Has any body written a book?

[Colossus24]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone has written a book/novel or a long piece of fiction. I am thinking about writing one and I was hoping that with the amount of talent on here, someone would have some suggestions or advice on how to get started. Thanks.

 

[animateer]

If you are interested in writing for children and teens, you should join the Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators. scbwi.com it's $75, but I think it is worth it.The forum (members only) is very informative. Most people are very helpful and knowledgeable. Many are seasoned, published authors and illustrators.As far as getting in to writing, most publishers don't welcome unsolicited manuscripts. Buy a Writers Guide 2006, they have a long list of publishers that do. Send a query letter for there submission guidelines. If you choose to send it, your manuscript then goes into the "slush pile" possibly never to be seen again. If your lucky they will respond with critiques. Many writers claim that years can go by and no sell.If you’re a writer/illustrator then creating a "dummy book" will get you noticedmuch more than just a writer. If you are an artist, then your work has to be professional and maintain consistency.Typically once a publishers buys a manuscript (which could take 6 months or more), they will match the author with an artist (the artist could take over a year to produce the art work depending on the medium used). Getting a good agent is difficult at best, I know a guy that has one. He wrote "The Nightmare Club" and he seems to be getting steadily published.I am currently writing/illustrating a children’s western. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[Colossus24]

Thanks I appreciate the info...I am planning to write a more adult book, but thanks for the info.

 

[spdrknight]

I've written two books and a whole grip of short stories and novellas. All of which have been mature in content and have a lot of substance behind the characters and story. Some of the short stories have connected with the books in some hidden way, my little world I guess.

What kind of advice are you looking for?

 

[Hotwire]

Not a book, but my own complete, original "The Crow" story.

 

[HellOnEarth]

The best advices are on this official forum--where writers get together to admonish and encourage one another:


http://wwforums.com/eve/ubb.x


Read and digest them all. Be indiscriminate in the threads and genre. Switch them up a little.

 

[Colossus24]

Awesome!! Thanks

 

[HellOnEarth]

Remember: writing is not easy.

Writing takes hard work and perseverance.

There are two things you must do in order to become a good writer. Only two.

Read alot.

Write alot.

 

[WeaponZ2]

Writers, write.

 

[spdrknight]

My advice for getting started, given that you have an idea, would be to just write and see where it takes you. Freewriting is always a good way to go. I sometimes have outlines or guides when I'm proceeding. My two books have been connected and so I have a lot of notes and research I have done by my side for when I need it and so I can keep things straight as I get further in.

What are your skills like? Your writing style?

 

[Colossus24]

Well, I've never written any fiction before, but I have a lot of expirience with writing in general. I haven't really developed a style yet, I don't think. Thanks to everyone who has replied, it has really helped.

 

[Alpha and Omega]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone has written a book/novel or a long piece of fiction. I am thinking about writing one and I was hoping that with the amount of talent on here, someone would have some suggestions or advice on how to get started. Thanks.

I'm in the process of penning my first one right now.

Which genre are you going for?

Personally, I enjoy elements of many different ones, so the one I'm doing now (even though it's labeled as sci-fi) has many more layers to it.

I initially started w/ detailed research about locations, the proper timeline for my beneficial story progression, and memorable character nuances that would give my story the much needed depth it deserves.

My advice? Do as much prep-work as possible before you even write the story itself. Live and breathe it as if it were a real world, and in your mind, it will become one. (regardless of which genre, setting, plot, etc. . .)

You'll start to think and feel like your characters and the sequence of events will fall into place. I don't know specifically what you're doing, but it wouldn't hurt to start out w/ a rough draft outline to see what works, and then revise that outline a few times to cultivate your story.

That way, when you're ready to start, you have a very good general idea of where you want to go w/ your tale, and a strong foundation for the journey of your account from beginning to end.

Every narrative is a journey and you're the guide; that's probably the most intimidating thing about writing a genuinely good piece of work imo.

