How to write a novel

If you look at my last post you will see that I'm outlining a report on how to write a novel. I've come up with one more chapter that needs to be in this.

Editing your novel once this is done.

All of this is coming from my experience in writing three books, and many, many short stories.

In the meantime, here is some great writing software to get you going. Click Here

New writing book/report

I've decided on writing a report, of about twenty pages or so I think, on how to write a novel. It seems like there is a lot of interest in this area and I know that people are always on the look out for quality information.
So I've got some ideas for this report which includes:
How to start a novel
Outline or don't outline
The discipline of writing and completing a novel
Should characters or plot come first when writing a novel
Word counts
How to develop characters
How to develop the plot
How to get through the middle of a novel
How to finish the novel

That's all I've got so far. Please let me know what you think and if you have any other ideas that you would like to see represented in the report. From the looks of it, it's going to be more then twenty pages already! I'm thinking of selling this for about $5. What does everyone think?

Is a writing group worth it?

I've been in a writing group for about nine months now. Sometimes I walk away from our weekly meeting and think that it was very produtice and that all of us writers got some good use out of our time, while at other times I wonder if it was worth the weekly investment of my time.

So below are a few items I've noted that I've picked up along the way- it's a sort of pro's and con's list.

1. If you're working on a new project it sometimes gets frustrating to be looking forward to the next scene and having people tell you what they liked and disliked about the last scene. I've found this hard to grapple with as I tend to want to barrel through the first draft of my books and not look back until I get to the editing phase.
2. I've found that having a writing group on a weekly basis is almost too much as I'm constantly worry about getting my writing just so, for the next meeting. I think I focus more on how well my prose is coming out for the purposes of the writing group, instead of just telling the story and getting it on paper.
3. I do really enjoy getting to spend some time every week with fellow writers. At home, I'm the only one who writes and my wife and kids don't understand the angst that I sometimes go through. Being able to share my writing experiences and find out how others go about their creative process makes the weekly meetings worth it for me so far.

So those are a few of the things that I've taken away from my weekly writers meeting. I can't say it is always productive for my writing, but I can say that I almos always leave with a refreshed feeling for my craft.

Also, if you are new to writing or would like more of a program that caters strictly to writers and helps with the creative process click here. It's great software that is intuitive and helps get writing done.

It's been awhile

It's been awhile since I've posted and that's mainly due to the fact that I've moved and had to restructure my computer, as the last one puked on me.

I will be back soon with more information and insights into my creative writing and my writer's group.

In the meantime, check out this blogs-I really like them, well some of them I think I just need.

www.amazingsalestechniques.blogspot.com
www.thehealthyblogger.blogspot.com
www.the-home-worker-today.blogspot.com

I think you will like them.

Writing group #1

I went to my first writing group meeting the other day. I'm not sure if I'm going to like it and that is because of the personalities involved. I think it will be good for my writing, so far although this is still speculative, but we shall see.
It was just the first meeting and the next one is a week away. I will have more to report on this after the second meeting.

Why you should outline your novel

For many writers the thought of creating an outline is almost sacrilegious to how they write. That’s fine, but don’t knock it till you try it.

I have tried both writing from the hip, so to speak, and creating an outline. For me I’ve found that creating an outline really keeps me focused. In addition, when I sit down to do my writing it’s the ladder that I cling to, to help me keep moving up and creating more. The outline allows me to sit down and say, “Okay, I here I am and I need to get to here, so how am I going to do that today?”

Some people think that the creativity of writing is stifled by the outline. That might be for some, but for me I like to know how things are going to pan out. That’s not to say that things will surprise me throughout the writing process, far from it actually. What I’m talking about is knowing the major events that are going to happen in the book so that there is a logical road map to follow.

