Beginning That First Novel

Top 10. Sep 17, 2001 7:17 PM

» Morgan Moore - Re: Re: Tackling a big project

In response to message posted by ledjonathan:

Since I have finally taken pen to paper,and, spend 3-5 hours a day extending tne material, and reworking what I've written before.I have met many writers, /////they seem to fall into two basic groups: 1) those who actually write, 2) those who talk about it and bemoan that they aren't ready, and those who take themselves on an adventure every day through their writing. Even if my work isn't appealing to anyone else, I have taken the ride and had fun.
If you are writing what interests you, some of that spark may kindle itself in a like-minded individual. At least one person in the world will give you a rave review! YOU! I will save you from quoting Shakespeare's Pulonius, however, It's true, if you're TRUE. Kinda.
If you don't laugh at our own jokes, you won't appreciate these comments.

-- posted by Morgan Moore

Top 11. Dec 3, 2001 8:11 PM

» devrixr - The Toughest About My New Novel

-- posted by devrixr

Top 12. Dec 3, 2001 8:15 PM

» devrixr - The Hardest Part Of Writing My New Novel

I believe the toughest obstacle that was hendering me, in the past, from writing my novel was my need for perfection during the first draft. Ideas and plot comes relatively easy for me. However, the written word had to be perfect at the onset. Now, I've convinced myself to simply write, without a care of perfection at the start. I'm writing a stroy that, I believe, is extremely imaginative and different. The best part is that it's actually getting written now. I'll make it perfect later.
As far as wondering if my skills are good enough to pursue a novel, well, I'll never know that unless I write the novel first. It's like saying "I can't play basketball" and have never tried. I guess it all boils down to the fact that you must believe in yourself before anyone else will.

-- posted by devrixr

Top 13. Dec 31, 2001 6:31 AM

» Grace12_34 - Doubt and Organization

I am new to Suite 101. I am currently in the process of writing a mystery novel. I graduated with a B.A. in Criminal Justice, and I will begin graduate study for a master's degree in social studies education this spring. I never actually did anything with the criminal justice degree. Since I have ALWAYS been interested in crime and what makes criminals tick, I feel I will be somewhat successful at writing mysteries. HOWEVER, I am experiencing some of the doubt you mentioned in your first post. I wrote poetry with regularity when I was a teenager. I wouldn't TOUCH poetry with a ten-foot pole now though!! I have written a short story that I still have to put a few finishing touches on. I intend to have this story copyrighted and hope to have it published. I wrote lots of short stories in college, but please don't ask where they are now! Even though I am experiencing the doubt, I REALLY feel I am ready for this undertaking.

In terms of organization, I began writing the novel by giving the main character of the book a love interest, based upon a something that happened to me but did NOT turn into a love interest. I also began the first chapter of the novel itself by writing about something that actually happened in my own life. After reading what I wrote so far, I discovered I am writing the beginning of chapter one. When I end this chapter, I am going to try writing an outline.

-- posted by Grace12_34

Top 14. Dec 31, 2001 9:20 AM

» humorous_sage - Moonbase III

My first novel: "Moonbase III" has been a work in progress for over 15 years. USA will probably have the Moonbase actually built before my book hooks an editor. C'est la vie.

Hank

-- posted by humorous_sage

Top 15. Nov 26, 2002 1:51 PM

» Lizzy_Christian - First Novel

I'm in the process of writing my first novel. Well, not in THAT process. I'm really in the process of thinking of a topic that isn't too corny to be a good story. Any ideas?

-- posted by Lizzy_Christian

Top 16. Nov 26, 2002 1:51 PM

» Lizzy_Christian - First Novel

I'm in the process of writing my first novel. Well, not in THAT process. I'm really in the process of thinking of a topic that isn't too corny to be a good story. Any ideas?

-- posted by Lizzy_Christian

Top 17. Mar 31, 2004 12:08 PM

» TFlux195 - Organizing Thoughts

I want to thank everyone so much for their comments on this topic.

I am one of the "many" who are inspired by an idea for a novel, but rarely take time to work on it. I never considered myself a writer, and frankly I never enjoyed writing when I was younger. Thankfully, I realized a few years ago that my basic problem is not an inability to write, but a problem with editing my writing in my head before it is even a first draft. Thus my first draft was always my final draft. Unfortunately, this method as I'm sure you all know, is prone to many faults. The first being of course the fact that I would forget a great way to phrase something before I wrote anything down.

The solution for me recently has been the use of a computer where I can write down everything I am thinking and then go back and move them around later.

Anyway, my point today is that I am grateful for your suggestions about the importance of organization and consistent work. I actually started writing down some of the basic character/story ideas for my "novel" about two months ago. I now see that is the only way that I will be able to get this novel finished.

I wish you all luck in your efforts to complete your novels, and hopefully, we will all be able to see the completed works someday.

Take care,

D. Hooper

-- posted by TFlux195

Top 18. Apr 18, 2004 7:57 PM

» nekal3000 - IT'S TIME FOR ME TO START WRITING

I FIGURED IT WOULD BE LATER IN MY LIFE THAT I WOULD FINALLY DECIDE TO BEGIN MY FIRST BOOK. I DON'T WANT TO DIE WITHOUT WRITING ATLEAST ONE NOVEL. EVEN IF IT ONLY SELLS 1 COPY.

THIS WILL BE MY FIRST PROJECT AND I HAVE LITTLE CLUE AS TO THE ACTUAL PROCESS, BUT I AM DETERMINED TO START NOW!

ANY POINTERS WILL BE GREATLY ACCEPTED

NORMAN KALIN
NEKAL3000@HOTMAIL.COM

-- posted by nekal3000