Anybody have any advice for somebody thinking about writing a book?

Firstly, research how to write a book before you begin writing. It's not common sense and I think many people make the mistake of jumping in thinking it's easy and then ending up failing at the end. Visit writing websites and message boards and find out how other writers approach it. Everyone approaches it differently, but you might be able to take something from everyone and create your own way of doing things that benefits your own style. Also, there are many books written by professionals with tips on how to write a novel. Buy a couple or rent them from the library. Researching beforehand will make you less likely to make newbie writer mistakes, which could mean fewer drafts as you're polishing your manuscript.





Secondly, don't edit as you write. I think this slows writers down. Your first goal should be to complete the first draft. Don't go back and make any changes, even the obvious ones. If there's something you want to incorporate then start incorporating it but don't go back and revise your writing to include it. I think many people get so caught up in editing their novel that they don't complete it. In fact, most people who start writing a novel will not complete it. Get that linear storyline written first and foremost. Your second draft is when you'll go back and change whatever it was you wanted to change and start making corrections, including those obvious mistakes. I wrote my first draft within 3 1/2 months, and it wasn't anything to show another person because pieces were missing, some parts didn't make sense, things didn't add together, and so forth. All those things don't matter when writing the first draft, which is why it's called a Draft. When I edit my novel, which will be the second draft, then I'll go through and give some characters a major role, I'll completely rewrite parts, and I might even change the main plot some. In fact, I might have to change a whole lot if I want to give a minor character a major role. But, you'll edit your novel through several drafts, so don't try to make the first draft perfect. Treat it for what it is - a first draft.





Thirdly, don't be afraid to make major changes. I know writers can become attached to their stories and characters because they've spent a lot of time writing it. Never do this. If you want to make your work the best it can possibly be then you need to be able to recognize when something isn't working and scrap it. It could be a character that you dedicated 40% of your novel to and then decided that the plot doesn't really work with this character in it. I've heard of authors writing a complete, nearly polished, manuscript and sending it to their editor and their editor tells them that it needs work so the author scraped the whole thing and started from scratch. That's just how it works, especially if you want to make something good. So, be prepared to X-out characters, add characters, delete whole scenes, add stuff and do what you need to do to make it better. You might also decide that your novel is better told in first person rather than third and might make that change on your third draft. So, just be open to making major changes if needed.





Lastly, but not least, be open to feedback. I've literally seen writers who think their writing is so perfect that they don't need anyone else to give them feedback on it because they're a darn fine writer. There isn't a writer who doesn't think highly of the work they've put their heart and soul into, but just realize that as an author you cannot be 100% objective regarding your work. Other writers, and even regular readers, can give you feedback on how to make it even better. If something is confusing then they'll let you know. If you're unknowingly using the passive voice then they can let you know so that you can correct it. Unfortunately, I've seen those few writers who angrily refuse critiques also crash and burn. They end up getting rejected and becoming angry at publishers instead of trying to figure out how to make it better so that it appeals to the people who matter. Or, those same people will self-publish or knowingly publish with a vanity press because they feel their writing is too good to pass up and become upset when they don't sell any copies And they're out of thousands of dollars. So, be open to critiques. Getting feedback does not mean you're a bad writer and it's not an insult to have others give you feedback. Take it as them investing their time to read your material and give you honest constructive criticism because they want you to succeed with making it better.





Good luck.





http://www.writersdigest.com


http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums





[EDIT] I also want to say that you should put aside a certain amount of time for you to write, whether you're feeling creative or not. Your novel will not get complete if you don't have time to write it. Don't wait on that creative spark to hit you because that might take a few years. Sit down and force yourself to write something - anything. Even if it's the ending or pieces of the middle. All those things can be revised on the second draft. [2nd EDIT] I love to edit, lol. I forgot to mention that your first few books might be pure crap, but don't let that deter you from writing. Even if you think your writing sucks just keep at it and finish and start another one. Practice makes perfect and no one creates a perfect manuscript on the very first (or few) try.Anybody have any advice for somebody thinking about writing a book?
First of all write on something you like, something you would like to continue writing with.





Second don't put too many details in which will make it drag on and on and on. That's boring





Third take it from an author right here (me) write a chapter and then recheck it after your done. If you do a hundred page story, look about it in this way, that would be like refixing and rechecking a THOUSAND words. Nobody wants that.Anybody have any advice for somebody thinking about writing a book?
First, do some free writing without editing yourself to get the creative process going.





Then, put together an outline.





Write in bits and pieces according to your outline, break it down to get a rough draft down out.





Revise, rewrite, move paragraphs around, etc. until you're happy with what you have.
Stop thinking. Start writing.
I am thinking about writing a book too. Let me know what you find out from your thinking.
Make sure it is on something you like.