I will create a thirty-page outline for a full-length novel. In this outline I have all the major events and what all the major characters are doing. Now when I sit down to write is when the magic comes out of my fingers. I don’t feel the outline is impeding my creativity since I have to flesh out what the characters are going to say and how each one would go about saying it. Second, a writing outline is just that- an outline. I might deviate away from the outline, or after writing thirty thousand words, I might add new scenes from developments that I’ve just come up with.

For me an outline is a way to know what to do next within my novel that I’m creating. It is a way to be able to defeat the horror of the blank screen or page. If you haven’t tried to use an outline, I suggest giving it a go before deciding that it’s not for you. That’s what I thought too, before I tried it, now I wouldn’t do it any other way.

Quit your job and become a writer

You've probably been dreaming about quitting your job and becoming a writer for a long time. It's a great gig- work in your pajamas, don't have a boss hanging over your shoulder, and take naps on your lunch hour.
Before you go storming into your bosses office and telling him that your then next Hemingway and you don't need this job anymore, think about the ramifications of what your doing.
First, make sure you either have enough money stashed away to get you through for about a year and you have an agent and a book deal in the works, or you have some other way to make money while you are at home...freelance writing perhaps....
You will know when the time is right to leave your job, when you feel that you can't take the work anymore and you are losing sleep over how much your not writing while working at your day job. Just make sure that you've got a plan for the next year before you lose the only stable income that you may see for a long time.
Just remember, it is possible to make a living as a writer...not everyone is a New York Times bestseller, and those a few rungs down can still make a decent living doing what they want to do. So the next time someone tells you not to quit your day job, as your telling them about ideas for you new book, just tell them that the day jobs days are number.
I highly recommend that you take it upon yourself to learn more as a writer. Learn the techniques, proper formatting, what makes a good book, how to write with suspense, develop plot...and much more. If you want to be a professional writer you have to take on the responsibility of being one. I suggest taking in the information provided here. There are tons of a great information from beginning your book to acquiring an agent and getting the book published. Click on the link provided now and take charge of your writing.
Click Here!
Click Here!

Five Tips To Writing A Fantasy Novel

Five tips to writing a fantasy novel


This article will show you some tips on how to write a better fantasy novel. If you’ve never written a book before, don’t think that it is too daunting of a task. On the other hand you should know that the best way to finish writing a book is to keep at it every day, and once started don’t stop until it’s done. Here are some ideas that should help you stay on track with writing your fantasy novel.

1. Make sure you know the world you are writing about.
This is one of the first places that people get strung up. You need to know what your fantasy world is like. If you can’t describe what the vegetation and trees are like in your world, you will have a hard time crafting a story that is very lifelike.

A good way to go about this is to take the time to think about your fantasy world. What is the landscape like there? What sort of creatures inhabit it? Are there any extremely different terrain features from the real world that would help make this world stand out? Think about yourself as a world builder when you are writing your fantasy novel.


2. What political factions are there?
A great way to bring more intrigue and plot lines into your fantasy story is to introduce opposing political or religious factions. Some questions to ask are: Who is the ruler of the land? Do people like him/her? Are there people who want to rule the land? What is the relation of this country to that of the other countries surrounding it?


3. Know your characters.
Often in writing text there is the section regarding the characters of the book. They often want you to write a character sketch of the person. This often doesn’t work that well for every writer. In some cases it is better to get a few chapters under your belt and see how the characters react to situations. Then go back and make notes about your characters.

In a fantasy novel, there are plenty of times where the characters have varying physical or mental qualities that are not found in the real world. This sort of attribute needs to be well thought out in order for it to become convincing to the reader. A good course of action is to have a hindrance added to a special quality that would seem to give the character an advantage over others in the story. This lends to the character being a bit more believable and is a great opportunity to add sub-plots into the story.


4. Magic
If you have any sort of magic system introduced to your fantasy world you need to do your homework here. First, think about the magic system and how it affects the world and how it affects the individual. Here are a few questions to ask yourself when introducing magic into your fantasy writing.
What are the qualities of the magic system? Can anyone have magical abilities? What about animals and humanoids? How does the average person in the world react to magic?


