Twice in the last month, I’ve had someone say to me, “I’ve always wanted to write a book. But I just don’t know where to start.”
I think writing a book can seem really overwhelming. There are tons of resources out there, but those resources can be helpful…and overwhelming at the same time.
Most of the people who say they want to write a book have a germ of an idea already. It’s this idea that’s been on their mind for however long they’ve wanted to write.
Maybe it’s a family story. Maybe it’s just a thought they’ve had that they’re not sure how to develop. But there’s something there.
What these folks need to do is not worry about all the info on queries, synopses, and craft. It’s always nice to just focus on the story.
First of all is identifying that story. What was the seed of the idea that came to the writer? Who is the main character? What’s the main conflict? What does this character most want and how is that thing denied her/him?
Then it’s telling the story. What happens next? What obstacles does this character run into when trying to get what they want most? Are these obstacles other characters? Events? The character himself? How does this character overcome these obstacles?
Where should you start with a first draft? Start at the beginning. Or…start at the end. I’ve done both. I’ve started at the beginning, skipped ahead to the middle of the book, then written the end. I’ve written books straight through and I’ve written books that I’ve run into huge problems with—and skipped around to whatever scene I’ve got in my head instead of moving forward in a linear way.
You don’t have to block hours off on your calendar for this project. Try blocking off 30 minutes. Or even 15. Don’t try to play catch-up the next day if you miss your goal the day before—treat each day as a clean slate and just get your 15 minutes of writing in.
It doesn’t matter if your first draft is bad.
You can either outline your story or make it up as you go along. I’ve done both.
Ask yourself, “And then what happens?” a lot.
Make friends with writers online—they will understand what you’re going through and can give you support and encouragement.
If you encounter set-backs with your story, brainstorm ways of getting past the problem—make lists of ways to get your characters out of the mess they’re in.
Got any other advice for where to start writing a book? What have you learned from writing yours?
Good post, I think for me the first step need to be ‘turn off the internet’ :)
Wagging Tales – Blog for Writers
I couldn’t agree more! The old rules no longer apply and that’s part of what makes writing so fun. Great advice! I’ll be referring a friend of mine with this very question to read this!
Elizabeth – What a helpful post! My stories always start with characters, especially the main character. Who is the story about? Then I can focus on what happens to that person. I write mysteries, so usually the main “focus” person in my story is the murder victim. I start by thinking about that person: who would want to kill her/him? Why? That helps me start thinking about the people whose lives are affected by the victim. My story spirals up (or out, or over ;-) from there.
I just set my goal for 3 books x 60,000 words a year. It works out only around 4000 words a week. It shouldn’t be too difficult. I hope!
Bargain with the Devil
Just start putting words down on the page – doesn’t matter where – cutting and pasting works wonders.
Karen
I’m definitely a character person. I have to start with someone wanting something, and then I deal with how to keep that goal out of reach. As I go, I discover more about the character. One question I ask that makes a good starting point is “why does this character have the job he or she has?” I probably start my story about 5 chapters before the story starts, but that’s just my discovery process.
(And I have a handout about my process on my website — “Plotting for Non-Plotters.”
Terry
Terry’s Place
Romance with a Twist–of Mystery
I don’t know if this has been anyone else’s experience when writing, but when I finish my second/third draft, I have to let it sit – sometimes for a long time – before I come back to it. It helps me see what I couldn’t when I was furiously writing.
Great post!
As silly as it sounds, I like the advice of the Mad Hatter: Begin at the beginning and when you get to the end, stop.
Just do it!
I’ve learned that asking “What if?” can spark many new ideas and help tear through those rough patches.
For me it’s never been about how to start, it’s always been more about finding the time to do it. I figure I’ll be one of those authors who finally publishes something when I retire. Life is way too busy right now. I have decided to start writing a journal again as that is where I always get my ideas.
Charmaine–Yes! Sometimes I take my laptop to spots where I know I can’t get wi-fi.
Heather–Hope it helps! :)
Enid–That’s about what I’m writing now. It’s definitely doable. The promo cuts into the writing time a little, but it’s manageable, for sure.
Diane–Very good tip! Then we come back to the manuscript with fresh eyes and can quickly see where we could make changes.
Margot–I love starting with the murder victim! I’m doing the same thing right now and love thinking up the possibilities. :)
B.E. Sanderson–The Mad Hatter was really very *sane* in so many ways!
Karen–Thank goodness for word processors. :) SO much easier now.
Alex–Good tip!
Laura–It really can! And take the story in new directions.
Terry–That’s a great question to ask about your character. A job can tell us a lot about a person.
Stephanie–I think journaling and blogging is a great way to keep a writing habit and to keep writing skills sharp.