Advice for a first time novelist?

Question

Hi-

Are there any published writers out there who can offer advice about writing your first novel? What should I keep in mind with my first book? I'm asking because I just caught myself outlining the outline I'd already written! I now realize I may be procrastinating the real task of writing the story. So... if any writer out there has any constructive and helpful advice -I'd greatly appreciate hearing it.

Thanks So Much!

Answer 1

Remember Harlan Ellison's quote:  "The only reason to write is because you cannot NOT write."

Realize that your first couple of completed novels are not likely to sell to a publishers, and keep writing anyway.

Write every day.  Set a goal of a specific number of words per day, whether its 300 or 5000.  Write every day.  Do NOT wait for inspiration.  Read the kind of novels you'd like to write, ones recently published.  Learn to outline by outlining a few of those novels.

Read a few -- but only a few -- books on writing, like those by Dean Koontz, David Morrell, Elizabeth George, etc.

Read EVERYTHING you can get your hands on.  History, anthropology, psychology, science, politics; not just fiction.

Do NOT show your writing to friends or family.  You do not need the advice or viewpoints of amateurs.  Once you've gotten at least halfway into your first novel ... or completed a half dozen short stories ... join a writer's group, send the stories to magazine publishers.

Answer 2

Do not write every word with a capital letter ;)

Answer 3

Writing is an important form of communication. Good writers use different writing techniques to fit their purpose for writing. To be a good writer, you must master each of the following writing techniques.

1. Description

Through description, a writer helps the reader use the senses of feeling, seeing, hearing, smelling, and tasting to experience what the writer experiences. Description helps the reader more clearly understand the people, places, and things about which the writer is writing. It is the most common form of writing. You will find descriptive writing in newspapers, magazines, books, and most other forms of written communication.

2. Exposition  

Through exposition , a writer informs, explains, and clarifies his/her ideas and thoughts. Exposition goes beyond description to help the reader understand with greater clarity and depth the ideas and thoughts of the writer. Expository writing, like descriptive writing, is commonly found in newspapers, magazines, books, and most other forms of written communication.

3. Narration  

Through narration, a writer tells a story. A story has characters, a setting, a time, a problem, attempts at solving the problem, and a solution to the problem. Bedtime stories are examples of short stories while novels are examples of long stories. The scripts written for movies and plays are further examples of narrative writing.

4. Persuasion

Through persuasion , a writer tries to change a reader's point of view on a topic, subject, or position. The writer presents facts and opinions to get the reader to understand why something is right, wrong, or in between. Editorials, letters to the editor in newspapers and magazines, and the text for a political speech are examples of persuasive writing.

5. Comparison and Contrast

Through comparison and contrast , a writer points out the similarities and differences about a topic. Comparison is used to show what is alike or in common. Contrast is used to show what is not alike or not in common. Describing living conditions in 1900 and living conditions today would allow for much comparison and contrast.

By using the writing technique that fits your purpose, you will be able to communicate your ideas effectively.  

Answer 4

kudos for you riverswebb...i cant help you though with you inquiry.