Introduction
When a person reaches a point where they want to write a story or even a full-length book, there’s the common issue of not knowing where and how to start writing. Now is the perfect time to pull your resources and start writing that great American novel (or short story or screenplay . . . ).
Deciding to write can come at various stages in life. It’s best to start earlier in life, when you have ample time to experiment with various styles and/or genres. Always prepare yourself to go off script. What you intend to create may not come to fruition. But something great can come out of that initial phase.
So get some knowledge under your belt about the writing process. You’ve made the decision to write. Now you gotta do the work.
“You should write because you love the shape of stories and sentences and the creation of different words on a page. Writing comes from reading, and reading is the finest teacher of how to write.” — Annie Proulx
Prerequisites
When it comes time to write that great American novel, it’s pertinent to determine the genre of your book. Genre can be fantasy, sci-fi, drama, romance, etc. Most times, writers make decisions about their characters or setting before even considering genre, but in order to find the right resources to help in your writing process, you’ll need to know which genre you’ll be writing in. And then you can find genre-specific resources to help you on your writing journey.
Writing is not for the faint of heart. In fact, it’s hard work and can only be sustained by certain emotions. Discover your passion by taking a moment to assess why you want to write. If there is intentionality behind your writing, there is a greater likelihood that you’ll see your story or manuscript through to the end.
Take it seriously. If you want to be taken seriously as a writer, use the resources from this post to enhance your writing skills, gain new experiences, and create something that you are proud of. Writing should be taken seriously, whether it is a means to generate income or not. Even journaling can be a serious task, as the writer uses it as a place for catharsis. Once you’ve determined your love and passion, add some seriousness to it. It’s important and don’t take it lightly.
Speaking of money, determine whether you want to make money or not. If you want to make money, write a strong draft, get a couple of beta readers, and then hire an editor to help strengthen all that you’ve worked on. Make a self-publishing plan and marketing plan for your book. These will all be necessary for a writer looking to profit from their art. Use that seriousness to take writing on as a profession or career. Take all the necessary steps in the featured resources to help you reach your goals.
Places To Start
The Writing Process
Prewriting
Before you even consider picking up a pencil or typing a word, you need to plan it out a bit! That’s where prewriting comes into play. Different ways you can prewrite include storyboarding, mind mapping, diagramming, and outlining. Whichever style you find works for you, there’s a few questions you can ask yourself: who will your audience be? What’s the purpose of your paper/story/book? How can you achieve that purpose? And a classic series of questions you can ask yourself is the ole “Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? So What?”
Below are some links elaborating on different kinds of prewriting:
Drafting
Regardless of how bad you think they are, making drafts forces you to write finished pieces regularly—even if you don't put everything you write out there for people to see. Which is a good habit to get into. Drafting also takes those ideas from the prewriting and fleshes them out more. Set a deadline for yourself and then just take it one paragraph at a time. Be realistic with your goals to keep from stressing out and hold yourself to them. If you say you’ll research a fact or only take ten-minute breaks, then commit to it.
Need help outlining? Below is a link to help:
Revising
Now, before you can edit your draft, you need to read your project again through the eyes of a reader who’s completely new to your work, and not stopping until you are certain that you’ve been as clear and thorough as possible. If you get here and realize you need to reorganize, delete unnecessary scenes, or maybe even add something. Don’t be discouraged. It takes time to create a piece of writing that’s truly excellent. You can also consider using beta readers. They can alert you to issues such as characters falling a little short of three-dimensional, nonsensical world rules, or unclear plotlines that you might not catch yourself.
Those interested in beta reader will find more information by clicking the link:
Editing
Don’t let your eyes be the only ones to see your piece before it’s published.
Applications like ProWritingAid, Grammarly, or PerfectIt are certainly good beginner tools for self-editing, and self-editing is an important step. However, you've worked on your manuscript for hours, days, weeks, or even months, and while AI might be a helper, it’s not a substitute for experienced human eyes.
