Writing a book Questions?

Question

I have always wanted to write a book and now have an idea that i want to run with, however i have a couple questions.

1) Should i hand write the first copy or type it?
2) Im leaning towords typing so, what size USB drive should i get to keep everything private? (Like gigs)
3) How do you avoid writers block?
4) Any other tips on writing a books it appreciated

Answer 1

Writing by hand or by computer is your decision. I've known many writers who write by hand and later write by computer. I've never known anyone who writes by computer and switches to writing by hand, though.



Because you're writing only text, you can get a 2GB USB drive. You can fit a few books that are already written on that.



A story, whether it's a novel, short story, or screenplay, is started with some of the following:



1. Premise. This is when you ask, "What would happen if?" Anything can get you started with it. The author of "Lord of the Rings" started his when he wrote about a hole in the ground on a piece of paper. He had no clue what it meant, he simply wrote it. Then he started asking "what would happen if..." something lived in it? Then it grew into "The Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings". Brainstorm, read the news, and start asking what if questions to develop the premise of your story.



2. Setting. You can set your story anywhere, on Mars, in the past on Earth, in the future on a starship, anywhere. Even thinking about the setting can help you to develop the premise.



3. Multiple Characters. Almost all stories contain multiple characters to play off of the values of the others. Start thinking about characters and what they want and this will also help you to develop your story. Ask lots of "what would happen if?"



4. Inciting Incident. This is where you story begins that turns your story's world upside-down and forces your character to set it straight. Then your character will begin a quest to reach an object of desire. Thinking about an inciting incident can also be your premise: "What would happen if a shark ate someone and the partially-eaten body ends up on the beach?" Jaws.



These points should help you to get started. Once you understand these concepts, you can then research the story structure so that you can actually finish it because once you hit the middle, you'll find it becomes work.



Write a story wiki:

http://www.storyentertainment.com/ow

Answer 2

The other answerer did a fabulous job covering all the basis. Personally I had write periodically just so if something happens to my computer or thumbdrive I have a back up outline. I also hand write so that I don't lose really good ideas that pop up in my head. I don't always use them right away but they come in handy for those 'writer's blocks' moments and keeps the momentum.

I don't particularly utilize the 'what if?' tactic, I use the 'menial is good' theology. I have a character walk, answer a phone, roll their eyes and give them some tick of their personality maybe explain why and where it came from. It comes in handy whenever you have a writers block moment cause you can pull it out and your reader already knows 'oh there she goes again fluttering her eyelashes he must be a real ugly guy' or 'he's cracking his knuckles his brother must be entering the room'. Things like that become second nature for the reader and they begin to 'know' your character better.

The best writing advice given to me was to 'write a page a day'. A short page a long page just sit down and do it. I have perfected the art to weekends and holidays off. If I don't want to write I don't fret too much but after three weeks I force myself to write something even if I clip and paste it for use somewhere else later. With this system you end up with close to 200 pages at the end of the year, more if you write more pages a day but a page is a place to start.

I edit as I write, another reason I hand write. It is my first line of edit. I often edit as I go in order to maintain consistency for one and two to stay familiar with the story and characters. I read through something think 'this isn't so exciting' then think 'oh but if I link it to my next scene the reader will go back and see if the clues were there all along'. I make it subtle but I add in all the details that weren't originally there.

the entire process is fun and I try to keep it exciting if not the words also the art.

Enjoy the journey.



J...

Answer 3

1. Type your manuscript from any handwritten notes that you may have onto a Microsoft Word file.

2. As mentioned by i8 above, use a flash drive with a 2GB capability. Such a drive can hold many novels.

3. You can't avoid writer's block; it happens to the best of us. When it does occur, simply pursue another hobby or activity for a while. The writing urge will return.

4. Edit continually as you write. The job of editing can be overwhelming if you don't correct your errors early on. Your first draft is simply that--a draft that will require extensive editing for spelling, grammar, syntax, and capitalization.



Consult a good reference book and keep it near as you work on the manuscript. Avoid cliches, trite expressions, and tags having adverbs in them. Use action sentences that precede the dialogue and those will obviate the requirement of tags repetively saying, he said, she said.



Be persistent in your writing, get a copy of the Writer's Market, and locate a genuine literary agent best suited for your genre. Read closely and follow the submission guidelines. Be prepared for rejects, for they will come.

Answer 4

My suggestion is hand write it. Computers can be very unreliable, but if your hellbent on typing, make sure you save it to at least two data discs. And don't forget to save every time your done. I say two because it's always nice to have a backup in case something happens. I, myself, usually use a typewriter but seeing as it's 2008 no one has one of those anymore except for me, the writing geek. loll. I also suggest you find a very smart and reliable friend or family member to use as an editor, because us creative people tend to jump the gun, and move onto other projects without finishing the first one, and also spell check isn't as reliable as it sounds. Also Set a time away everyday for your writing, it makes the process quicker and more efficient, but if you absolutely can't write don't force anything, because then it will be very shitty. As for the writers block, I can't suggest anything to prevent it, but I can suggest things to get over it faster.

1. Watch a movie, sometimes watching a movie gives me an idea.

2. Listen to music, it always gets me going.

3. Reread what you have, it puts your mind back on track sometimes.

4.Take a break, sometimes your mind needs this.



I hope I helped and if you have any qeustions, just messege me. Also if you don't mind I'd like to read it once you get started, [e-mail]