So I have had this idea for a novel since I was 16, I have written and rewritten parts of it over the past 8 years now, taken down many notes, done lots of research into various subjects I am incorporating into it (although I still feel like I am not knowledgeable enough on Greek mythology or other subjects I am using). It is essentially a fictional story somewhat like Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter and other fantasy stories. Lots of mythology and a totally different universe/world where these characters are set. It's a big story and I feel like it could be a big thing but I am not very confident in my writing skills. Every time I sit down to write this story I get stuck. I have tried the Snowflake method and done as much organizing as possible, there are MANY characters, although the story revolves around four people in particular and there are various other side characters and important people. It is entirely based in a Greek mythological world where the Greek Gods are real and there is a great deal of conflict not only in the spiritual world but in the human world. I incorporated steampunk into the mix as well as I have been a fan of final fantasy games since I was young and there are those futuristic elements in the story. Some civilizations are more industrialized than others and have airships and guns, while others are still living in a more medieval civilization. It's a huge universe and there is just so much. This is my legacy though, something I need and have to write, this is the one thing I have determined will be what I leave behind in this world. I want to make my mark on this world and that will be this story. I just wish so much that I could find the inspiration and motivation to write the (*)(*)(*)(*) thing!
I read somewhere that an experienced and published author said that she (can't remember who it was, not Rowling though) kept writing because she was interested to see what her characters would do next. I'm not knowledgeable on this so forgive my errors. It seems to me that fictional writing is at the guts of it about telling a story. I found a new word the other day (ironic because I'd been using Oneiric Ocelot for some time) - oneiric. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oneiric_(film_theory) At about the same time I finished reading http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Hundred_Years_of_Solitude which uses the "magical realism" approach. It's trite to say it but there are many, many ways of telling a story. You have to find your own and let it take you on its journey. You have a lot of material already and are probably weighed down by it. Time to eat the elephant I think. One bite at a time. Why not write up your various civilisations and keep them separate in your mind or on your storyboard? When you're satisfied with the construction of each you'll know them well and probably won't need to refer to your storage of information. How you manage the movement in the civilisations is something you'll have to address. If the civilisations are markedly different from one another in their development then that suggests a lack of communication between the various civilisations But surely a technologically advanced civilisation will develop means of communication and travel which will allow it to spread its influence and thereby affect the others' development? Just a thought. Have you developed your plotline or is it fluid and not yet out there? Do you want a linear plot or is it going to be multi-layered and perhaps non-linear? Non-linear is difficult if you want to engage your reader but it can be very satisfying. Do you know your characters yet? How will they drive your story? Their actions will dictate to you what goes on perhaps. It's f antasy story so it may well lend itself to an oneiric (once I learn a new word I over-use it) approach or even magical realism, although in a fantasy story magical realism may not work. Why do readers engage with fantasy stories? I read them for relaxation, to get somewhere unsusual, like nowhere I've been, but which is poplulate by real people and not one-dimensional figures or superheroes. Fallable people are more interesting. Sorry about the jumbled thoughts, bit of a stream-of-consciousness approach (very messy).
Howdy! My Sweetie has written three full length novels of the um....supernatural/preternatural (?) genre and she 'roped' me into a novel writing challenge a few years ago. It's a thing commonly called "NA-NO" for "Novel ? November" Essentially one attempts to write a minimum of 50,000 words in the time between November 1-November 30th. (One can probably "Google" this) She also found a wonderful software called "Liquid Story Binder XE" I started using it when I started my novel. (unfinished as of yet. ) It's a great tool where one can write out/keep track of story lines, characters and their personalities and back story. One can make summaries and keep all of this info in one spot---- It really helps me each time I turn back to my story. Couple things that have helped me, outside the software: Making myself write everyday. Even it's just 30 minutes, sitting w/my laptop----and I wind up writing one page. The discipline of devoting a set amount of time each day, reinforces that I am dedicated to doing this. And remembering what I've heard other authors say....."one word at a time. no other way, just one word at a time" That's what I got, hope it helps! tresh
I always wanted to write---but never wrote so there you go. I just play the stuff in my head and never put it on paper. A waste. BUT my dad writes and though he hasn't had anything published yet --he is very involved and passionate. I'm not so much into his novels--but I love to read his essays--mainly biography of his life in the 30's, 40's and 50's. He needs to try to publish his essays into a collection--they are great pieces that put you back into that time-period. He is in literary groups and they really help him critique and motivate. Are you part of a literary group? Look into it!
