Writing a book for the first time...[Input Appreciated]

London'sBurning · Aug 13, 2011

Just got off shift from work and checked on this thread. Thanks for all the replies and constructive criticism.

OrangeRowdy95 · Aug 13, 2011

Ming Dynasty said: ↑

I've written two unpublished novels (one represented by a literary agent) and started a third which I haven't touched in years after about 100 pages.

So can't say I'm an expert, but I've been down this path.
- Just write. There will be no shortage of reasons for you not to write or maybe even people to discourage you. When are you most inspired to write? Set that time aside every day, even if it is just 1-2 hours. No interruptions - no tv, no internet, nothing. Myself, I would crank out pages in small bursts between 10p and midnight, sometimes after a work day where my characters would go through the next scenes in my head.
- I honestly never had such a fully detailed outline, and the one time I tried, I abandoned the manuscript after 100 pages. This is unique writer to writer, but I think I wrote dialogue well because it came out spontaneous and conversational, just like it happens in real life.
- Show, don't tell. This is such cliched advice, but it is so true. Inexperienced writers and even some vets have this problem. Have your characters' actions demonstrate the story. Do not insult your readers, ever.
- Develop believeable characters. You'll be amazed how easy it is to insert stereoptypes, probably not when you're doing it, of course. Every character should believe in their own mind that they are the main character.
- Write the entire novel first, then edit it (I edited often during the process, though this became a procrastinating technique that kept me from writing), have others read it, etc. Enter it in contests. Don't bother trying to find an agent until you have a finished manuscript. Finding an agent is worth a whole other thread, so don't worry about it until you have at least finished and edited your manuscript.
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I began work on an autobiographical fiction novel, and I was advised to hold off on continuing my writing until I find an agent. Is that bad advice? I've pitched the idea to publishers, and several of the big ones said they are very interested, but they won't commit anything until they can talk to an agent with a finished manuscript.

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Writing a book for the first time...[Input Appreciated]

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