5. Read the classics.
It is a great idea to have read the classics before venturing out and writing your own fantasy novel. The biggest reason for this, is that you will know what sort of things have written about in the past and it will save you from becoming a poor repeat. In addition, by reading the works of those such as Tolkien, Wiess & Hickman, and more, you will come to appreciate just how tightly woven the characters and world come together and how they react with and against each other.


Writing a fantasy novel has its great advantages- you can make anything up- however, you have to be more calculated with your writing to make it believable. Click on the link provided to learn more on how to better your writing.
http://www.ezniche.com/data/article.php?l=522

What to expect from a writing group

In two days I'm going to my very first meeting with a writing group. I'm not sure what to expect, however I do anticipate a few things. First, I'm guessing we will introduce ourselves and talk about the diferent genre's of writing that we are all interested in. After that I imagine we will set up the protocol for coming meetings. For example, how the meetings will be carried out, what the expectations are of each member and what we need to bring to each meeting.
I'm looking forward to finding these things out about the writing group, however, I'm a little leary that it might be a waste of time. We shall see. I will post more once I've gone to the first meeting

Journal Writing Skills To Become An Author

Journal Writing Skills To Become An Author

Many people want to write. More want to say they have written. This is nothing knew, but a great place to start as writing and to stretch your literary muscle is to start by journaling. In order to do this you, it helps to have a few journal writing skills, that may just turn into the seed that helps you become a professional writer someday.

Journal writing is more about freethinking with the pen. To be able to put down thoughts about your day without feeling like you need to have mastered tenth grade English. This is a great primer for helping with the first draft of any book.

Often it is the case with many first time writers, and even old pros, that the blank page will stare back at them demanding that the writer only put down the best possible words in human existence. This is where the journal writing skills come into play. It is necessary to be able to start writing that first draft of your book without too much worry about the content. That is why journal-writing skills are so effective in helping one to become an author.

The act of journal writing on a daily basis will also plant the seeds that are necessary for one to become an author. It develops the discipline needed to sit your butt down at put hands on keyboards or pen to paper each and every day. This is what is needed to become an author- the commitment to sit down and write every day.

Journal writing is the perfect place to start honing one’s skills at writing, especially if the idea of writing a book seems daunting. Consider journal writing skills as the foundation to becoming a great author.

If you would like to learn more about how to become an author and hone your writing skills, as well as finding an agent and getting published then click on the link below. You will be able to receive 10 free books on writing and the writing life as well. Click here now! http://www.ezniche.com/data/article.php?l=522

Journal Writing Skills To Become An Author

Journal Writing Skills To Become An Author

Many people want to write. More want to say they have written. This is nothing knew, but a great place to start as writing and to stretch your literary muscle is to start by journaling. In order to do this you, it helps to have a few journal writing skills, that may just turn into the seed that helps you become a professional writer someday.

Journal writing is more about freethinking with the pen. To be able to put down thoughts about your day without feeling like you need to have mastered tenth grade English. This is a great primer for helping with the first draft of any book.

Often it is the case with many first time writers, and even old pros, that the blank page will stare back at them demanding that the writer only put down the best possible words in human existence. This is where the journal writing skills come into play. It is necessary to be able to start writing that first draft of your book without too much worry about the content. That is why journal-writing skills are so effective in helping one to become an author.

The act of journal writing on a daily basis will also plant the seeds that are necessary for one to become an author. It develops the discipline needed to sit your butt down at put hands on keyboards or pen to paper each and every day. This is what is needed to become an author- the commitment to sit down and write every day.

Journal writing is the perfect place to start honing one’s skills at writing, especially if the idea of writing a book seems daunting. Consider journal writing skills as the foundation to becoming a great author.

If you would like to learn more about how to become an author and hone your writing skills, as well as finding an agent and getting published then click on the link below. You will be able to receive 10 free books on writing and the writing life as well. Click here now!

