Writting a book...

April 6, 2009 5:15pm CST
I would love to write a novel or short story. Ive never done this before and I dont have any qualifications or study this subject at school/college/university. Does anyone have any tips on getting started? Thanks :)
1 person likes this
5 responses
• United States
8 Apr 09
The only way to get good at writing is to just do it, keep a notebook with you at all times so that you will have something to write on if you get an idea. Do not throw anything away, just file it because it may inspire you to write something else later. The only qualification you need to have to write is literacy. just choose a topic you like and start writing.
11 Apr 09
Thanks:) Ive been out and bought a few notebooks. Lets just hope the ideas start flowing!
@adam1980 (516)
6 Apr 09
write from the heart about something you have experienced and are passionate about, these always make the best reads
7 Apr 09
Thanks for the advice :)
• United States
16 Apr 09
Do you have an idea that is aching to get out onto paper? What are your reasons for wanting to write? Do you read a lot? You don't have to have any special classes or qualifications. You just need to know how to use the language to creat moods in people, to capture images that can actually be seen in someone elses head. You need to have a desire to tell a story and you MUST be a reader.
• United States
14 Apr 09
Write a bit everyday to get your mind in that mode. That is what most professionals will tell you. There are also programs you can get to help you with writing, as well as websites that can help. Happy Writing
19 May 09
All I can say is get a pen and a bit of paper or open up your laptop and fire up word... Then just start writing. Even if it's an idea. "There's a guy called John and his car breaks down in the middle of a dark old road in the middle of nowhere... then the real trouble begins..." or just start writing the body of text. "John, just knew from the kind of day he'd had that the car would pick the most inopportune moment to pack in..." It's not going to be perfect but it's the first step. Write write write. Read it back. Change it. Write some more. If it's not too personal give it to a friend. Listen to what they have to say. Ignore them (kidding). Write some more.