Can't get started

by Frederick James
7th August 2012

Hi, I'm new to writing and have an idea for a novel. The problem is I have started writing it three times, each with a different approach. I have now decided to research more before I start writing again. Can any of you provide tips on getting that first chapter finished please?

Replies

Thank you all for your help. I have found the answers very helpful. Next step is to get myself back into a sort of routine. Regards, Frederick.

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Frederick
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Frederick James
08/08/2012

I use kept writing until I was happy with it, after changing the location, character names, gender and dropping characters.

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A.L
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A.L Star
08/08/2012

Hi Frederick,

I wrote my first novel in a jumbled up order, not completely backwards, but not chronologically either.

I initially had the idea for my book when I was moving house, I had only the laptop out, and one night I began writing. Like you I also started over, abandoning 18000 words, as I wanted to tell the story from a different view point. I now have completed the first draft and an about half way through the second draft.

So I would suggest that you write what comes to you. I have since started my second book in the series, and although I did start that from the first chapter, the only reason was that it was a direct continuation. I have since written a few more chapters, again not in chronological order.

Hope this is somewhat helpful...

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Anthony Scott
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Anthony Scott Glenn
07/08/2012