Writing a novel can be a daunting task. I know because it’s taken me 7 years to complete my first one. However, writing is easier for me now, than when I started. I realize that there are many of you who want to write that first novel, so let me lend my acquired experience to make your journey easier.
I have 10 steps that I realized I have used to complete my book. During the next 9 weeks I’m going to provide you with the actual and specific tools that have used. I’m going to put them up on this blog for you to see, and I’m going to give them away to you for free! Yes, free because I want you to be successful! I know that they will work for you some of you are more computer literate than others, so my tools are going to help you no matter what level of proficiency you have in software or hardware. All you need is a desire to learn, and a willingness to implement the steps.
How I write my novels a 10 step beginners guide. Step 3
Ok here is step three: get your tools together.
By tools I mean all those necessities that you need to craft your story. Here are some examples
Make sure you have your ‘buckets’ close by!
Dictionaries. (Have more than one, or use the web)
Thesaurus ( I keep two at my desk, I don’t simply use the ones on the word processor.)
White noise generator/ Music if you like something in your background. Whatever is needed to address your ability to concentrate. Some like music some don’t.
Munchies/Drink (get the cheetos, candy, nuts, coffee, whatever so you’re not having to keep getting up. Sometime when I’m in a flow I write past my hunger.
Grammar books.
Here are some internet sites I use as ‘online tools’.
http://thesaurus.com/
http://www.grammarly.com/ (warning its rather slow so have a good pc if you use it.)
I’ll talk more about this book in the next blog but for now you can use it as a reference to hone in on your characters temperament.
http://www.amazon.com/Please-Understand-Temperament-Character-Intelligence/dp/1885705026/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363552195&sr=8-1&keywords=keirsey+temperament
A site that gives you adjective to describe tone feeling and emotions
http://grammar.yourdictionary.com/parts-of-speech/adjectives/list-of-adjectives-to-describe-tone-feelings-emotions.html
How if you use MS Word to prepare your novel.
http://daiya.mvps.org/bookword.htm
Steps 2 and 3 are about preparation. Next week’s steps will be about actualization. I will tell you in advance that we will talk about your novels characters, and how to create them. So keep coming back! This is where the rubber really hits the road. I’m going to give you a character template to help flesh out your characters so stay tuned!
Oh and PS!
I want to hear from you!
To prove it and show my love, for the month of March, everyone who leaves a comment I will put your name in a hat. If you comment and link back to my blog on your blog, you get your name in the hat twice. If you leave a comment and link back to my blog, and mention my book The Third Heaven: The Rise of Fallen Stars in your blog…you get your name in the hat THREE times. What do you win? A guest blog appearance! Yep I’ll feature you in my blog and help promote you! How about that?
I will pick a winner once a month. So at the end of March I will pick a winner for the monthly prize. Good luck!
Don’t forget to and check out my preview trailer for my new book, The Third Heaven: The Rise of Fallen Stars coming out in a couple of months!