Have you wanted to write a book for centuries, but don't know where to start? Did you write a chapter, but then got lost along the way and have no idea how to continue? This article will give you some useful ideas for organizing, developing and completing the work.
Steps
Part 1 of 7: Developing the Idea
Step 1. Come up with a good idea
Before you start writing the book, you must first decide what to talk about. Imagine that the ideas are seeds: you have to pay a lot of care so that the plant can thrive. However, this step isn't easy at all. Ideas will only come to you if you open yourself up to new experiences, so the best way to think about the theme of the book is to get out of the house and live.
Initial ideas can take many forms. You can have an idea for the plot in general, or the image of a setting, the description of one of the protagonists or even vague and far from developed thoughts. Don't worry if nothing is certain for now: all ideas can turn into a wonderful book
Step 2. Research the topic
Once you have a vague idea, start digging into it. For example, let's assume you want to write a book whose protagonists are children who are passionate about a futuristic video game. Do your research by wandering around arcades, read about the latest innovations in the industry, try your hand at some games yourself. Thanks to these experiences, you could see or touch things that will inspire you for the main theme of the story or what you will introduce.
Step 3. Develop the project
After finding some ideas to put into the story, the project needs to be worked out. Make it more complex by following it to the logical conclusion, thinking about what could arise from a whole series of circumstances, or about everything that would allow you to articulate it thoroughly. A well-developed project will help you compose the plot.
For example, taking up the story about video games, you might develop the project by wondering who created this futuristic video game. Why did he do it? What happens to the players?
Step 4. Consider the readers
After you have sketched and developed the project, think about the audience. Who are you writing the book for? Everyone has individual tastes, and each demographic in society has different experiences and knowledge regarding the topic you are dealing with. You have to evaluate it to understand how to proceed with the plot, characters and writing of the book.
Don't feel limited - there's no reason why a book about a group of kids playing a video game can't be enjoyed by adults who've never picked up a joystick. On the other hand, if you intend to write a book that is aimed at people who have never experienced what you are talking about, you will have to do monumental work to describe the characters' experiences and make the topic accessible
Part 2 of 7: Organizing the Plot
Step 1. Choose a narrative structure
In the first stages of writing the book, you need to organize the plot. It's nothing absolute: you can still leave a certain margin to turn around and change something. However, it is virtually impossible to write a story without knowing how to proceed. To start off on the right foot, choose a structure that you find functional. In creative writing courses, we are taught that there are several classical structures, and most books follow them. On the other hand, almost all of these paths are mutually exclusive and can hardly be combined. Here are the main ones:
- Structure for acts. Commonly associated with plays and films, it can easily be applied to novels as well. According to this narrative theory, well-designed stories can be divided into clearly identifiable sections. Usually, there are three parts, but it can happen that there are also two or four. In the classic structure of the three acts, the first introduces the primary and secondary characters, the setting and the conflict to be resolved; it also often gives background information (generally, it makes up about 25% of the story). The second act allows the story to proceed and develops the conflict. In general, it contains a twist: the protagonist finds himself facing a considerable obstacle. It is the main part of the story and by and large constitutes about 50% of it. The third act is the conclusion: the hero confronts the villain and the story reaches climax, followed by a reward or, at least, a less exciting final scene (or series of scenes). Each act can often in turn be subdivided into three subsections, each of which then contains its own development or mini-history.
- Monomito, or the Hero's Journey. This theory of narrative structure was famously proposed by Joseph Campbell. What does it say? If a story has a hero, it can almost certainly be traced back to a predetermined set of archetypes. The tale begins with a hero who is summoned for an adventure, even though he initially refuses to take that responsibility. Before embarking on the journey, he receives some help. The characters who support him know very well that he is the right person, but the protagonist feels lost and alone at first. Next, he goes through a series of tests. On the way, he often meets helpers, and finds himself experiencing significant changes on a personal level. Afterwards, he clashes with the main antagonist of the story and, after defeating him, returns home with his reward.
Step 2. Choose the type of conflict that you think is suitable for your book
In fact, you have to consider the controversies and disagreements you want to include in the story. This decision helps you develop the plot, and will also lead you to find similar books to draw inspiration from. There are numerous theories regarding the conflicts of a story, but the main sources are the following:
- Man versus Nature. In such a story, the protagonist faces one or more natural phenomena. For example, the main character gets lost in the middle of the wilderness, or his antagonist is an animal. In this regard, we can mention the film 127 hours.
