Novel idea. }{ I know, weak pun.

[Ragnus]

Any novelists out there? I've been writing a book and wondered if there was anyone who could give me a pointer or two.

[Omio]

Show us what you have thus far, and I'll be glad to edit it while I'm seemingly AWOL. Because until I know your work a bit better, I can't really hit close to home. It's like trying to develop perfection with darts and a dartboard.

[Lujayn]

Advice #1: Make a map. Make sure you REALLY know your world, or you'll start to get "lost", so to speak.
Advice #2: Write out character backstories. They really help to flesh out a character, even if their past is never touched upon in-story.
Advice #3: This is gonna be very hypocritical on my part, but: plan out your story in advance. Don't worry too much about the "little" events at first, just plan out the direction your story is going in. Beginning, middle, and end. Main conflicts are key. Once you have some in mind, think of some minor conflicts (or "subplots", as they are sometimes called).

Those are the three biggies I always read about when published authors talk about writing. Hope that helps 83



Although first I must punish you for the pun :c *slaps* There, done.

[WolfEnchantress]

I am totally in agreement with Krae. That was my biggest problem when I started writing my novel... I just up and started writing. No pre-work. And the story changed so much from the beginning to the end in the draft that one would think they're two different stories. The typed bit it better though.

In my next novel I've done all the things I didn't do in the first one..and it's going so much smoother.

[HoudiniDerek]

I agree with Krae as well.

[Silvarn]

To add on to Krae's idea, I've found it very helpful to write the outline backwards. That is, start with your super-cool ending, and work your way back to the beginning. It helped me figure out everything that needed to happen in order for the ending to come together nicely.

Second, don't worry about getting it done as quickly as possible. Take your time. Take breaks if you need to. Your future readers would rather you take your time and create quality stuff instead of quickly typing out trash. I give myself a daily goal of 500 words, and that allows wiggle-room for life

[HoudiniDerek]

Silvarn: I actually do the opposite. If I have the background of the character first and the impetus for the story, I plot the details out from there. ;D

I agree about taking time. I would say to make sure and schedule time to write, but keep it short and make sure to take time off everyday.

[Ragnus]

Thanks everyone. This is really quality advice. I think it will really improve what I've got and what I will write.

[Lujayn]

Actually, a really interesting book on that is called "the Rivan Codex", with David and Leigh Eddings. It's a compilation of some of the stuff that went into his Belgariad series and the related stuff, and he talks about writing in there. If you ever come across it, pick it up, it's really helpful.

Plus, Eddings is an awesome author, the Belgariad and the Mallorean are excellent series.

[Ragnus]

I'll keep my eyes open for it.