I have an issue.. Any advice?
By PunkyMcPunk
@PunkyMcPunk (1477)
Canada
September 18, 2007 5:34pm CST
I have this amazing idea for a book and I want so badly to get it out it's just bursting around in there. But I have 2 HUGE issues. If anyone can help I'd be indebted....
1- I start writing and I'll be loving it, it will consume my days, nights, and any moment in between. But then I stop to re-read, proofread, etc.. and I will cast it aside as being rubbish and NOT at all the story in my head.
and
2-I have so many good story ideas that when I start to write or think about writing this story all of these ideas jump out and try to fit themselves into the story. Then I try to give them room to be in the story and the story gets massive and I ahve like 15 possible main characters etc.... and well then I just can't write that because it would confuse even the smartest of readers... Sigh... woe is me. Any advice?
Then an added issue is that I don't know where to start the story. So many good series begin and then after 3 or 4 books they bring out the "Prequel" I HATE that and I don't want to do that so should I start at the BEGINNING even though the story I want to write should rightfully be book 3?
How do you write?
3 responses
@beaniegdi (1964)
•
18 Sep 07
I think you should make a plan or outline of your book. Who you want in, the characters and something about them. What is going to happen in each chapter and how will the chapter end. If you have some kind of plan to follow it will make it easier for you. If you think the story starts at book 3 then that has to be book 1. After all you might have had enough after book one and not want to write anymore, also if you want people to want to read your book you can't expect them to wait untill book 3 to come out before they get the real story from you. Also if you manage to finish then send some copies off before you proof read them just to see as they might come back with some good ideas for changes. If they reject it out of hand then you could make your cuts and changes then and re submit. I think the reason why prequels happen is not because they started in the wrong place but find they are making so much money and demand becomes so great that the only way to cash in is through a prequel, think star wars.
What ever you decide have lots of fun and joy doing it.
@PunkyMcPunk (1477)
• Canada
18 Sep 07
Thank you for the idea. I had thought of that but... I guess I just want to start the story so badly, the thoguht of actually sitting down and doing "work" about it is somewhat daunting.... I think you are definitely right thugh. I should make a plan.
@Angelwriter (1954)
• United States
20 Sep 07
I'm going to try and not repeat some of the advice already given. First, some writers (Anne Lamott, for one) believe you should just get the story down. Don't worry about if it's good. It's a first draft -they're supposed to be bad. Don't do any major edits until you get to the end. Then you have something to work with and to fix.
I assume your concerns about the order of the books has to do with you focusing on what will happen after publication. I wouldn't worry about that. Write the story you want to write. Again, it's supposed to be easier to fix something that's written. Don't overwhelm yourself by focusing on the series now. Just take it one book at a time.
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
19 Sep 07
there are so many books available out there for and on the subject of writing...what i would suggest is to start reading, reading, reading (many of these books are available at the library!!)
secondly, keep on writing...dont worry about all that stuff first, just start writing...then you can edit and clean up your stuff
