How do i get started

by Timothy Omuchuma
22nd June 2020

Hi all, it's my first time post and I have a question.I have many ideas of science fiction and fantasy stories,I also can create one from anything i encounter or see. Anyone with an opinion to tell me how to get started in this writing journey or my first approach to start writing as a new aspiring writer,thank you.

Replies

Timothy
It doesn't suit everyone but a creative writing course is a good way to get started. There are many available online, but check out the pros and cons of each course provider before choosing which one to go with. Student reviews can be very revealing! I took mine with the Open University in 2012, but I think it has been discontinued.
There are two excellent books for both novice and more experienced writers. The first is 'Becoming a Writer' by Dorothea Brande. The second is 'Before You Write a Word' by James McCreet. Read 'Becoming a Writer' first.
Enjoy the adventure.
Richard Elder

Profile picture for user Richard
Richard
Elder
440 points
Ready to publish
Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Adventure
Speculative Fiction
Competitions, opportunities and groups
Technology
Richard Elder
15/01/2021

Some people need a plan to write and some can just wing it all the way through. You probably need to determine which you are first. I've always been the type that, as long as I have a vague idea of the ending, I can just go ahead without much of a plan, but I know some writers create very detailed plans for each chapter. There are some good videos on you tube about being a plotter or a pantser (taken from the phrase 'seat of your pants'). There is so much more to know, but that's a good place to start.

Profile picture for user dividedheart
Victoria
Whithear
5240 points
Ready to publish
Fiction
Comic
Contemporary
Romance
Young Adult (YA)
Speculative Fiction
Short stories
Writing and Editing
Victoria Whithear
02/07/2020

I would also recommend you just start writing and get something on your “paper”, well it’s probably a laptop :-) This is nothing carved in stone which means you can reedit your texts as long as you want until you feel satisfied :-) Sometimes I delete hundreds of words and just write something new. This is the life of a wannabe author. :-) What is your story about? Is it a short story or are you planning or writing a novel? I’m curious to hear! Cheers

Profile picture for user l.breite_66729
Lukas
Breit
330 points
Starting out
Short stories
Fiction
Autobiography, Biography and Memoir
Middle Grade (Children's)
Picture Books (Children's)
Food, Drink and Cookery
Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Media and Journalism
Business, Management and Education
Speculative Fiction
Adventure
Popular science, Social science, Medical Science
Practical and Self-Help
Gothic and Horror
Lukas Breit
30/06/2020