The Secret to Getting Started

I want to talk about starting a novel.
 
New writers often say, “How do I get started writing a novel?”
 
There’s no "right" way to do it. You could, for instance, simply grab a pen and a notebook and start scrawling. That would be one way to get started. Or you could open a page in Word or Google docs and start typing. That would be another way.
 
But that answer is too simple. Most people want and need more specific guidance. So, here are my tips:
 

• Computer or pen? This is the first decision. Some people like to write in a notebook and type into the computer later. Others go straight to the keyboard. Whatever works for you is the best way to do it.

• Plot or character? Do you have an idea for a story or for a character? If you prefer to start with story, ponder what happens and where it might best begin. If you prefer to start with character, ask yourself who this person is and what happened to them (click for more on character sketches). Remember, it doesn’t matter how or where you start. The important thing is to get something on paper that you can work with.

• Beginning or end? You don’t have to start with the beginning. Some people can’t get going until they know the end. Start wherever you like.

• Is the story about a place? Some places are characters as much as the characters are. If you want to start with a place, you can. The place must be central to what happens in the story. The Shining comes to mind.

• Incident or mood? Is the plot centered on an incident? If so, who was involved? Who is the best candidate to lead the reader into this story? Do you have a general feeling that you think could carry a story? A mood might be a particular period in history in which you will indulge the reader with details from that time so that they can experience it “firsthand.”

 
No matter what you’re writing, approach it with an easygoing attitude. The first draft is just for getting words on the page. Any words that don’t end up working for you can be tossed. But once you have words on a page, you can assess what’s there and start molding and finessing what you’ve written into what you envision for your story. Once you start writing, you will learn more about what you want to write. Rest assured, you’ll figure out what you want to say and where you want the plot and characters to go, as you write it.
 
Don't forget, writing is the fun part, so enjoy the process.

For more Self-Publishing 101 blog posts, go to www.authorkimcatanzarite.com/blog.