Tips on writing books?

Question

Everyone has told me that I should be a writer because apparently I'm a good writer.
Well, I've finally decided to make everyone happy and write a mystery.
I'm thinking of taking one of the scariest nights of my life and twisting it and then adding more...
I have a few ideas written down, but I was wondering if anyone could give me tips on how to write well? I'm 13 years old and I've read TONS of books so I'm totally literate and stuff, but I want to know if anyone can tell me what the easiest kinds of books are to write and how much easier it is to write when you have ideas written down or if you're just letting it pour from your heart and writing random stuff...

Thanks in advanced. =]

I guess it's not that I'm trying to make everyone happy and writing a novel for them. I definitely have been having this idea in the back of my mind ever since the night that what I'm writing about happened and I've been wanting to write about it but with school I haven't been able to. My friend finally convinced me that I should at least try and so I decided I'm going to try because I've wanted to for a long time... yeah...

Answer 1

HOLD ON a minute!! Don't write because it makes others happy! Write because you feel passion for writing. If you are going to do it, an outline would be the best way to go - along with character studies. But the thing is - I don't really hear passion in your question. Not everybody is a writer.

Also, novels aren't a good place to begin. You should begin with short stories and work your way up to a novel. I didn't enter the Indy 500 the day I got my drivers' license. You are only 13. You have the whole world before you. Take it slow. Be a kid. Enjoy childhood. It doesn't last very long. Figure out what YOU like to do - not what others say you should do.
----
They're, Their, There - Three Different Words.

Careful or you may wind up in my next novel.

Pax - C

Answer 2

Hi Haley Joe- HAPPY NEW YEAR!
This sounds like a great thing for an intelligent gal like you to do. There are books out there, and more than likely online sites that make great tools for formatting the type of book you want to write. As smart and insightful as you are, you'll figure out what to look for and where to start. You already have the type of book in mind, which is a GREAT start. A little bit of non-fiction with some fiction put in there is a good idea.
I enjoy writing, and I will write when in the mood. It is not always something you are in the mood to do, but, can always pick up where you left off. Don't let "Writer's Block" get you frustrated, as this does happen.
Keep me posted on this new venture. I am excited for you! Take care, and have a great 2008!

Answer 3

Being a good writer and being a good storyteller are two different things. Try to be clear what your friends are telling you.

Learning the form of storytelling while being a good writer can help you tremendously.

A story, whether it's a novel, short story, or screenplay, is started with some of the following:

1) Premise
This is when you ask, "What would happen if?" Anything can get you started with it. The author of "Lord of the Rings" started his when he wrote about a hole in the ground on a piece of paper. He had no clue what it meant, he simply wrote it. Then he started asking "what would happen if..." something lived in it? Then it grew into "The Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings". Brainstorm, read the news, and start asking what if questions to develop the premise of your story.

2) Setting
You can set your story anywhere, on Mars, in the past on Earth, in the future on a starship, anywhere. Even thinking about the setting can help you to develop the premise.

3) Multiple Characters
Almost all stories contain multiple characters to play off of the values of the others. Start thinking about characters and what they want and this will also help you to develop your story. Ask lots of "what would happen if?"

4) Inciting Incident
This is where you story begins that turns your story's world upside-down and forces your character to set it straight. Then your character will begin a quest to reach an object of desire. Thinking about an inciting incident can also be your premise: "What would happen if a shark ate someone and the partially-eaten body ends up on the beach?" Jaws.

These points should help you to get started.

Answer 4

The book that I have is Writing Fiction for Dummies (yes it's a real book) by Randy Ingermanson and Peter Economy It taught me all I know about writing. Also, The Writer's Book of Wisdom is another good book by Steven T. Goldsberry I kinda rely on these 2 books

Answer 5

your on the write track go with what you know ,throw in a few twist and turns. the thing about writing is you can always go back and change it .what works for me is writing as if I am talking to somebody whos there all though the onlyone hearing me is the paper.pepole say they can toatly relate as if i was there,telling the story instead of reading it.bottom line just let pour from your heart soul mind dont question to much just go with it a good story writes itself though you

Answer 6

Be creative. Write in the active voice not passive voice. Make the reader feel as though he/she is there inside the story. For an example of my writing style, visit my website at http://www.rubysbooks.i8.com. I have the synopsis and an excerpt of the story on my site.

Answer 7

Email me, I'll put you in touch with Ryan, he's a published horror/mystery writer.

Answer 8

I am writing a book right now. Just for fun, as I feel all books should be, but I love it more than anything. I began looking at different writing styles that I felt connected to. This helped me a lot because now I am able to stop what I'm doing while writing and say "Did I really want to say it like that?" before I get messed up. maybe you should try that too? My book is not based off of anything that has ever happened to me, but that might help you out a lot in this endeavor. While writing my book, I have let my imagination run away with me, and let my main character "tell" me, her story, and that is what I write. so pretty much, just pour from my heart.

Good luck in all you do and I hope to see your book on the shelves soon.

Answer 9

I write about as much as I breathe so...

Pick something that you know you can flow with well. Be it adventure, comedy, satire or romance.

Don't expect too much of yourself early on. Find something that truly interests you and that you have a passion for. Don't be afraid to branch out into those tough subjects such as death, suicide, rape or drug-use.

Usually the hardcore stories are the most life-changing for the people reading them.

I hope you have the best of luck and a Happy New Year to you!

Answer 10

rite books, me very suck at books...

-rick