iWrite discussion

A friend of mine told me last February that I should write my own crime fiction novel because I love to read all the time. Well, its almost been a year and nothing done but brainstorming that was April of last year. I need some tips on what to do first to prepare to write my first book. ways to brainstorming; research techniques, etc.

Thanks,
Vixen 201

Hi got this in my email, write for entertainment, but have learn alot along the way. First create a outline, research book groups and links. Smashwords.com, is a free publishing site, learn Mark's Coker's publishing secerts on how to publish, then you will be ahead of the game. Others publish through Amazon, Lulu and other sites as a self publisher. You can write draft, ask for beta readers, editors, and copy artists, for small fees, or do it yourself. You can hired someone to be a ghost writer, edited and published your book. Be aware of scam artists.

First write the manuscript, then go from there, set aside a place without distracts, a time everyday and stay committed. Even days you get writer's block, if you are a writer at heart the words will come. Enter contests, like National Novel of the month, in 30 days you have to write 50,000 words, and see if you can, or just take your time. Remember it is a dream that is not impossible, just ask and someone will guide you. Good luck, any questions, I am here as others will be.

Her are some step-by-step instructions(that don't necessarily have to be followed):

1. Come up with an idea for a book. This could be a somewhat planned idea, or even just a general idea for what the book is about. As long as you get a basis for your book.
Ex. Vampire Romance
2. Research this topic a bit more. The internet is always good, but if you want more in depth information, go to a library.
Ex. Figure out what a vampire can do, what they are like, what can kill them, etc.
3. Create your characters. One of the best ways to do this is to make a character profile, where you state their appearance, personality, relationships, history, family, likes/dislikes, opinions, etc.
Ex. James Smith- pale skin, red eyes, dark brown hair, tall, handsome; aloof, dangerous; in love with Jane/dating her; born in 1400 in Rome, became vampire in 1418, since then has lived in Oregon; no family, they all died; likes Jane, blood, and reading books; dislikes the sun and hates his kind(vampires); he hates vampires and despises who he is, thinks evil should be removed from world.
4. Come up with a basic plot. This should basically be what the main problem in the book is.
Ex. An evil vampire is trying to kill Jane, the person he is in love with.
5. Come up with the intricate plot line/events. Create different, small problems that will somehow contribute to the main plot(or not). If you have trouble with this, pay attention to everyday life, books, movies, and TV for different kinds of plots.
Ex. Jane and him fall in love, find out he is vampire, Jane thinks she is being followed and James scents other vampire, converses with other vampires for advice on what they should do, attack by evil vampire.
6. Now you should have a pretty good basis for your book. Next, add even more details to it, such as mini, almost unimportant events, and things to talk about
Ex. See new girl at school, attracted to her, gets her alone, kiss, fall in love, tells her he is vampire, Jane tells him she thinks she is being followed and is scared, etc.
7. Now with almost everything planned out, pay more attention to the quality of your writing. Scrutinize books and everyday life to get some good tips on dialogue, emotions, human nature, reactions, flow, etc.
Ex. Not, "I have something to tell you. I'm a vampire. "
Instead, "I have something to tell you."
"What is it?" She said worriedly.
I took in a deep breath, then remembered that I didn't need to anymore. Funny how human traits stick with you. "I'm a vampire."
8. Start writing. I would advise that you start from the beginning, but if writing pieces all over the place works better for you, then do that. FORCE YOURSELF TO WRITE. No matter how hard it gets, always write. I'd say at least 500 words a day.
9. After finishing writing your book, go back to the beginning and edit the entire way through. Now matter how much you get discouraged and think that your writing is terrible, keep editing. It will help. A LOT.
10. Put it away for a few weeks, then edit again with a fresh mind. Then let someone else peer edit it. Then edit some more. Basically keep editing until you feel confident in your book.
11. Decide what you want to do with it. Here are some options(for publishing:)
Self-Publish as an ebook: Smashwords and Createspace, others you find.
Self-Publish as real book: Createspace or other things you have found.
Actually Publish: Look for publishing companies on the internet, as reference from a friend, or somewhere else, through a literary agent, etc.
12. a. You published! That's great! Now market and promote on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Goodreads, or somewhere else.
b. You got rejected or were not able to publish. That's okay. Edit and revise again and again until you feel confident once more and KEEP TRYING. Never give up on your book.

Hope this helps!!!(I know, this got a little long).

Susanna wrote: "Hi got this in my email, write for entertainment, but have learn alot along the way. First create a outline, research book groups and links. Smashwords.com, is a free publishing site, learn Mark's ..."

Thanks, Susanna :-)

Selina wrote: "Her are some step-by-step instructions(that don't necessarily have to be followed):

1. Come up with an idea for a book. This could be a somewhat planned idea, or even just a general idea for what ..."

Thanks, Selina :-)