Summary:

Are you interested in writing a book but don’t quite know where to begin? This episode delves into the beginning stages of writing a novel. From brainstorming, to research, character creation and world building, we’ll discuss the process to set a good foundation for the novel you always dreamed of writing.

Show Notes:

How to begin?

Character, world, plot, title, a question…

How to explore seeds of inspiration

Once you decide, write a quick summary of the plot or even a tagline to help you begin conceptualizing the story

Do you need to conduct research?

Freewrite what you know

Make a list of what you need to know & begin researching: record details and sources in a document

Create extensive character bios: goals, conflicts, arcs

Create a timeline of major plot points/ when and where major events in your novel occur

Create an outline

Establish a schedule and goals for writing

Begin! The first draft will be messy (and probably not good). Refrain from trying to perfect it. Just get it all down on paper.

Remember, the first draft is the story you tell yourself.

Sources:

Save the Cat Writes A Novel, Jessica Brody (structure)

Story Genius and Wired for Story, Lisa Cron (structure and character development)

Launch Pad: The Countdown to Writing Your Book, Emma Dhesi, Grace Sammon

Everybody Writes, Ann Handley

Busy Writer’s Guide, Marcy Kennedy

Write the Damn Book, Elizabeth Lyon

Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott

Writing Down the Bones, Natalie Goldberg

Do Now:

First decide what your book will be about. Use the Fiction Inception worksheet. Next, get the gist of the story. Write a plot summary or tagline. Create in-depth bios for your characters with the Create a Character worksheet. Conduct research, timelines and an out. And, then begin.

FREE Downloads are also available on our website.

If you enjoyed this episode AND are a member of the WFWA, consider attending our workshop

“What We Learned the Hard Way” which will not only address next steps, but will highlight all the steps from inception of an idea to beyond publication. Our webinar will take place on September 25 @ 7:00 PM ET.

Full Show Notes are available on our website as well as free downloads mentioned in the episode.

Authors Talking Bookish https://www.authorstalkingbookish.com

Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows Blue https://www.authorhopegibbs.com/

Donna Norman-Carbone, author of All That is Sacred & Of Lies and Honey https://www.donnanormancarbone.com

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