minimum or maximum.
Some authors can hammer one out in a couple of months. Others have been known to take years and years.
If your creative juices are flowing now, I'd recommend writing -- you know, strike while the iron is hot. You can then do research before launching into the second draft. I did this with the book I'm currently writing -- it takes place in an around a castle in 13th century Germany, but I had little knowledge of castles other than British ones. So, since the climactic confrontation takes place IN the castle, I just did a rough imagining. I then did some actual research and am now making some changes as I do the third [and hopefully final] draft.
Basically, since the book is not ABOUT castles, I didn't need to do exhaustive research ahead of time. I just wrote the story and used very general descriptions about where things were occurring when the building was involved. It's just like songwriters [particularly theatre composers] who use what are called "dummy lyrics" to build the song -- they know they'll change words later, but just use whatever words pop into their head first in order to build the song's subject/tone.
So remember, you need to get the main framework of your piece into physical form by writing the first draft and telling the story -- details and corrections can come later.
2007-07-23 06:52:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some people are able to write a complete story within months. However, with what you're saying about a deep understanding of historical events surrounding your story and considering you are probably fairly inexperienced at writing novels, I'd say quite a while. Anywhere from 9 months to several years before you get it exactly how you want it. But don't let that scare you. If you have an idea and you know what you're going for, you only need historical evidence to ground the story in time, then it might not take as long as I said. Generally speaking, it varies. But, I hope you enjoy the process. It's a tough one that sometimes you just don't want to face, but, in the end, it's well worth it.
2007-07-23 06:44:35 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Congratulations on wanting to try and write in one of the toughest markets. Yes, that's right: fantasy is one of the two most difficult markets to break into (meaning getting your work published). That does not necessarily mean that you can't break into the market. OK, now you an take this anyway you want, but to proclaim your imagination is not indicative of your potential success as a writer. Your imagination is not what will make or break you, it will be how well you transcribe what is in your imagination. Focus on writing well and interpreting your concepts and ideas. And if you need an excuse to jot down notes about a story idea you may get while working, go take a leak. Your boss can't stop you from using the john. Take a small notebook with you to work, something you can keep in your pocket, and when inspiration strikes, "go to the restroom." I did that when I was working at a busy Starbucks after graduating from high school. Just be smart about it. If you have a passion for writing, you will find ways to make time to get your ideas on paper. Good luck.
2016-05-21 01:53:24 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depend how big of a novel you write; then investigating your info.It might take 1 yr just getting all your facts together and such, with your being of history you would need to get the info; and check it and re-check some facts,,That would be fun writing a book; but it also would be loads of work also,,,Good luck writing Shelly
2007-07-23 07:08:32 · answer #4 · answered by Cami lives 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It could takes years. For a good one, do as much research as you can, and then implement that. In the long run, it will be a good novel because of the extensive research that was spent to write it. So don't hope for an overnight miracle, work at your own pace!
2007-07-23 06:46:37 · answer #5 · answered by txsouthern_belle22 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends how long it is . You have to brainstorm, write a draft recheck write the second draft revise and then the final draft
then you can publish. It could take from 1week to almost a year for tha profesionals
2007-07-23 06:49:17 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
its really all depends on what type of novel ur writing. For example, Harry Potter took 10 years to write.
2007-07-23 06:45:34 · answer #7 · answered by chic_chick1994 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
truthfully, 1-7 years. I swear. it all depends.
since your book might need you to investigate information and also you have to take in mind writers block's it may take over a year. im sure more.
my favorite writer took 4 years to finish one novel. its hard but if its something you love, then you will enjoy every single second of it.
i wish you good luck!
2007-07-23 06:42:10 · answer #8 · answered by Haruhi 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
it depends on how much detail you want. some can take years to research before they even start to write. Diana Gabaldon and Jean M Auel take a very long time for one book.
2007-07-23 06:44:23 · answer #9 · answered by wendy_da_goodlil_witch 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Marilyn, it varies. If you are writing every day probably three months to two years, allowing for research time and reflection--assuming you do not try editing at all untill it is finished.
2007-07-23 06:52:42 · answer #10 · answered by Todd 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