Printable View
Seriously, because I'm thinking about trying my hand at one. Got a plot and everything.
If you've written a novel or novela before, what was one thing you wished you'd known or unexpected problem you encountered while writing that you wish you'd known before?
Any good resource links or what have you are also appreciated. Or if you have any authory questions yourself feel free to chime in!
(for the record, I'm going to try to write a romance novel. Because I can!)
When it comes to writing, I have two rules:
Keep writing.
Don't turn back.
These rules are occasionally broken (taking a two week break from writing, hopping back to insert a character I needed for the sake of tying the plot together), but I try to stick to them as closely as possible. Editing comes after the writing, not during. When I'm writing, the goal is to get from point A to point B. I can go back later and make sure the journey was a pleasant one.
I had a few books that I started out with a very rigid plot outline. Unfortunately, those books (and their outlines) were lost. Everything else I've done has been relatively off the cuff. I have a basic idea of where I'm going, but the journey itself is pretty much left up to the characters to figure out. Other people need structure. There is no "right" way, so it just depends on what's going to work for you. If something doesn't work, that's not failure. It's just a discovery.
Probably the most important thing I've learned is that for me the last third of the book is the hardest to write. Not just because of the climax (though there is that), but because you're closing in on the finish line at that point with so many words behind you that it doesn't feel like you're making as fast of progress as it did in the early days.
As far as romance goes, respect the tropes the reader is going to demand (and that depends on what sort of romance you're writing; some won't require you stick to any) but feel free to break away from cliches here and there. If done well, it can really make the book stand out.
Don't be afraid to include multiple sword fights. Everyone like sword fights.
Avoid giving your characters really dumb names. There’s nothing that turns me off of a story faster than having to read an annoying name over and over. Stick with strong, simple names.
In the book I'm finishing up right now I have multiple sword fights. And knife fights. And a disemboweling. And a beheading. And a couple whippings. And there are two separate scenes where one character is completely covered in blood from all his killing.Quote:
Originally posted by Cluricaun
Probably the most romantic damn thing I ever wrote. Yeah, I know what the ladies want. :smug:
Oh, and I forgot: babies. There are babies. 'Cause chicks like those.