- Man versus Supernatural. In this story, the protagonist fights against creatures that do not belong to this world, such as ghosts, demons or God himself. The Shining is a good example of this type of conflict.
- Man versus Man. It is the most basic conflict for a story: the protagonist finds himself facing another person. The Wizard of Oz is a classic example.
- Man versus Society. In this type of conflict, the protagonist fights the rules and certain social aspects. An example of this is the novel Fahrenheit 451.
- Man versus Himself. In such a story, the protagonist faces his own inner demons, or at least a personal conflict. An example is The Portrait of Dorian Gray.
Step 3. Consider the issues
Whether it is intentional or not, the story will end up having at least one common thread, that is, a reason. By analyzing the issues, you will be able to deepen the plot and the thoughts you have about it. Think about the topics you have chosen for the book or that you could include in it, determine how you want to present them. This can help you develop the plot - you will create situations that will present your ideas.
For example, the real motive of Dune, by Frank Herbert, is not a man's thirst for revenge. It's about the consequences of imperialism. Herbert immediately clarifies one thing: he believes that Western powers have hopelessly clung to a world that is not their own, and that they cannot even remotely think of controlling
Step 4. Plan the plot points of the plot
Also called turning points, they are nothing more than a narrative mechanism to introduce the most important events of the story, those that change the course of action taken by the characters. You need to decide what they will be and try to distribute them evenly. There are various types. There is what it takes to convince the protagonist to embark on the adventure, the one in which the main character's plans to deal with the problem are thwarted, and then a climax that spurs the final battle.
Step 5. Create a map
Once you have established the path and the turns that will allow you to reach the final finish line, write down everything. It will be a kind of map on the way, and it is essential to keep going smoothly. Write the basics of each single scene, adding its purpose, setting, the characters that participate in it, their thoughts and emotions, etc. For each scene, you have to write down every little detail of the sequence of events. This is the most effective way to avoid being hampered by writer's block: in fact, you can still write a scene in outline, even if it doesn't seem perfect.
Part 3 of 7: Developing the Characters
Step 1. Decide how many characters to include in the story
When planning a book, you need to think about the number of characters to include. Do you want to cut them to the bone to convey a feeling of minimalism and solitude? Or do you prefer to use several to create an elaborate world? It's an important step: to balance the story, you need to bring one character to life with everyone else in mind.
Step 2. Balance the characters
No one is grand and perfect in everything, no one is spotless and fearless (perfect characters are called Mary Sue, and believe us, only you will like them). A character who struggles and has real flaws can only be realistic, and will help readers identify with him. Remember: the audience isn't perfect, so neither should the characters.
The characters must have the space they need to improve over the course of the story. That's the beauty of a book: the character faces challenges to become a better human being at the end of the journey. This is what the audience wants to read: it helps the reader believe that he too can change after his struggles are over
Step 3. Get to know your characters
After creating a balanced character, try to get to know him better. Think about how he would react in different situations (even those that you would not include in the book). Imagine the experiences he has to go through to reach different emotional turning points, the hopes, the dreams, what makes him cry, what really matters to him and why. Knowing these things about the characters allows you to better understand how they would behave in the situations they will find themselves in, so they will be much more believable and realistic.
Step 4. Evaluate the characters
Once you are satisfied with the development of the characters and the process that led to creating them, take a step back and consider them objectively. They must actually be important to the unfolding of the plot. If not, better delete them. Having too many characters can confuse readers and damage the book, especially if they are not distinguishable from each other.
Part 4 of 7: Creating the Setting
Step 1. View the setting
Think about where the plot will evolve. Imagine the architecture, the structure of the cities, the nature that surrounds the characters and so on. Now, write down all this information. Firstly, they will allow you to describe environments consistently, but you will also be able to go into detail and create more intricate and realistic places.