Preparing for an agent

Early on in the design of your book you should be thinking about finding representation. What this means is finding an agent.
The first thing to think about when finding an agent is thinking about what the book is really about. Do you know the core story line and are you able to break that down into a few sentences? It's not only good to be able to do this for the cover letter and synopsis that you would send out to the agent, but it is a great way to help you stay on course while writing the book.
When you get to the point that you are looking for an agent, one thing to be extremely careful of, is any agent that would, Literary agent or otherwise, ask for a fee upfront. Run fast and don't look back if you the agent asks you to pay for a reading fee or any other type of fee.
Finally, while looking for an agent, you should send out as many letters as possible to agents. Just be sure to do your homework and make sure it is an agent that represents the genre that your writing in.
You can find agents that are willing to represent you in many different areas. The first place to look is the old stand by, "The Writers Market." You can't go wrong by starting here, although once you get beyond this, doing a general search on the web will bring up enough to keep you busy for a long time.
Good look in your search.

Are writing groups good for you?

Do you want to become part of a writing group but just aren't sure if it is right for you? Well, I've had that same problem in deciding about a writing group. Below are some pros and cons of a writing group and my thoughts on them. In addition, next monday I'm going to be starting in a writing group and I will make posts regarding my thoughts and reactions to this.

I suppose in theory a writing group is a good idea. You get together with like minded people and talk about writing, as well as discuss each others writing. It makes sense and I think one of the best benefits, at least for me, in a writing group is that interaction with other people who know what it is like trying to create a tale through the written word.

But what if you get stuck with group of people who are wannabe writers. You know the type- the ones who love to talk about writing but haven't actually produced a single completed projects. The ones who have about three different short stories going on at one time. If you are in a group like this I woud say run as fast as your writerly legs will carry you. I don't see anything good coming out of a group of people like this, and the atmosphere of this group could rub off on you.

There are many more pros and cons of the writing group and I will touch more on those in my next post. I have to get back to work on my currrent project. I'm editing a fantasy story now and soon I will be looking to seek representation on that.

Are writing groups good for you?

Do you want to become part of a writing group but just aren't sure if it is right for you? Well, I've had that same problem in deciding about a writing group. Below are some pros and cons of a writing group and my thoughts on them. In addition, next monday I'm going to be starting in a writing group and I will make posts regarding my thoughts and reactions to this.

I suppose in theory a writing group is a good idea. You get together with like minded people and talk about writing, as well as discuss each others writing. It makes sense and I think one of the best benefits, at least for me, in a writing group is that interaction with other people who know what it is like trying to create a tale through the written word.

But what if you get stuck with group of people who are wannabe writers. You know the type- the ones who love to talk about writing but haven't actually produced a single completed projects. The ones who have about three different short stories going on at one time. If you are in a group like this I woud say run as fast as your writerly legs will carry you. I don't see anything good coming out of a group of people like this, and the atmosphere of this group could rub off on you.

There are many more pros and cons of the writing group and I will touch more on those in my next post. I have to get back to work on my currrent project. I'm editing a fantasy story now and soon I will be looking to seek representation on that.

The life of a writer-part 2

The life of a writer is a special one, and one that I wouldn't trade for the world. However, there are some things to consider about the writer's life that isn't exactly top of mind.
First you have to write and this is a big one for all of you aspiring writers. You need to write everyday, even when it's raining outside and you didn't get your cocoa pebbles today.
We all have set backs and the life of a writer is no different. What is different about the life of a writer is that you pretty much set when you work and when you don't. It can be a slippery slope and deciding not to write one day can lead to a week and then before you know it, your hyperventilating because your behind deadline and have to sit your but in the chair for twenty hours a day, just to hit it.
The life of the writer has a down point in that it is a very solitary position. That's why I recommend that you get out at least three times a week. Do something like excersise, watch a movie, visit with friends. Anything that would get you out of the office for a while and become social. I noticed that it didn't take long for my ficitonal characters to become my best friends, and I had forgotten how to make small talk to real people. (Okay, maybe it wasn't that bad, but it felt like it.)
These are just a few comments that I have found create a bit a snag in the life of a writer. However, if you're aware of them, they aren't as much an issue.