An editor can ensure your work is at its best. Hiring an editor can be scary, but as long as you choose the right editor for you, everything will go smoothly. Ensure that they are knowledgeable and experienced. Have they ever edited for your genre of writing? Every editor has their own way of doing things, so establish clear expectations from the get-go about the process. It's important to understand exactly what you're getting for your money, how long the job will take, and how to get in touch with the editor before, during, or after the editing services.
“Find a subject you care about and which you in your heart feel others should care about. It is this genuine caring, not your games with language, which will be the most compelling and seductive element in your style.” — Stephen King.
Resource List
Books
Chicago Manual of Style (chicagomanualofstyle.org)
“The Chicago Manual of Style Online is the venerable, time-tested guide to style, usage, and grammar in an accessible online format. It is the indispensable reference for writers, editors, proofreaders, indexers, copywriters, designers, and publishers, informing the editorial canon with sound, definitive advice. Over 1.5 million copies sold!”
Writer’s Little Helper (Available on Amazon)
“There is nothing little about the dynamic fiction-writing advice inside The Writer's Little Helper. With big ideas, time-saving tips, and revision-made-easy charts, James V. Smith, Jr. offers effective guidance in short, easily checklists, Q&As, and practical tools.”
The Writer’s Market (writersmarket.com)
“The Most Trusted Guides to Publishing.”
Guide to Literary Agents (Available on Amazon)
“No matter what you're writing--fiction or nonfiction, books for adults or children--you need a literary agent to get the best book deal possible from a traditional publisher. Guide to Literary Agents 30th edition is your go-to resource for finding that literary agent and earning a contract from a reputable publisher.”
Blogs and Websites
Writer’s Digest (writersdigest.com)
“Every issue of Writer’s Digest is devoted to helping writers develop their craft and offering expert advice on how to get published. This magazine is full of pertinent tips on writing queries, writers' rights, new markets, submission guidelines and competitions.”
Reedsy (reedsy.com)
“Reedsy allows authors to find and work with the best publishing professionals: from developmental editors to book cover designers, publicists and translators.”
Goodreads (goodreads.com)
“Goodreads is the world's largest community of book lovers, where you can discover new books, get recommendations, and join discussions.”
Jane Friedman (janefriedman.com)
“Jane Friedman is a book publishing expert with 25 years of experience. She offers newsletters, classes, and a book on how to navigate the digital age as a writer.”
Grammar Girl (quickanddirtytips.com/grammar-girl)
“Mignon Fogarty is the founder of the Quick and Dirty Tips network and creator of Grammar Girl, which has been named one of Writer's Digest's 101 best websites for writers multiple times. She is also an inductee in the Podcasting Hall of Fame.”
YouTube Chanels (youtube.com)
Jerry B. Jenkins (link)
Writing advice from 21-Time NYT bestselling author.
Film Courage (link)
Intimate conversations with people who love story. New videos are posted at 5:00 p.m. PST daily.
InkwellMedia (link)
A writer of short stories and memoir essays as well as a copywriter and production manager at a marketing agency. On this YouTube channel, she make videos that will help you take your storytelling, copywriting, and marketing skills to the next level so you can communicate your message effectively and inspire more people with your words.
Hannah Lee Kidder (link)
A writer who posts writing/editing/publishing content.
Writer Brandon McNulty (link)
This channel gives writing advice every Thursday.
“Write what disturbs you, what you fear, what you have not been willing to speak about. Be willing to be split open.” — Natalie Goldberg
Conclusion
It takes work to become a writer who is serious about their career. Writing is actually only just a part of it. You’ll need to network and market yourself! That’s where social media platforms, blogs, and contests come into play. Those are all great ways to get your name out there and make a space for yourself. Keep in mind that the main goal of social media is connection, so if you’re going that route, engage with people. Be an active member of the writing community by engaging in conversation or starting discussions of your own.
Now that you’ve got some resources and a place to start, don’t let your next book go unwritten!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at info@crazednovelist.com OR comment on the blog. We’d love to hear your thoughts.
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