Posted by smokeymadison on July 4, 2005, at 15:48:09
In reply to Re: What does it take to write a book??, posted by alexandra_k on July 3, 2005, at 16:01:20
I just wrote a book about my experiences. i just showed it to an editor. he said that i should be writing novels for a living. problem is, i have no idea how to go about writing fiction. writing nonfiction isn't so difficult--its like an extended essay on a topic. but writing fiction is something totally different.
i have been researching online how to write a novel. it seems the best idea if you are a beginner is to plot out the entire story before you begin to write. more accomplished writers can just sit down and let the story evolve.
there was a lot about training yourself to write a bit everyday and to develop a routine.
some more advice--nothing should be in the story for no reason. every symbol, every flashback, even every name of each character has to mean something and be relevant to the story. i am sure that you have heard the expression "show, don't tell"anyway, it sounds like i am at the same point you are, i have a lot of ideas, but i have yet to put them together into a coherent whole. i just plan on letting it stew in my mind for a long while. if you have any advice or figure out something, please let me know!
SM
poster:smokeymadison
thread:522903
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/write/20050621/msgs/523381.html