I want to write a novel

[Kanobi]

Any writers in the house? I need advice on formatting, which software to use, helpful books to read on writing fiction and understanding the industry, etc. Just any helpful advice at all is welcomed really. Thanks...

[12]

Re: I want to write a novel

What kind of novel?

[Kanobi]

Re: I want to write a novel

What kind of novel?

It's a romance/crime mystery fiction

[Kanobi]

Re: I want to write a novel

no published or other aspiring writers with advice on OS?

[Beantown]

Re: I want to write a novel

There's a few of us "aspiring writers" on here.

Jim has actually written/published a book, and I'm sure there may be one or two more.

As for books to read, or helpful hints:

-You'll need a copy of the "Writer's Market, 2011" as it will basically be your guide into the publishing industry.
-Stephen King's "On Writing" is probably the best book on writing I've read. "Bird by Bird" by Ann Lamott is a good read as well. (There are lots, and lots, and lots of books on writing out there. These are two more "mainstream"/general books that I personally loved)
-Don't worry about formatting and the like until you're finished. Just write. You'll go through draft after draft after draft and if you're focused on making sure those first few ****ty drafts are formatted correctly for publication, you're going to waste a lot of time and focus on the formatting and lose out on the actual writing and editing.

[Kanobi]

Re: I want to write a novel

Thanks Beantown!!!

[sportsdude]

Re: I want to write a novel

though I'm sure the Writer's Market will cover it, you should be informed about the copywrite laws surrounding original works, such as what you're talking about. Without getting into the long of it, you don't need to copywrite a story if you've already put pen to paper. However, ideas can be stolen and aren't protected by copywrite laws. Thus, no matter how big or small the idea is don't talk to other people about, especially ones you don't trust, because there is nothing to stop them from taking it and making it their own work.

Though the copywrite laws will protect you automatically without having do anything except write the story itself, I would still back your work up on a separate file/drive. Also, make sure to date you work. Best of luck, Kanobi, and if this thing gets off the ground let us know!

[Kanobi]

Re: I want to write a novel

Thanks sportsdude!

Quick question: What are you guys' thoughts on self-publishing? Is that sort of a means of shopping your manuscript to a publishing company?

[sportsdude]

Re: I want to write a novel

Thanks sportsdude!

Quick question: What are you guys' thoughts on self-publishing? Is that sort of a means of shopping your manuscript to a publishing company?

I know very little about self publishing, but I imagine it would be helpful in shopping a manuscript around.