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I always wanted to write. I was, without a doubt, above average. I could craft a powerful letter,write a beautiful business report, do a marvelous motivational piece . . . but could I write a novel?
How will you write your first novel?
I have always enjoyed writing, but to sit for three and one half years, at my computer, for no less than fours hours per day, was something I never thought I could do. But I Did. How?
- First, you need a glimmer of a story.
- Second, you should start with a story that touches you in painful ways as well as joyous ways.
- Third, you need to learn to write as you write.
- Fourth, read every book you can on how to write.
Buy the book Strunk and White, Elements of Style. Best little investment you will ever make.
- Write everyday and throw the words on the screen or the paper without any care as to whether you punctuate or spell correctly.
- let it flow. . .
- let it go!
- Learn what a hook is. When you have it, make sure you place it in exactly the right spot.
- You will need a problem for the hero to solve.
- You will need a barrier that will stand in the way.
- You will need an epiphany to the solution.
- Then the struggle against the antagonist, the villain, or the barrier.
- To the win. To the final act you go with your hero. Make your characters believable.
- On to the conclusion.
Simple huh?
Well then -- get started:
My book, Gone Away Into the Land, is put together in a unique way. You will enjoy the story - I know that - but you will learn from the structure and the time sequences. Not everything in writing needs to fit into a nice neat package. There are rules though. Those you must follow. But bend them if you dare; if you learn how. Gone Away Into the Land -- Amazon.com
Lessons & tips:
- Write every day. Make a schedule and stick to it.
- Join a writer's group. Try and find a good critique group. I never did but I wish I had.
Resources:
- Strunk and White , Element of Style
- Stephen King's – On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft -- ISBN 0671024256
- Find an editor who does not know you.
- Learn what a query letter is and when you are finished with your manuscript start sending your query letters to publishers and agents. Rejection is the name of the game, but take it from me, there is a publisher out there for you. Self publishing, and print-on-demand were dirty words not long ago, but they are fast becoming accepted means of bringing a book to market. Nonetheless, I would recommend the traditional route. Take your time before you decide to self publish.
- Good Luck
Thank you for reading.
Jeffrey B. Allen
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