The Life Of A Writer

The life of the writer can seem like a very easy going lifestyle, and to some degree it is. I am going to talk about the easier side of the life of a writer in this post. I think that in the next post it should be the harder aspects to the life of the writer.
So for starters, there is getting up when you want to and going to be when you want too. Although I don't recommend doing this, you are your own boss, technically speaking, and you can go to be whenever you want.
The second great thing to the life of the writer is that the uniform is often very casual. I prefer to work in my pajamas as I normally get up first thing and start writing every morning. Quite often this is the cliche of writers, and many don't admit to doing this or actually don't. I see like this-if you are fortunate enought to work from home, why bother with the khakis and button down shirt? Go for broke-bust out the p.j.'s. You deserve it and it makes the whole writing process better when you can be comfortable in lounge wear.
The life of the writer lends to an extremely different lifestyle. Most people won't relate to how you are able to work, and keep working from home, however it is the mark of a professional that they can get pages written and copy out the door.
The life of a writer has its many perks and those are only limited by the ways that people like to spend their time and still be able to get the work done.
If you have specific questions you want answered about the life of a writer, please leave a comment and I will get back to you. Or leave your e-mail and I will write you back. I do know when I was struggling to become a published author, I was always curious about what made the pro writer tick and what they did to become successful-like what sort of breakfast they had.
Okay maybe not that weird, but you get the point.
The life of the writer-can't be beat.

Don't forget about the word count

The word count was one of my first posts on this site and it bears repeating. Don't forget your word count. Although it is a tool to keep you on track, you should not live and die by the word count. You need to understand that it is just one more metric to keep your scribbling little heart going down the right path.
I made the mistake of blindly following my word count in the first fictional book I wrote. I put down whatever I thought of next without a care to the fashion of sentences and the pick of choice words. It was a mistake that left my writing flat and stilted.
Don't make this mistake with your word count watching.
My second book, The Book Of Mengel, (which is due to be out shortly), is a fantasy story and I paid attention to my word count but didn't let it rule my writing. In the end, I came away with a book that I liked and the few readers of the second draft enjoyed it as well.
Soon I will make the book available here as well for those who would like to buy it. If you do, drop me a line in the comment section here to let me know. Always helpful to hear that people want your writing.
In addition, if you have your own comments about how you deal with your word count, let all of us know by putting it in the comments area here as well.
Best wishes

Writing the first draft

When writing the first draft, I like to let all the words just flow out. I even let the majority of the ideas flow out as well. Even though I have an outline that I am loosely following, I will still go with any idea that seems to have a relevant direction given what I know about the book so far.
So with that in mind, writing the first draft is probably one of the most enjoyable parts of the whole writing process for me. It is when my creativity gets to run wild and I can do almost whatever I want without having the evil internal editor coming after me and trying to clean up all of my ideas that don't seem to be working. You never know, that one idea that you start traveling down could be the one that leads to your new career.
Happy writing everyone.

Some of the best tips for writers

Look below at the last post. I suggested some great material for people to buy that I think is some of the best information for people who want to write and who want to become published and paid for their writing.
Check it out.

What do you like to write?

There are so many different things to write about and so many different genres that it is easy to not focus on any one group for very long. That is why I am trying to be a vague as possible in what I talk about, in order for the things I have learned to apply to just about anyone.

If you want more information about writing in different genre's like chic light, childrens books, horror, sci-fi....and more, then click here to find all the answers you could ever want. Rob Parnell is a vast treasure trove of knowledge and he gives away many of his secrets to writing the best sellers in his free e-books.

Check it out now!