I have always wanted to write a novel. I’ve started many times but have never produced a final product. I’m going to try again.
Any suggestions on how to figure out my plot and organize all my thoughts together? I have no idea where to start.
You know, I’m the exact same way. I’ve started tons of novels and never quite got past the half point.
I always plan the entire plot ahead of time in m head. When I write the thing I already have the path my character needs to walk through, so it’s easier to get to where you want. My problem is that I constantly edit and change stuff, so I take so long to progress I eventually get frustrated and stop.
To make up a plot, I usually start with an idea, a setting, or a character. It’s easier because these types of ideas are always in my head floating about. Then I sort of think about what can happen, and see what works.
Hey, if you have any half ideas post them here and we’ll help you move ideas about! I sometimes ask other people “what do you think you would do if…” or something to decide on what my character should go through and stuff like that. It helps.
The easy answer to this is..just write. Let it finish itself, the go back and help it flow. That’s why we draw out various drafts before we qualify our works as “finished products.” Take the pressure off, enjoy the process and see what you have when your 1st draft is completed.
Good luck and enjoy!
Thanks for your opinions, guys! This is actually really great advice I’ll take with me.
Well I suppose any sort of writing is a reflection from personal experiences. I want to incorporate different stories which have happened to other people in my life as well as to myself. How do you sort of combine that all into something that flows as one narrative? Is it okay to take these personal experiences of other people? I feel like a lot of writers do this, but wouldn’t this be sort of embarrassing or too sensitive to the people for which these events have actually happened to?
How do you know what to leave in and what to take out?
usually people would sometimes feel upset when some part of their life’s tough times are reflected in a book…....but you see when your character takes off the ropes around him/her people would feel a great bit of relief…..hoping to follow it when they are stuck in some other problem.
My advice is not to worry about what to put in, what to leave out, but to write without letting yourself edit! Turn the text you’ve already written white if need be, but no editing allowed! NaNoWriMo is a fantastic event for losing that inner critic and just writing. ;) I also recommend “No Plot, No Problem!” by Chris Baty as a book to help you get that novel out and edited.
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