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Of all questions, 'How to write' is the most commonly asked, when people — exactly like yourself — are struck with a great idea for a book, story, even a movie. The mind's eye catches tantalizing glimpses of the finished product, but the blank sheet of paper (or the blank word processor document) is absurdly intimidating. Where in the world do you begin?
If you've even thought the words, "I just need to know how to write," you almost certainly have The Idea. You've glimpsed the finished novel ... bound between glorious covers ... you can feel it in your hands. You're itching to sit down and write it, but though you've written short stories and poems, you've never tackled a novel before. Or perhaps you've never written before, and genuinely are wondering how to write.
You might need help with the some or all of the basics, or you might be ready to tackle the more complex parts of the process. Jump in wherever you need to — and don't be afraid (or too proud) to backtrack and double-check the fundamentals. You want rock-solid foundations under you, and you'll build them brick by brick.
The process of constructing a novel can begin with the fully-fledged idea, or a haunting scenario in need of a plot, or a delicious hero or heroine, in search of an adventure. It can even begin as a pet peev, a grumble about some problem that needs to be addressed, perhaps an injustice, or an unsung hero. Imagination gives the author a glimpse into another time, a place. You see a face, a scene. The pulse quickens as the creative juices flow. Time to write!
Or is it time to ask how to write this story? How to capture it before it's forgotten, and record it in a way that thousands of other people will want to share. The first step is to get the plot down before it can escape, and to thrash it out, develop it. The foundations of great storytelling are laid here: What is a plot ... and how do you write one?
Every writer has a different way of approaching how to write a novel — the planning and execution. You'll soon discover the process that suits you best. Much will depend on your situation. Are you short of time? Can you take all the time you want to get it done? Generally, the more planning you can do before you start to write the novel itself, the faster you'll be done. How to write a novel the fastest way possible? Think it through first!
Here are some of the basic topics I'll be writing about in the weeks and months ahead -- as I upload each post, the links will "go live." They're not all "up" at this time, because this blog is very new, but if you're on the mailing list, you'll be updated...
Meanwhile, turn page to First Steps - the framework goes up before the house!
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