Writing a book?

Question

I'm thinking of writing a book. I've got loads of ideas and I'd like to give it a go, I've always read, and at the moment I love books by Sophie Kinsella, so i'd probably try and write in her style. I know it won't mean anything and it'll just be for fun, but theres a slight problem. I'm only just 16, and in Year 11. I'm predicted an A* for my GCSEs in English, so I know my stuff. Not to blow my own trumpet if you know what I mean! General ideas on it would be appreciated!

Answer 1

Don't consider your age as an obstacle. My only advice is NOT to write in anyone's style, but to find your own. Write, write, write.

Good luck! :)

P.S. Just a little tip - don't overthink ideas. Put them on paper and then see what happens.

Answer 2

I write a lot and I started at age 16. I've been working on my first book, but I always wrote short stories. My method for writing a book is first of all to take notes. Write down the names of the characters, the plot or any other general ideas you have in your mind. I have a folder full of notes, things that I don't want to forget. After having this first step done, sit down in your computer, relax and start writing. I always ask myself what I would like to see in a book, as if there are two persons inside of me, the writer and the reader... I hope you understand what I mean. Then, let the ideas flow and don't hesitate on putting details to your story, especially describing the characters (how they look like, what kind of clothe they wear, their style and personality), and the environment (like weather, if they are in or out, furniture, etc). Don't forget to make clear what year the story is hapenning and for that matter, you don't have to mention the year directly, instead describe some historical fact going on, so that the reader can grasp immediately where and when it is going on. Last, don't forget to put dialogues. A book without dialogues is a book without action. Try to insert a dialogue right in the first two pages, so that you can keep the reader interested. If possible, start the book with some action, or start it describing briefly what is the book about. The idea is to keep the reader interested and addicted to what you have to tell, and writing is pretty much like telling a story.

No problem you are just 16, just dare the first step. Maybe you can start by writing short stories, if it becomes overwhelming in the begining.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I would encourage it. Writing is a brilliant thing to pursue. Age does not really matter - as long as your story is buyable and will make the publishing company money - they really don't care how old you are. The only disadvantage you may be at - is the fact that publishers do look to see if the writer they are accepting has any previous publishing credentials. At the age of 16 - you may not have many, if any at all.

So while working on your book - perhaps you could also try submitting short stories to various magazines and publishers so that you'll have some publishing history once your book is completed.

Other than that - go for it. You never do know until you try. Good luck.

Cheers.

Answer 4

Write in your own voice - not Sophie Kinsella's. It will be much better if you do. An A in 11th grade English doesn't mean "you know your stuff" and you are ready for a novel. Take it from me, you probably aren't. Margaret Mitchell was 36 when she wrote Gone with theWind. James Patterson was over 45 when he published Along Came A Spider. You sound just like my 21 year old son. He thinks he knows everything too. I strongly recommend mastering the short story first. That is how I teach young CW students.
----
They're, Their, There - Three Different Words.

Careful or you may wind up in my next novel.

Pax - C

Answer 5

I choose a good e book, purely like i could choose a good action picture. My form one rule is, if it makes me cry, that's surpassed my try. i admire books that make me sense as though the characters and their circumstances are genuine. i prefer to overlook that i'm even analyzing. a good e book is one that retains you up into the early hours of the morning. you finally end up crying, shaking in concern or excitement. those are the books that are "epidermis breaking" in my view. So some people could love Twilight, different's hate it. as long because it made somebody, someplace get those chills and goosebumps, that's seen a good e book in my head. properly-written does not neccessarily propose it has to have extensive vocab and such distinctive info you do no longer even understand what's happening, to me it purely ability that the author knows what she or he's doing with their tale. Oh properly, i'm rambling, so i will cease. yet rather, a good e book has to snatch you via the hair and throw you right into a international you in no way knew existed and bypass away you awe-struck and perplexed whilst that's over.

Answer 6

Just write! Forget what test scores say about your writing ability, forget the style of other writers -- just do it your own way. Be yourself and don't try to sound too much like Kinsella -- if I wanted to read a book that sounded like her, I'd pull my Shopaholic books off the shelf and read those instead.

Answer 7

Use your own ideas.

If your goal is to become a published author, do a little bit of research so you know what editors currently consider the most market-worthy material. It's one thing to write a book and quite another to see it published and "flying off the shelves" at Barnes & Noble.

Good luck.

Answer 8

What's holding you from starting to write the book now?

List all your ideas on a sheet of paper, study the pros and cons of them, make your choice.

Then start Chapter One.

Meanwhile, find a copy of "The Elements of Style" by Strunk and White. Within the small pocketbook are superb tips and reminders for novice and professional writer alike. Highlight those areas that are weak and refer often to them.

Answer 9

it looks like you and me are kind of in the same boat. that's really the only reason i'm "answering" your question. :) haha. i hope that you do well and your ideas keep flowing because that's always been my issue. i think the main idea is to write something that you are interested in. almost like letting the story write itself. perseverance is the key, i suppose :)

Answer 10

dont' try to copy anyones style. find your own. just find an idea that you like and just write, write, write. i hope this helps and i hope that you get an A on your GCSEs