I am going to attempt to write a novel on my computer. But what for to I write it in. Do I try to divide it into paragraphs and chapters this early on? Or should I just write the story and wait till a publisher tells me where in the novel I should start and end chapters and paragraphs? I'm really young and just starting out. So I can appreciate any help I can get.
It takes a lot of patience to write a novel. And if you're young, you probably don't have that. The only advice I have heard regarding this is just to start typing. Type as much as you can for as long as you can. Later on, you can go back and see how and if the pieces fit. But for a novel, you need a lot of material.
I usually map out what happens in each chapter. I find it helps a lot. Just start big and get smaller: Outline the basic plot using pronouns, then use names (then create some character maps), then put the story into chunks. Like, this is the beginning, this is the rising acton, etc. After that, put it in small chunks (the beginning of the beginning), and then divide those small chunks into chapters. Phew.
Writing a novel takes a lot of organisation.... and before submitting anything to a publisher you should make sure it is as perfect as poss. There is already good advice on this thread, and everyone has a diff style/aproach to their writing..... but there are programs out there that make life a lil' easier.... i'm playing around with Write it Now finding it pretty good, much better than standard wp programs for novels.
You guys have got good advice. I would love to tell you what it is about stalk. However, for the sake of not allowing anyone to steal my idea for my novel I will only tell you that it is another Earth disaster story. I think the disaster I'm writing about is pretty original. Anyway I have tried beginning several novels before, but the beginnings have always been simple, dry, and basically a disaster, but now thanks to you guys I realize what I have been doing wrong. That whole character and story outline is a really good idea. Thanks you guys! You have really helped me a lot!
when i start writing, i just go. you don't need plot outlines and all of that. you have the basic idea, now allow your imagination to direct you. in this modern day and age, if you right a crappy paragraph, it's no biggie, you highlight it, and press delete. you can move paragraphs around, and even find which words your using where. everyone has a different approach to writing. you have to keep looking until you find the "write" one for you. (god, i know, that's probably the lamest pun ever created in the history of man-kind.)
1.Write as much as you can... in fact, write a lot more than you need, because most of it is going to be terrible. 2.Learn to recognize what is good and what is not good... when in doubt, let someone else read it... or join a creative writing group (actually, it helps motivate you as most real writers are competitive) 3.You should really be aware of different techniques and devices, and when it is appropriate to use them... ie: how is a character introduced and when, and for what reason, and what effect they have on the story. 4. Keep it simple. I find that in almost all cases, short, sharp sentences work best... don't clutter it up with too many adjectives. If you have a good idea, don't try to build up to it or explain it, just write it down. Say exactly what you want to say and nothing more. If you suspect it's already been said, or that it doesn't need to be said, then no matter how much you like it, you should really take it out.... 5.Have a point. If you have interesting characters that people care about... and they make mistakes and suffer for them, find hope and lose it, discover things about themselves, fall in love, have their hearts broken, turn drunken, cynical and self-destructive... then you've written something worth reading.
I'm glad I found this forum. You guys are already helping me. I appreciate any advice given. And a lot of it is really good advice. Thanks so much!
Yes please do paragraph and use chapters. It's all part of writing along with spelling, punctuation and grammar. If you haven't written a lot before I would suggest starting with short stories.