You can say that the sky is green, only then you have to make this statement believable. Describe the sunset: the sky has gone from a leaf-like green to a deep green, and, in contrast, the rest of the city has faded; then, the darkness became impregnated with iridescence, like the feathers of a raven. Readers have to "see" it, but they can only succeed if you understand it yourself and know how to explain it
Step 2. Consider the logistics
Let's assume you write about a band of adventurers trying to reach an enchanted city on the other side of the mountain. So far, so good. The problem? It is certainly not immediate to get there. During the trip, many things will happen. You can't just let them do it in two days, without even a problem. Similarly, if they have to cross an entire continent on foot, you need to calculate the time needed and adapt the plot accordingly.
Step 3. Examine the functioning of your senses
You must appeal to all the senses of the readers to be fully involved in the text. Don't just list the contents of a dish. Describe it: the meat had been cooked rare, and the flavor it gave off was intense, reminiscent of the fat and smoke of the embers on which it was cooked. It is not enough to say that the bells began to ring within walking distance of a character. Explain that the sound was loud enough to pierce any thought when the chimes persistently enveloped the atmosphere.
Part 5 of 7: Having a Space to Write
Step 1. Choose your writing method
Evaluate how you will actually write the book. With the development of technology, the possibilities only increase. You must select a way that suits you, but remember that it will then affect the publication of the book.
You can write using a pen and paper, a typewriter, a computer, or a program that records your voice as you speak, translating it into written text. Everyone has their own preferences, not everyone will find a certain method absolutely comfortable
Step 2. Find a place to write
You need a space that allows you to work without interruption. It must be large enough to accommodate you with your chosen writing medium, avoiding any distraction. Here are some ideas: home, office, bar or library.
Step 3. Think about your needs, try to be comfortable
You need to make sure you don't get distracted while writing, so keep everything you need close at hand. Many writers need specific things, otherwise they can't get anything done: some food, or sit on a particular chair. Satisfy your needs before you go to work.
Part 6 of 7: Establish a Writing Schedule
Step 1. Try to understand your writing habits
Get to know yourself and your way of writing. Are you more productive at a specific time or place? Maybe you write more profitably after you've finished reading someone else's book. Knowing what inspires you and keeps you focused can show you how to proceed and what to avoid. You can set the schedule based on the habits that motivate you to work.
Step 2. Always write at the same time
Once you've decided on the time of day that most motivates you to write and set a schedule, stick with it. Spend this time solely on writing, and always use it for the same purpose. You can use it to write freely or plan the novel, the important thing is that it is aimed at the realization of the book. It will help you develop good habits and be more productive.
Step 3. Work despite writer's block
Sometimes, it's hard to write, but you shouldn't stop, just ignore the problem. In these cases, the books are often not finished. You have experiences that inspire you and stimulate you to produce, even if it seems to you that you drag everything along. You can always go back to a paragraph or chapter later, when inspiration can guide you smoothly.
Part 7 of 7: More Specific Tips
Step 1. Start writing the book
Now that you've completed all the steps and actions you need to plan the job, get to work. On wikiHow, you will find several articles on how to write specific short stories or books. Here are some points of reference:
- How to Write a Book.
- How to Start Writing an Autobiography.
- How to Write a Book as a Teenager.
- How to Write a Children's Book.
- How to Write a Credible Fantasy Story.
- How to self-publish a book.
- How to Publish an eBook.
- How to Write a Short Story.
- How to Write a Novel.
- How to Write a Short Novel.
- How to Write a Love Romance.
- How to Make a Book.
- How to Write.
- How to Write a Good Book on Any Topic.
- How to Prepare to Write a Book.
- How to Write a Diary.
Advice
- Do not give a title to the book before you have finished it: in fact, in general, you will find the right inspiration to do it after having reread and corrected it. If you insist on a title from the start but it has nothing to do with the content, don't cling desperately to it. Sooner or later, another one will appear, more valid for your story.
- Have a pen, pencil, and paper, or electronic device handy, so you can jot down your ideas. They can come to you anywhere and anytime, so always be prepared to welcome them!
- Don't be afraid to ask others for help. Knowing that you can count on someone's opinions is always helpful: sometimes it is difficult for you to understand for yourself, or admit, what is wrong with the book.
- Always have someone you can rely on. This person will need to read the book carefully (best to give them one chapter at a time) and be able to offer you conflicting opinions as well. Consider all external opinions.
- Don't think that only super-long books are successful: on average, try to write 100-200 pages.