I hope it goes well for you. ​

 

[Colossus24]

Thanks, that is really helpful. I actually am in that process right now, wrtitng down everything that comes to mind. I didn't think about the research. That is a really good idea to do it before hand.

 

[HellOnEarth]

Why don't you show us a little snippet after you're done with your first page.

That way we can help give you an in depth review, and show your errors. Writers must learn how to edit, or rewrite.

 

[Sensi]

I know you were giving advice to Colossus24 but I would also like to thank you all. The advice giving here is extremely helpful.

 

[Noon]

You can read and post copywrited original work on www.fictionpress.com

 

[HellOnEarth]

But I advise you: do not get your inspiration from the site, noon suggested.

None of the writers there know how to write, and, in all likelihood, will never be published.

Instead, you learn what not to do.

 

[TheLastWitness]

My first book, "The Last Witness" was just published (second book in the series has been bought and will be released later this year).

www.thelastwitness.com

has a cool intro followed by a sample chapter.

Read it and let me know what you think! Here's the cover:

You "Destroyer" and "Lethal Weapon" fans, note who gave the book props! WARREN MURPHY!

Now, to answer your question, not only do you need to read, read, read, write, write, write, you need to develop an adamantium shell for the rejection letters you will at first receive. But its worth it the moment you hold your first book in your hands.

But do your readers a favor; get some honest criticism; praise is nice but if one person is confused about a particular scene, then ten more will also be confused. If one person feels something is missing then ten more will as well.

So while you will get an editor, after you learn to write, learn to edit.

Also, I have what I call a "piggybank", a text file where I keep ALL my notes, chapters that don't fit, thoughts, plot ideas, etc. Talk about a goldmine! After a few years, it's almost a novel unto itself!!!

 

[spdrknight]

^How did you go about getting published, TheLastWitness?

 

[TheLastWitness]

T'wasn't easy. I had to learn about the publishing industry. Gone are the days where you can just write a good book and it will be published. You gotta know how to write a good query letter. You gotta know how to act professional when you're contacted. Then you gotta meet as many people as you can.

Maybe some people have had it easier than that, but that's my story.

Speaking of which, did you get a chance to read the sample chapter? Let me know what you think...

 

[Asteroid-Man]

I am currently writting a fictional story about an X-street racer nammed Joseph O'neil. He later became a cop, lost his job and to clear his name and get his job back aswell as some cash, he has to bring down a drug dealer who calls himself Cobra. But something happens to Joe. A great new power is found in him that will change the world and beyond.

 

[Victor Creed]

T'wasn't easy. I had to learn about the publishing industry. Gone are the days where you can just write a good book and it will be published. You gotta know how to write a good query letter. You gotta know how to act professional when you're contacted. Then you gotta meet as many people as you can.

Maybe some people have had it easier than that, but that's my story.

Speaking of which, did you get a chance to read the sample chapter? Let me know what you think...

The writing style reminds me at times of my own in a short story i wrote for my English class last year. My professor was surprised because the minimum requirement, which most did, was four pages, while mine was 12, lol.

The only problem is that the sample chapter makes me feel disconnected, but then again it may be because I know it isn't the beginning, lol. I'll look into getting copy when I get some cash. Definitely makes me want to act on my recent impulses to write again.

 

[Victor Creed]

I am currently writting a fictional story about an X-street racer nammed Joseph O'neil. He later became a cop, lost his job and to clear his name and get his job back aswell as some cash, he has to bring down a drug dealer who calls himself Cobra. But something happens to Joe. A great new power is found in him that will change the world and beyond.

Interesting, but it sounds like some sort of Fast and the Furious movie. I'd also like to see more stories where the character doesn't have some world altering power. Why can't Joe just have really good smelling breath or something, lol.

Joe vs. Cobra where have I heard that before......

 

[spdrknight]

Just read the chapter. It is rather interesting to say the least, it really caught my attention and left me wanting more. Good job on that part. I am going to have to pick up your book and read more.

 

[TheLastWitness]

Thanks! If you have any questions, just PM me.