my first book

by marlene henry
19th March 2012

I want to know how to start a book in the best way possible please can i have some more advice

Replies

Hi,

I personally found that reading 'Writing a novel and getting it published' rather helpful currently i have only read the 'writing a novel' bit but it gives you and idea of the sorts of things that you need to know before you even start writing a single line of the story and helps with character profiles and plot lines and getting the novel that is inside your head out on paper for others to read.

Also I have to agree with the above comment which states to Read, Read, Read and I found reading genres that i wouldn't normally read helped as well as i could focus on the characterisation and the plot than the actually story.

Don't know if that helps. xx

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Erika
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Erika Bignell
27/03/2012

Get straight into the action. The greatest novels have dramatic openings that grip the reader.

Your novel should be character driven. Show don't tell. Let your characters actions, dialogue and stream of thought define them. Get your characters to talk to and about each other.

Read, Read, Read, but only the best traditional and contemporary authors.

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Adrian
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Adrian Sroka
25/03/2012

I Rarely write my stories from the beginning, I start with ideas, plots, characters. As ideas come to me I write them down, then you find yourself with a timeline of events and eventually you build your story that way. Some friends who have already been published did say not to start as a dream, or just waking up from a dream. I think its because it has been done alot.

One thing most writers will say, just write, keep writing, and eventually it comes to you. It is not something you can really force, as least not for me, and READ ALOT. Read alot of books, this gives inspiration and ideas.

Hope that helps a little :)

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Victoria
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Victoria Limbert
20/03/2012