I actually have this one down. There are 12 kingdoms each governed by one of the 12 Olympian deities and each have governments and laws that would match their respectable Gods views to some extent. And of course there are smaller villages and towns outside of each kingdom. It will be a series of books as well so as to cover each kingdom visited for the purpose of the plot. Definitely already addressed this one too. There are two separated planets that revolve very close to one another, one on each shoulder of Atlas 6 kingdoms reside on either planet and one planet is far more industrialized and peaceful than the other. My plot line is pretty multi-layered and I have a lot of it together. Thinking about it for 8 years of my life now there is definitely a very fluid plot line. Absolutely know them well...all but the main character who has actually changed a LOT from his original design when I was teeny boppin' kid. He used to be a punk badass kind of guy, but now that I have matured a lot more my characters have also become much more mature and have more depth than your typical mary/gary sue. They are all very fallible and have their flaws, their own wants and desires, unique back stories and so on. My main character has become more kind, logical and strong. Although he also holds some bitterness and anger close to his heart from his past and he can be extremely blunt towards others. His companions are also very different from him as I want to ensure there is a lot of learning and growth from each of them and they all give their own unique perspective over their experiences on this journey. I totally agree. It is a different world where the supernatural exists and is a reality for everyone but people still suffer from natural human flaws and typical problems of humanity such as poverty, famine, death, discrimination etc. You have given me a lot of good ideas to help movie my story along though. Revisiting it in my mind and going over the bulk of what I have helps a lot. Now I just need to find that perfect place to start it!
Thank you! I'll have to check that out. This is very helpful. I suppose that no matter how bad I think it is at the time I just need to write it out and get it on paper (or in this case on Word!). Editting, revising and critique can be saved for when I have completed it!
I know this feeling! I have so many ideas for stories and never write them out when I really need to. I hope this big story of mine never goes to waste though. Here is my problem, I have definitely thought of joining a literary or writing group, even considered going back to college to learn how to write better, maybe take an online creative writing class. I am just so fearful of critique and this stems from a lot of my past too, I hate critique or being critiqued because it makes me feel bad and like I am not good enough. I know I need to get over it and learn to take the critique to better myself, but god I just put myself down like crazy when I am critiqued and it makes me lose my motivation to write entirely. I have had a friend of mine go over some of the few pieces of my story that I wrote a while back and the feedback wasn't very good. It put me into a slump and I immediately gave up on the portion I had written planning to rewrite it again at some point. But now I am ready to try and get myself to get over it and to go back to my novel and just write it.
dont give up on it, rowlings became a millionaire after living on welfare from writing harry potter. writers block is very hard to deal with, but some suggestions would be to go on vacation that is when many people get their imagination working since there is no stressors. colby callet for instance wrote her last song on vacation at the beach in the carribean
There's a saying along the lines of "ten per cent inspiration, ninety per cent perspiration" or similar. Writing is hard work - physically and mentally. The romanticised image of the writer (not necessarily starving, maybe a bit peckish though) in the garrett is probably a long way from reality. Writing has rules too and these need to be followed - that is unless you create a totally different form and if you do that's great! But if you don't invent a new form....then know the rules of the current ones. One of the problems writers, who are essentially creative people, face is that they focus much on the artistic, creative side of the venture (naturally) but shy away (sometimes, I'm generalising here) from the nuts and bolts of the venture. I know this is trite but all fictional and non-fictional forms of writing were invented. Being invented means they have form and rules are part of that form. And fashion comes into it as well. Not long after the novel form was invented we saw such fashions as romans-a-clef where thinly disguised real people and real events were fictionalised (nowadays we call that "television" ) and they were popular for a while. Nowadays a roman-a-clef would be pulped, unless it is truly a standout (" American Hero" by Larry Beinhart comes to mind - albeit it is not a classic roman-a-clef). I think that there are perhaps several stages in the writing process and anyone can get stuck in any phase. But broadly speaking it's a bit like any project, there is initial enthusiasm and excitement and then it becomes a bit pedestrian and hard work and it's tempting to give up. Then you read other writers and you tell yourself that your own project will never rank with those. Cheer yourself up, read about Dean Koontz and how we became the famous author he is today. You must be in love with your story. If you don't love it then no-one else will. If you love it and you create it then who cares what anyone else thinks? You wrote it. You extracted