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It's been a while since I've been on here.
I just wanted some expert opinion really. I have finished a nanowrimo novel previously and started novels but never finished them or half finished I guess. I've had this one idea in my head for years. I have had some attempts at writing it but I want to do this idea justice as I guess I've fallen for it.
My question is should I start writing this novel? Or should I carry on writing short stories and get to some level or skill or whatever first?
I've been writing on and off for years. I completed a short story course through Writing Magazine and I've wanted to be a writer since I knew that they existed. But as I've got older I've written less and I'm concerned my writing isn't up to scratch. I have written 2 and a bit stories lately but haven't re-written properly yet but will do soon.
I think I'm just concerned or afraid I suposse that my writing is not good enough to write a novel. I am going to plan a bit (not too much or I won't write it most probablly through over planning).
I am well read on how to write etc so just need advice on whether or not to write a novel? I'm 24
Comments
Remember Writing Magazine has an excellent critique service for readers.I think it's £49 for up to 5000 words. I've used it, and you suddenly 'see' mistakes. Just decide on 1.the genre. 2.possible length. Okay, you will get all sorts of advice on plotting etc.It's a grey area, as many well known authors do, and a similar number don't. I don't, but do know the beginning and the end, but the 'journey' is the fun. Best of luck, and keep us informed as to progress. PS: I have now been published.
You wouldn't be asking the question if deep down it wasn't in you to do this particular idea as a novel.
A novel is just a short story on a bigger scale, you have more room for story development, and to give depth to characters, and room for sub-plots (if relevant).
And remember you can take as long as you need at this stage, and write as many drafts as you need. The first draft doesn't have to be perfect...
Good luck.
Some good short story writers never complete a novel and some good novelists can't write short stories. Building your skill level in one might well help with the other, but it's no guarantee of success.
I think getting outside a opinion is also a brill idea, but just putting it to one side before reading it for a couple of months will help you see any glaring errors yourself.
It's not the same as writing short stories: you don't need to condense in the same way, and you need to be aware that not everything needs to go into the written story, but belongs to the backstory - the 'how your characters got to this point' part. But if you know them, and know what you want for them, then go for it.
Put it this way: will you say in five years' time, 'I wish I'd tried to write that novel', or 'I'm glad I tried to write it because either it showed me the way I wanted to go, or proved that I was on the right/wrong track'.
One thing to remember; the first draft won't be perfect, and it won't be what the finished, edited and re-edited, work looks like, so don't write it off as rubbish if you think it isn't instantly perfect. Nobody's work is!
I went straight from poems to a full-length novel, which turned into a series of five!
I've had to re-write them, of course, but no-one's first draft is worth printing.
In fact I've re-written the first one again recently and think it might just be coming into shape!
Meanwhile I wrote another three - once you get going there'll be no stopping you and you'll learn from your mistakes.
Novels in my opinion are a totally different animal to a short story - try it - stick with it - and you'll see.
And good luck.
Good luck
Yes there are some major differences, but if you're unsure about whether you can do it, viewing it in that way can be reassuring, and it doesn't seem such a mammoth task.
Short story writing gives you skills you need for novel writing, certainly, but as said, not all.
(In fact I've found writing longer length stuff has improved my short story writing...)
There is no such thing as 'ready', you're ready when you start to write it. You could spend the next ten years learning how to write novels (if that is actually possible to learn).
Each novel is different, and the only way to figure that out is to write a few of them. Some are hard to writer, others are 'relatively' easy. You won't know which yours is until you're halfway through it. and even then things can change at the drop of a hat.
Experiment, play, ask people doing the same how they're overcoming obstacles. You have to dive in head first and learn how to swim along the way. The best thing about writing a book in the privacy of your own home is that you can make as many mistakes as is needed to get it right.
Just make sure you learn from those mistakes :P
Good luck!!
p.s. And don't forget to ask for help when you need it!
Don't do it.
Forget it.
Leave in the back of your mind for the next ten years until it drives you bat crazy, you lose your job and spend another 3 years debating whether not siting down and doing the first draft when you were 24 was the right move. Have children and then panic that you will never write THAT book. At 47 you finally get chance to write it.. and wonder why you didn't do it 23 years ago.
:D
If only I had.... where would I be now?
if..if..if... but...but..but...doesn't get the job done. ;) You know you want to... you know it won't go away until you do.
Once I get some more planning done and have a basic idea of what I'm doing will be writing it.
Really thanks to you all. I really should visit this site more often. It's only since I've started writing more that I feel I should come on here, feel a bit of a fraud saying I want ot be a writer when I don't write. Thanks again
Write down all the ideas, notes about your characters, it will help you get some idea of basic order and make it easier to start writing.
Try 62!
That's how long it took me to retire, get over the euphoria and get bored, then get a boot up the backside from my youngest and put pen to paper.
The moral of my story is - don't leave it too late, tho' it's never too late.
Which in itself doesn't make sense but you know what I mean.....
And you will find that writing does not obey the Law of Gravity. But that's half the fun...
I admire anyone who has the stamina to write whole books! I have 'dabbled' with the idea, but find I get bored with the whole project while still in the planning stages. I'm far more comfortable writing articles and teeny, tiny stories - which is fine with me too. :)
I'm only echoing what others have said before me, Jen, but certainly get it written. By the time you write it, edit, re-edit and edit again, you'll most probably have a lot more skills and experience than you have now, anyway. Good luck!
You may begin with the idea that your characters are under your control but once writing begins to flow, don't be surprised when they rebel and develop their own persona.
Don't panic, it will be one of many indicators that the story has substance.
Enjoy the ride and good luck.
I wish you the best of luck with it. :)