How exactly do I write a book or novel?

Question

How exactly would I start? What programs do I need if I desire to use my computer? What should I do to form ideas? I feel a lot of anger because I have such good ideas and dont know how to put them on paper! Can someone help me get started?

Answer 1

I'd avoid using the computer until you've got everything sorted. Nothing says 'pretentious writer' than carrying a notepad with you at all times and jotting down ideas when they come to you at any part during the day. (I say pretentious writer like it's a bad thing, it really isn't, it's great as the pretentious writers are usually the best).

Best advice, keep a notepad with you, write ANYTHING you think off down, at the end of a period of time (day, week, month etc.) review everything you've written and pretend they're kids joining a little league team and make the cuts as required.

When you've got a list of 'usable resources' start linking them together, starting getting your story straight and write rough drafts.

Then put these drafts onto a computer and form it into a manuscript.

Do not constantly review your work everyday. Sometimes you read it one week and think it's great. Leave it for a month or two. Read it again, you'll have fresher eyes and can notice more about what's wrong or what's right with it.

Answer 2

You can use any writing program. Microsoft Word works just fine for me.

When I begin writing I usually write my plot first and then move on to developing the characters that I want to include and make sure that i really get a feel for who I'm talking about, otherwise i can get lost when trying to write about them later. I also spend a lot of time free writing, just putting down general ideas of where I want a certain plot in the book to go and how I see it coming about. I spend a lot of time getting the outline down perfectly to my tastes, otherwise i get lost and ramble. So perhaps making a chapter outline would help you organize some of your ideas and make it seem less like a heavy challenge.

Answer 3

Start with a brainstorm. I like to dot point all my ideas, highlight the good ones branch out the bigger ideas and think of the history behind the characters.

You can use any writing program...Microsoft Word etc..

To form ideas I also brainstorm. Write things that even seem stupid because you might think of other good things off of those ideas.

The best ideas will often  come when you are least expecting them...don't think too much!

Good Luck!!!

Answer 4

Well first of all, to start all you need to do is write. Use Microsoft Word, it has a grammar check thingy in it and that helps a lot. What you should do to form ideas? Try developing your characters first, once you have their history, personality and psyche written down the plot will more or less fall into place. Have characters that contradict or compliment each other.

When I want to write something random, I sort of just...I don't know how to explain it but I just write. Start off with a scene and describe it. Hospital room? Desert, maybe? Just describe everything and then describe who's there and just let your imagination flow.

Everyone has their own style and technique of writing. For me, brainstorming and outlining the plot just kills the joy of writing because as I write, I like my characters more and more and the whole point of writing is to find out what happens next.

Someone once gave me a good piece of advice. He said, 'Write what you would want to read.'

Oh yeah, make sure you're able to complete short stories and small pieces of writing before jumping on to write a novel.

Answer 5

With words.

lol, sorry. ^^;

You can use a word processor like Microsoft Word to write on your computer.  

As far as getting started, just... go.  Pen pen to paper (or finger to keyboard) and start.  That's all there is for it.

It may be easier to start if you have everything planned out before hand.  Try outlining your story first, and then maybe starting will come easier.

And remember it doesn't have to be perfect the first time!  You can always improve your story in subsequent drafts, so don't be too afraid of messing up. ^^