| By :
James Marinero
Can you learn how to write novels, or does is require a bachelor's degree? The essence of this is about skill versus ability - skills can be learned, abilities are innate. Arguably, writing is a skill, but the quality of your work will depend to some extent on ability. Here are my guidelines to help you along the way writing books. Many writers will say that attending creative writing courses will help. I started without any formal training, and perhaps it shows in my work. I assume that you are not using novel writing software for the task. Understand Your Genre Read widely - you need to read the competition, particularly the best writers. This is a great place to begin learning how to write novels, because you see what sells. Plan The Story (Or Not) Successful writers do start out with a plan for a book: start, middle and end, charted on a whiteboard. I just can't write books this way. I like writing a work of fiction to be a journey of discovery for me as well as the reader. Find which method works for you. How To Write Novels - Just Do It It will force you to think about 'point of view'. Who is speaking in the story you are writing? There are many technical perspectives here, but the rule is simple: decide your POV and stick to it, ensuring your writing is consistent. A Plot Will Emerge Don't worry if you don't have a plot. One will Develop. Imagine your main character (MC), and start describing him. Then, describe the character's appearance. Where is the MC - is there a place you know well? Many authors set their stories in their home town. Then add a random event to that day - maybe they witnessed a crime. What was behind that event? Or, take a news story, and think about how it got to you - did it come from a reporter in Afghanistan or Paris?. Write about the story itself. The very process of writing should engage your brain and your creative side. Draw on your experiences whenever you can. Writers write best about what they know well, and nothing beats experience. Research thoroughly those areas you don't know well, making notes as you go along. Show And Tell This just means that many writers tell the story using dialogue between characters ('showing') in preference to a plain narrative, which can become tedious unless the author is adroit. Grammar And Punctuation If you feel you are shaky in these areas, don't worry, a proofreader can correct them. Writing books is about much more than this if you have a good story. If you are really poor in this respect then it might be advisable to engage a professional proof editor before you attempt to submit a manuscript to a prospective publisher or agent. In Conclusion The main 'rule' is - just do it. Write the first word, then the sentence and so on. Be modest with your early goals. Write your first hundred words. Review them, then write your next hundred words. As you write, ideas will come - note them on a pad, for inclusion later. Join a writers' forum, and talk to others - there are thousands of aspiring novelists learning how to write novels, and exchanging ideas. It is a great way of learning the craft.
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