A lot of people love the idea of creating a world from the ground up that entertains people from all over the world. Odds are you've considered every possible way of realizing this. Movies and games are two ways of achieving it, but you've probably learnt by now that it's just too expensive and requires the utmost attention from a lot of people. So is there an alternative? Yes, books! Here are a few pointers to get you started.
Do preparation
Before you can put the first words on paper it's important to know what those words must be about. Go and sit in a corner and think about book ideas you'd love to write. Remember that it's important that you want to write the story; don't think in terms of "this will probably sell" or "people love this" because you as an author will read the book at least a gazillion times.
Expand the idea
With your basic idea on paper start expanding the story into something that can fill at least 20.000 words, or at least 40.000 depending on your target audience and the type of book you're looking to make. Try to activate the mind by making word webs, mood-boards, photo reference and other methods that allows you to think outside your initial idea and thoughts.
Activate the writing muscles
Writing is almost like a muscle. You need to warm it up before you begin, only the greatest of writers can sit down literally anywhere and write like the best. Try to start writing every day at say 1 PM, or in the morning whatever works best for you. Personally I like to write at night before I go to bed, with no distractions and food for thought created earlier in the day.
Also practice your writing by reading books by other authors and just write. Sometimes it helps to just write a short story about your favorite subject that's all but set in your mind. The experience coming from writing short stories and the techniques learned from other authors will lift your writing to new heights.
Done? Think again
Once your first concept is done don't think the novel is finished. Read it from start to finish and make notes. It helps to take a long break between finishing the first concept and testing it for the very first time because the story won't be as fresh in your mind as it was during writing. Try not to read between the lines, that's something the readers will do. And don't let someone else read the book just yet.
Concept phase
When you're done assessing the novel make adjustments based on your notes. Make the book longer, shorter, improve grammar or change the order of scenes. I once deleted a 1000-words scene simply because it didn't work. Don't be afraid to delete, or hate your own work, that's what this stage of production is for.
Finish it
When you're happy with your own work, this can be in concept 3 or even concept 20, send the work to publishers or publish it as ebook. The latter allows you to design the cover and set the price, which can be either an advantage or disadvantage depending on your background.
Warning
Here are a few warnings and guidelines that help you follow the steps noted above. Good luck!
- Follow your own schedule. Writing isn't kind to slackers.
- The first concept is only for you to read. It's probably not that good.
- Don't limit your attempts, unless on a deadline. Take whatever is necessarily to deliver the best possible book you can produce.
- It's okay to make big adjustments during the final concept phase, some things just don't work out.
- Do read books from other authors. It's good to see what works and what doesn't for you in the role of reader.
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