Hello!
I'm a student who has, at long last, decided to plunge into writing my first novel. I have no real experience in the literary world, other than a childhood talent for storytelling that I more or less abandoned after GCSEs to pursue my current career path.
I've had a character rattling around my head for a year or so, about whom a narrative has gradually formed. My vocation has nothing whatsoever to do with the arts, and my idea for a novel has nothing to do with my vocation! I, personally, believe that I have a strong idea and a knack for writing the story, but of course experts in the field may well disagree!
Thus, I feel that I will need a bit of guidance along the way, and have been investigating some of the editorial services available on this site. I currently have a rough synopsis and the first couple of chapters are taking shape. I write in dribs and drabs - my university course is quite intense (and I'm due to graduate in mid-2016), so it will likely take me some time to finish the book. Naturally, as a student, I am very mindful of budget. Has anyone else on here been writing as a student, or otherwise on a tight budget, and have some advice as to how best bring your book from a mere idea onto the shelf?
Thanks very much for your responses - and particularly for the book suggestion! I'll endeavour to get my hands on a copy.
Write it. Hone your skills. Edit it - a lot. Then you can think about getting it onto bookshelves.
You can spend a lot of time reading around the subject, but no amount of that will help if you haven't written anything in the first place.
Make notes whenever ideas come to you, or you will forget, no matter how good you think your memory is. Draw up plotlines, scribble character notes; if you see a photo that looks like one of your characters, makes sure you keep a copy.
But whatever else you do, write it!
I say go for it!,try your best
try not abandon your career this time :D
-Ishpreet-