I'm starting to write a novel

I just turned 18 and have been writing since... well... since. I was always making up stories when I was younger, and I even started a few novels that I never finished. I first finished a story when I was 12. It was only around 25,000 words, so I guess it would have qualified as a novella or a short children's book. I also wrote it a sequel, but that was even shorter. I finished a full-length novel when I was 16. It's a high fantasy like Lord of the Rings, and I do hope to get it published one day. The same year I finished that book I wrote a sort of science fiction/ chick lit story. Even though I only took 6 months to write, it was even longer than the high fantasy. (It's in dire need of editing though... so I won't be sending out any queries for that one anytime soon.) First of all, never underestimate critique groups. I've been in a creative writing class for several months, and it's really done a for my writing. Second of all, if you get stuck remember: You can edit something bad, but you cannot edit a blank page. Remember to read a lot too. Even in a two word description, your story sounds interesting and I hope to hear more from you.

wow, go for the gold! remember your family and friends and the things you encounter in life

That's a good. I think it would be great to do something that you really love. I've had a couple of novels and poems that I wrote way back in my younger years too but presently, I've been busy working so I couldn't time to write. But, I love literature. I love reading good stories. Just pursue it and maybe something wonderful may come up, you never know. By the way, the author of the Twilight series says that it all just started with a dream that she had. So, good luck and more good things to come your way.

Hope this time you will be very much successful. writing a novel is really something that is great way to show the way you can write. Best of luck.

i think you need to read some famous novels to have a guide in novel writing. and you should be creative so many people will get to read your novel and it's ok if you fail, because if you always win, you can't learn that much cause you always win. search some sites about novel writing and maybe after some time you'll be a famous writer. good luck on your journey!

Hi I dont have any experience in what regards writing a novel or story. I like to read books etc but even I for a long time wished to startwriting something mine. I lack of ideas and it is such a drawback for me thats why I never decided to write one but if you feel that you are on the right track just try. Dreams can come true when sometimes you least expect them. The one thing I can only tell you is not to give up!! goodluck!!

I'm an accomplished writer and younger than you by two years, ^_^' my education has little to do with my writing ability...I've just been writing books for as long as I can remember. Now, every writer develops their own style, methods, but I've always find hearing about others' ways about it helpful in reflecting on what -I- find useful. Me? I keep notebooks. I write down ideas, potential characters (that need stories), types of plot twists and plot devices that I want to incorporate. I read alot, so I study various styles in order to figure out my own and fine-tune my english skills. When I have a story, usually it comes from my dreams...so I wake up and write down the dream (usually a single scene, a chapter, or the entire book's outline/summary)...and then either start writing without an outline or many notes, or do the outline and notes first and then start writing. Motivation, I'm afraid is something I don't have tips for. It's not hard for me to get motivated, because I obsess over writing. I've such an intense craving to write most of the time. All I can say is; don't push yourself. If you try to force it, you can crumble your inspiration down and the fun of it can be sortof wrecked. It'll come to you. If the story's good, it'll keep it's hooks into you, and all you have to do is try to work on it in a regular fashion in order to keep your attention on it enough FOR it to keep its hooks into you. Also, try not to compare yourself to other authors too much. Each writer's unique, their level of brilliance is usually quite subjective. Be yourself. Writing is an artform, it's something that you pursue because you'll never stop learning it. Also; If you don't know something, remember to try looking it up. Research can be half the fun of a book. Some genre's allow you a little more leway to make stuff up and get things wrong, without ruining the story. Vampires and angels? Sounds like a horror-fantasy! That gives you plenty of means to be creative without fear of people going, "It's not realistic!" And if nothing else...have fun. Art's supposed to be fun. Creativity expands the mind. It's a wonderful thing. Enjoy it. ^_^

Dear friend, I do agree with your points, moreover writing skill is much not got to all and those who are readers who like to read their writing shows that the writiers contribution as a writier is well accepted. The feedback got from the readers are the most important one. I am sure you are able to achieve well as a writer if you have the consisteny with the talent.

Hmm... Can't say i'm majorally experienced in writing, but i do have a vast experience of reading books =P. My main tips would be: The obvious: open with a good narrative hook - don't get bogged down with too much description... let the text and speech flow. When using vampires and angels go beyond the conventional beliefs about them -It makes for better reading when you come across things you don't expect. (I don't know if you;ve read twilight series... but it's a good example of this) Don't give emphasis only through the language: Use chapters lengths, interspersings of memories and dreams (the fantastical areas of reality)to create a good all-round novel. It gives a better dramatic effect subconsciously. Get a good balance between speech and descriptions. But also get a good balance of themes: romance, horror, investigation, humour. With fantasy stories you can extend through the other genres, and helps gain a wider audience if you want to publish it (i'm guessing). Like i said.. i'm a literacy student, not much of a writer - even as i try. But keep focus on the storyline throughout, and i hope my tips have helped =] Happy mylotting and good luck with the novel =P x

I write very good. I say just practice. Writing is a ton of editing. It's also a lot of rejection. I've been writing for a while and have complete novels and can still not find a Literary Agent. The rejection can really hurt.

Well that is great news, one of our friends is writing a novel and we all are proud for you dear. :) well i am writer too but i have never given a thought of writing a book i write some on my blog if you are intrested ever do check it out hope you like it.. and i pray that you go far roads of success and climb heights of luck take care. www.batteling.blogspot.com

I don't have any tips for you for I'm not a writer. For your dream of writing a novel all by yourself, just for this great idea and your planning, I think you can do it. It is maybe of some problems while writing but you just insist on the writing, whether with satisfaction or not about the detals, first finish and then polish. My girlfriend like to write too. Sometimes she write a poem but according to my knowledge, I just cannot understand them deeply. Shame on myself. I do appreciate the one who writes something, because it's all about creation that I'm lack of. So just go for it. Don't be lazy, yo. lol. And you will surly find joy in your writing and I believe that. Good luck.

I just wanted to wish you luck! Writing a novel is a big task, and I hope you are successful. If it is something that you are determined to finish, I am sure you will! Keep us posted on the outcome!

Well I am about the same as you in the fact that I am an amateur writer, but I have thought out some ideas for a novel of my own. I have not done much ACTUAL writing as to the storyline, but I did sit down and detail characters and other miscellaneous items so that once I started writing, I could reference those notes. I also thought of different plots, and exciting events to keep readers interested throughout the whole book. Good luck to you in writing your book though!