[stylist] Suggestions for Novel Writing
Judith Bron
jbron at optonline.net
Mon Mar 2 14:48:49 UTC 2009
Writing your novel is like how you clean your house. Different things work
for different people. Getting tipss like Chelsea shared are beneficial in
that we are all looking to improve whatever we are doing to get the job
done. Some wash the counters before they do the dishes. Some proof their
work, put it away for a month and then go back to it. No laws about what we
do when. Judith
----- Original Message -----
From: "James Canaday M.A. N6YR" <n6yr at sunflower.com>
To: "NFBnet Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, March 02, 2009 12:14 AM
Subject: Re: [stylist] Suggestions for Novel Writing
> dear Chelsea,
> that was a well written explanation of your process.
>
> however some people might do things differently for various reasons.
> after I write a section I like to go back and do some editing and proofing
> on it then, I find it actually helps prepare me to write the next section.
>
> but that's my method.
>
> I hope you get a novel published.
>
> jc
> Jim Canaday M.A.
> Lawrence, KS
>
> At 07:38 PM 3/1/2009, you wrote:
>>Chelsea, You are right! Your first book will be a masterpiece! Judith
>>----- Original Message ----- From: "Chelsea Cook" <astrochem119 at gmail.com>
>>To: <stylist at nfbnet.org>
>>Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 3:36 PM
>>Subject: [stylist] Suggestions for Novel Writing
>>
>>
>>Hi all,
>>
>>We are finishing a unit on process in English and had to compose a set
>>of instructions to the reader. Since this assignment could be
>>creative, I took the liberty of writing down how I go about
>>storytelling. Keep in mind, I am just one person, but I thought I'd
>>share my way with you all. (Lori, anything I forgot or you would like
>>to add, please feel free to do so.) Let me know what you think.
>>Thanks.
>>
>>How to Write a Novel:
>>
>>1. Read. Anything and everything, classic and contemporary, prose
>>and poetry, fact and fiction. This will give you a basis of syntax,
>>style, and structure, and you never know which lines will leap
>>immediately off the page or sink into your subconscious as future
>>ideas. In either case, they will wait for the perfect time and then
>>scream without relent: "Write me! Write me!"
>>
>>2. Observe. Take every new and uncomfortable situation as an
>>adventure for the senses. If you are sitting near the kitchen in a
>>diner, notice the changing smells every second from syrup to mashed
>>potatoes to fish. Listen to how the person working calls out orders.
>>Is the voice male or female? Grown or college age? What is the tone?
>>Is the person polite or obnoxious? These (and all other trinkets of
>>detail you gather) will help shape your characters and worlds later
>>and add clarity and reality to your writing. Pay attention, and you
>>will be rewarded.
>>Note: These two implements are the most important background for the
>>beginning writer. Never stop doing them, even in the other phases of
>>the process. Also note that the next three steps can be done in any
>>order as long as they are all accomplished by the end of the book.
>>
>>3. Find a friend. Think of a character that will suit the type of
>>book (which doesn't have to be labeled yet) you want to write. This
>>character can be based on traits from real life, traits that you have
>>(or would like to), traits and actions completely opposite from yours,
>>or a person whose life you've always wondered about. However, it is
>>almost always guaranteed that the character will carry some part of
>>you, its author and creator.
>>
>>4. Find a way. If your characters don't fall into place yet, fine.
>>That's all right. Create a situation you would like them to get into.
>>Character and plot are so tightly intertwined that by the end of your
>>book, you may have trouble distinguishing which you started with.
>>Sometimes the author is just the translator for the character; during
>>others, the book may be going along at such breakneck speeds that all
>>the writer can do is enjoy the exhilaration, keep the pen moving, and
>>hang on for the ride.
>>
>>5. Find a reason. Maybe you (or your story person) is fascinated or
>>passionate about a particular subject or hobby. If so, make that part
>>(or the whole) development of your book. You never know where crazy,
>>wild, seemingly fruitless and unconnected ideas may lead. Don't
>>dismiss them.
>>
>>6. Organize Ideas. Once you have a character, plot, or premise
>>(remember, any or all will get you started) put ideas together and see
>>what happens. Something may come out of this brainstorm. Write an
>>outline if that is your preferred method, make connections in your
>>head while on a walk or in the shower, keep a notebook everywhere; be
>>comfortable. There is no "right" way, so long as sparks start fires.
>>
>>7. Write readily. Do this whenever, whatever. Don't worry about
>>genre or market yet. Just sit down and compose when time and energy
>>are on your side. If neither are, plan for them to be. Set goals you
>>know you can meet within an expected limit. Write on weekends,
>>mornings, or evenings, whatever block of time works. Flexibility is
>>key, and procrastination is detrimental to your work. If there is an
>>idea inside you, it will have to come out sooner or later. Your book
>>will get finished if you have the passion, willpower, determination,
>>and persistence to do so. Also, don't sweat the small stuff. Writing
>>a novel is not easy. Just soldier on, take a break (without leaving
>>entirely) and remember the purpose of revision.
>>Note: During writing, characters and ideas will float freely through
>>your subconscious. If you feel another novel or story coming on,
>>capture as many details and images in a notebook or file as you can,
>>but concentrate on this project first. By starting too many books,
>>your commitment to each will proportionally diminish and you will
>>never be able to finish any one. Let every character have his or her
>>own time, place, and individualized attention to develop and grow.
>>
>>8. Rest. After your first-draft manuscript is complete, take a
>>reprieve from it. A few weeks or months usually suffices; just enough
>>time for you to wonder what that story of yours was about anyway.
>>Don't reread your book now, no matter how strong the temptation. This
>>distance will give you objectivity later for editing.
>>
>>9. Rewrite (also called revising and editing.) It does not matter
>>which of these two you do first, as long as both are completed and
>>you've read your book. Read through the first draft carefully,
>>changing and reworking areas as needed. After this initial stage,
>>keep cutting and pasting, adjusting and aligning prose until all the
>>scenes and places in your story (big and small) are there for a
>>purpose. Every word matters, especially in suspense works. Read your
>>book aloud; ask for outside opinions. These are not only crucial to
>>your rewrite, but will give you valuable feedback and insights as to
>>the musicality and validity of your story.
>>
>>10. Stop. When you have identified problems in your book but are
>>unable to fix them (or the revisions make things worse) you know your
>>book is done. Stop rewriting. You also know your book is complete
>>when there is no more work left to do in this phase. (Don't get hung
>>up here or you'll keep rewriting forever, and no one wants that.)
>>Readers want to read, after all.
>>
>>11. Revel. You've written a novel! Enjoy the moment. If the world
>>of publishing intrigues you, explore that avenue. If not, take away
>>the personal satisfaction, pleasures, and growth that you have
>>composed an entire novel.
>>
>>_______________________________________________
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>>
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>
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