Tuesday 24 February 2015


GETTING INVOLVED IN THE ONLINE WRITING BUSINESS

Starting That First Draft

You have collected your thoughts, perhaps even made a note of the tentative plot underpinning your first real story. Your enthusiasm is at an all-time high. If you love projects like I do then to get going is not all that difficult. The questions flooding your mind are legion: what should I call this novel? Where should it be situated geographically and in what time-frame? From what point of view should it be written and how many characters need to be invented?
My experience has been a developing story of its own. We are all different in our approach to things; some like to have a structured plan to guide them on the journey, a specific beginning with several destinations leading to the final outcome. Others prefer to start with the first chapter, regardless of any destination, allowing the plot to develop as they go along. It all comes down to whatever you are comfortable with. There are many good books on how to write, how to create characters, how to create a plot, how to begin and how to end off. You will soon find the beginnings of a structure which will lead you through a trial and error process, toward eventual success. Rome was not built in a day so don’t expect the first attempt to win any significant awards (although it might just do that).
Your theme may have been selected through many different avenues. Because I love science my themes are often influenced by the latest news in space-travel, astronomy or significant breakthroughs. The name of the novel may have come to you first and you are content to build everything around that name. On the other hand, the name may not be so important and will eventually pop out of your theme like a jack-in-the-box.
The most important thing to remember is this—it’s your story. If you have someone, off whom you are able to bounce ideas, do so but be careful of being influenced by the thoughts of others. When asking someone else’s opinion on something, make sure you are willing to weigh up the advice. I say this because everyone has a personal perspective. Nobody can write the story you are pulling out of your own experience the way you can. There are very many people who are only too willing to give an abundance of thought on your idea based on their perspective. Some of this perspective may be excellent, but remember—it’s not your personal perspective—always weigh and decide. If you are a person who is inclined to think out of the box as I am, then you will find much of the advice received, restrictive.
Character sketching may also seem a daunting task. I find most writers have a fairly good understanding of human nature and they are also introspective enough to acknowledge their own hang-ups and quirks. Analyzing your own likes and dislikes about things in life is a very helpful tool in character development.
Being able to get into the heads of TV show heroes and villains will also benefit the sketches of your own characters.  Readers endear themselves to characters who are not perfect in all their ways and who experience the difficulties of real life. There is nothing worse than the perfect character because the depiction is as far from reality as East is from West.
When novels were in their infancy the characters were real role models for the perfect society. Today, a much greater sense of reality is the order of the day. Films have followed suit with characters, fighting their own demons and overcoming the odds, with the greatest of difficulty.
The rules of writing an acceptable novel are being shaped by the flood of information technology brings through the internet. Books that sell are written by authors who understand the rules. Do not expect to see success with your first novel. It is a steep learning curve, not for the feint of heart. Treat the first half-dozen novels as the price of doing business. Pay attention to detail and use a good editor. The expense of a substantive edit and proof read, will build the steps toward success. Don’t be put off by the few sales your first attempt will generate—press on. Now go and get started on that first draft!