it from yourself, you are now free of it and free to begin crafting another. Yes, the pregnancy metaphor is deliberate. Sculptors are lauded for being able to craft beautiful statues from slabs of marble (or other materials). They're lucky, they have a slab to start with, writers have nothing but an idea Critique is essential. You are going to be read eventually, you need to expose your work at various stages as you create it. Critique will focus on the craft-like aspects of writing, such as developing your characters through their interaction with their environment and with each other and the demonstration of the personalities of your characters through their actions rather than your descriptions of them. We know that Jack might be an athletic type but it's more fun to read about Jack skydiving or para-sailing or rock-climbing. That doesn't mean a meek surrender to every half-arsed piece of critique though. You need to develop a thick skin, take what is constructive, ignore what is irrelevant, unhelpful or which suggests envy from the other. Everything you write, except a shopping list, is an opportunity to practise your writing skills - even here in PF where big ideas have to be squeezed down into several, hopefully coherent paragraphs. Don't write when drunk or high. The intoxicated writer is a genius to themselves at that time but their work is usually like a sodden racetrack - dead. Hemingway may have been able to write after a heap of mojitos, I don't know, but the non-genius, artisan writer needs to stay clear-minded. Intoxication cons us into believing we are producing beautiful prose. We're pissed, how the hell would we know what we're writing? But as tresh said - write. Don't ponder it, don't fondle it lovingly in your mind, write it out. Be a practical dreamer and write.
Literary groups are meant to very positive. You learn from other people's viewpoint---or you can simply not accept the critique. I know my Dad has decided against some changes but included others when they made sense to HIM. He ignores my critiques lol. But still likes my feedback because I tell him what I like also. A literary group is commitment and you don't join right away. ---you commit if it looks like the group is a good fit for you. If you decide you are no longer compatible---then its time for a divorce. And you look for another. If you have the drive to write---you have no need at all to feel uncomfortable with your work.
Pasithea, I have been working on a zombie novel since 2007. I have spent a considerable amount of time researching, a task, I am afraid; I won't ever be done with until the book is finished. Robust intellectual credibility is vital, and doing peerless research helps attain that. I've seen it said in several places by several different people, including college professors of mine, and I certainly agree with their assertion, that it is fundamental to 'write' every day when you are working on a novel. The process in itself is quite unlike most things, so any self-created impediments will be felt. Mapping out your characters so you know them is crucial. One-dimensional characters make for boring and probably unpublishable work, so round characters are what you’re looking for. If you’re worried about your competency in writing itself, I suggest taking some remedial courses to freshen and sharpen your skills. Some universities have a creative writing program, so that might be something that you could do to definitely improve your creative writing ability. If that’s not an option, there are writing message boards that you could join. In addition, there are plenty of self-help and self-educating books on a varying degree of topics that deal with writing.
Goodreads has really great groups for getting motivation and critique. There are also author chats you can dip into their brains for feedback. I didn't find the resource until after I'd written my book but now that I found it. I like it. For many years, about 25 maybe, I had a book rattling around in my brain. When I tried to extract it there was a disconnect and it came out like garbage... until last year. Something finally jelled and whamo - it flowed like water. I could only manage to get the inroduction done and my book was already at 100,000 words plus. That is when I decided that laying out the timeline made the most sense FOR ME to tell my story in a way the audience could follow and enjoy. The first book spans only two weeks. It sets the stage for Book Two. Perhaps, to get 'pen to paper' so to speak, write knowing it will be a series. Focus on introductions, background, and setting with one plot while setting up the future books to deal with the other aspects later. It keeps the physical book manageable for the reader and motivation in small chunks for the author. Good luck with your book or books. You may try self-publishing as well. It is more work but I have found it satisfying.
I'll work out a deal with you if want. I used to be huge into writing. In fact I wanted to become one for the longest time. Now for some reason or another and I'm not quite sure why but I've kind of lost some of that passion. However if you want to do a bit of a friendly rivalry/support thing going on I'm all game. We'll send each other copies of our work to critique one another and give advice and we'll also see who can finish their story first. Maybe shoot some ideas back and forth to work out some of the more rough patches and help pull each other through it. We can set a dead line for each chapter also. Honestly this invitation is open to anyone who wants to accept it. Just send a pm and let's see what we can't do. Also if anyone is interested in playing editor I would be more then happy to have one. Thanks.
