Someone posted they would like to know how to
start out writing a novel. Another post asked : can you be taught to write a
novel?
Reaction to the above: Boy, what loaded questions.
It is said that everyone has one good story
in them. It’s just the getting it down on paper. The even stickier wicket is
getting it finished.
If you have a story that’s burning a hole in
your head, then I suggest it has to be written. (I write to give the little
devils dancing around in my head a chance to get out!)
So, my thoughts were, though I am no expert, and I’m flattered someone is actually asking my opinion, that of course I’m happy to share my experiences. In this blog are a few step-by-step suggestions. Take from it what you will.
If you have a plot, then you are already well
on the way to starting your novel. As a writer you want the reader to turn the
page. If you can do that then you have succeeded where others fail!
There are key elements to writing a novel.
Reading is essential. Read anything in the genre you want to write in. Learn
from them. What works? What makes you stick with it? What bits do you like the
best, and why? I believe Stephen King said something like: if you haven’t
got time to read, then you haven’t got the tools to write. Of course, he’s
spot on.
Write about something you know. Knowledge is
key. Experience is empowering. Research will become your resource. It all
informs your writing. You could make it up, but it would be forced, or
imagined. Of course, there are genres that buck the trend – like fantasy or
sci-fi. However, a reader is cute, they want the truth of the story –
personally, I think if you don’t know the subject it will stick out like a sore
thumb.
FINDING THE RIGHT SPACE TO WRITE
Find the right time and place to write. I
understand JK Rowling wrote in a little bedsit and in a coffee shop. I couldn’t
write in a coffee shop, too much distraction. Some people like music, some
type, some handwrite. (Remember a manuscript needs to be typewritten and can be
emailed).
I need peace and quiet. I usually get up
about six – write for an hour while my brain is fresh, then get ready for the
paid job.
THE PLOT:
Know what the story is about. Do you remember
doing essays at school? Beginning. Middle and End.
GEOGRAPHY – TIME AND PLACE
Know the place – give enough detail to ground
the reader so they can see it in their mind’s eye. You may be able to see it,
you may think they can see it, but can they? Don’t over-do the
descriptions though. Too much detail can be overwhelming. Make the detail dense
enough in the first fifty pages then strip it back in a re-write to tighten it
up.
CHARACTERS
Know your characters inside out. Example:
what’s in their fridge. What they ate for breakfast, dinner and tea. You don’t
need to write this. You need to understand your characters and what makes them
tick. You can use this through dialogue – for example – “Jane, did you want jam
or marmite on your toast?” She shrivelled at the thought of marmite.
Characters need to be real, an imagined real
of course, unless you are writing an autobiography. Make your world, their world.
You don’t have to write too much detail, but something simple like, “I’ll get
you a glass of water,” said Jane. She could see the poor woman was grey and
shaken by the event and quickly ran over to the tap. Little things, and
dialogue demonstrates a little of Jane’s persona. Remember, detail is
important when it helps moves the plot forward. Think about what traits they
have? Are they pleasant, evil, weak, strong, or driven? Do they pick their nose
when no-one is looking? Your reader will want to know them as well as you do.
Dialogue also moves the plot forward. After a discussion today, it was suggested
50/50 dialogue and prose is a good mix. Interesting. Check it out the next time
you read a book. Decide whether you agree. If you do. Why? I think you will
learn swiftly dialogue grounds you in the here and now. It SHOWS not TELLS the
story, which is all important.
ENDINGS
Some writers have no idea where they are
heading. It is important you do. It focuses the mind and the plot line. The end
is as important as the arc of your story.
As a teacher I learned a brilliant trick from
a colleague that stuck – ‘write your last lesson first, the rest will fit in.’
What I am saying is write your last chapter first. It means you have something
to work toward. Of course, you can change a happy ending to sad, or even
murderous. It doesn’t matter. It can all change as you go along, after all
you’re the author of your story.
Find someone to read your work to. Someone
you can trust. Someone who will tell the truth. Someone who doesn’t have a vested
interest. Someone who won’t worry too much how you feel, but honest enough to
feedback in a constructive way. This is the best way of knowing, learning, and
what works to move your plot forward.
Oh, and by the way, join a CREATIVE writing
group. Don’t be put off if it doesn’t suit your style, try another one. Join WRITING
group – again don’t be put off by some sniffy person sat next to you. Here
comes a bit of psychology : Remember any new group you join they will be probably
as scared as you – as sharing your writing can be a very scary process, it
exposes you. So be kind. They will be kind to you.
Okay – end of my blog for today. Next time I
will outline beginnings.
What amazing advice. Thank you so much for sharing! x
Thanks Lorna – thank you for sharing. I’m sorry I didn’t write back straight away. I’m really pleased you found it useful. I confess I did worry. If you have anything you want to ask please do. I’ll do my best to a) reply quickly and b) find a solution. take care Lynn
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Brilliant. I’m pleased you’re not giving up. All power to your elbow!
Sound advice wifey ! I’m going to have an attempt at writing last chapter ! It will make me focus
Hi Sue, I just found your comment. Sorry, there has been 1000’s of spam amongst it!
Hope your writing picks up again.
You actually make it seem really easy along with your presentation but I in finding this topic
to be really something which I think I might by no means understand.
It kind of feels too complex and very wide for me. I am looking ahead in your next post, I will attempt to
get the cling of it!
I’ve just done another blog that virtually lists things to do. I also read Stehpen King’s how to write. Now he sounds like writing is easy!
Saved as a favorite, I really like your website!
Seriously? thank you!
Exceptional post but I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this topic?
I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further.
Cheers!
Okay. What exactly are you after. I’d say make a start on your own novel if you havent already, read lots of books in your genre and begin to understand what it is you like about it. Then share your work with someone you trust and get feedback. That way you can develop your voice and your style. Also, maybe you have read aloud on your computer? Listen to the flow. Does it stumble? if it does check out the sentences and rewrite.
I’d like to find out more? I’d love to find out some additional information.
Like what? Please be specific.