How to begin writng a fiction novel?

[Ladyrt23]

I write in my blog daily. I have an idea of what topic I want my book to cover. I just don't know how to bring it together. How can I piece things together to create a story?

[Maeve]

Originally Posted by Ladyrt23

I write in my blog daily. I have an idea of what topic I want my book to cover. I just don't know how to bring it together. How can I piece things together to create a story?

If your purpose is to write fiction, I think you need to have a story in mind to begin with. Non-fiction begins with a topic, but fiction begins with at least the kernel of a story.

Consider this definition of the novel:

an invented prose narrative that is usually long and complex and deals especially with human experience through a usually connected sequence of events

.

Are you thinking of compiling your blog entries into a book?

Maybe you could expand your question a bit.

[Ladyrt23]

Yes, I'm thinking of using alot of material that I've posted in my blogs. I don't want to make an autobiography but I do want the story to reflect my past on a particular subject. I have a topic, so where should I go from there?

[Maeve]

Ladyrt23,

The first thing you need to do is think more about your book.

Who's your audience?

What is the book about?

"Topic" doesn't tell me anything.

If it truly is a novel you want to write and not a memoir, you need to think about the characters who will inhabit your fictional world and act out the story you want to tell.

It seems to me from your brief emails that you have not thought the project out.

Have a look at Randy Ingermanson's site where he describes his "snowflake method" for writing a novel. It may help you get started.
Good luck.

[Ladyrt23]

Yesterday, I decided to google the net so I could target the perfect genre. Considering what most of my blogs refer to, I decided it would be about romance. My major concern is creating the perfect dialogue. I read a few tips and it stated that you shouldn't write like you speak. So I'm gonna buy a book referring to dialogue and how to write romance novels. I've also decided to read romantic novels by authors from different cultures. I want to be versatile, however I know you should create characters that you're familiar with. So far, I have my topic. My audience is targeted towards people of my age and culture since the story is a reflection of my past experiences. Right now, I am trying to figure out the plot. So like you said, I haven't totally thought it out but I'm trying to start at the basics. Until then, I'll continue writing daily in my blog.

Thanks for responding again!!!

[Maeve]

Sounds like a good plan. It's always a good idea to read widely in your targeted genre. As for reading books about writing, you needn't limit yourself to reading books specifically about romance writing. Sol Stein, Stephen King, John Gardner and the other pros all have helpful tips that apply to any genre.

[Ladyrt23]

You're right about not limiting myself to one specific genre. In the future,I will read about other genres. Fantasy will probably be next. Look at the lady who wrote the Harry Potter Books...lol. Like I said before, I want to be versatile in my writing. However, if I become a "bestseller author", it'll probably be due to my romance books. So I'm ready to get started. I'm starting my research as of tonight. By the way, I checked out Randy's site and I'm going to adopt some of his techniques. Thanks a bunch. If there is anything else you'd like to inform me on, please feel free.

[Silke]

Two words for you:

WHAT IF...

That's what starts it all for me.

Also, if you read a lot of romance, then you know how they are structured, and most likely you will do best with writing what you love to read.

Silke - who has way too many unfinished "What if's..." hanging around!

[Ladyrt23]

What are some of your unfinished "what ifs" ? How should I use the "what if" advice?

[charteris]

I write a lot of non-fiction, but to get started writing a novel, one of the things I have done is to take an inexpensive online course in fiction writing. It's only $79 and takes you through the process of developing the story and characters, defining the dramatic elements, etc. I am finding it very helpful. Check your local vo-tech school or ed2go.com.