Writing a fiction book is one of the most challenging things a person can do. Even those with great creative talent must work very hard to craft a fiction book. You will need to do a lot of research, note taking, brainstorming, free writing, outlining, and editing. You must follow a story curve that captures interest, develop story and character, build to a climax (or many climaxes) and resolve the book to satisfy the reader. Buckle up, dust off the keyboard, and get ready to write a fiction book.
Instructions
1. Begin by creating an initial story idea. Find the hook. What is it about your fiction book that sets it apart from those of other authors? Come up with something unique.
2. Free write a few snatches of narration and dialog. You can write the ending first, if you wish. It does not matter what order the inspiration come. Just get the words down on paper or word processor.
3. Save all your notes, free writes, and so on. Keep them in a file for easy access. As the story progresses and fills out, you can rearrange the elements as you see fit. Many authors go for a chronological storyline, but many others prefer to jump back and forth in time.
4. Fill in any gaps in the story, narration, or dialog. In many cases you will need to wrack your brain to write something that connects two or more parts of the book to make them make sense. Do not force it, however, as you do not want any part of your fiction book to seem as if it were created just to prop up something else. All elements of the book should be able to stand on their own as impressive writing samples.
5. Walk away! Take breaks. Some authors take 5-minute breaks, some take 5-year ones. If you have no inspiration, do not work on your book. To get inspiration, read other books and perform writing exercises. Participate in life. Part of writing a fiction book is bringing to bear all that you have lived and letting it sift into your fiction writing.
6. Complete your first draft. It will probably be full of plot holes, shoddy snippets, and other imperfections. That is OK. As long as you have a working draft of your fiction book, you are on your way.
7. Edit your book. This is often a long and painful process. At times you may have to cut out entire sections of your fiction book. At other times you may just have to tweak a word or, a phrase there. Be brutal. Try to be objective. Ask yourself, "Is this worth reading?"
8. Submit your second draft to friends, family, or professionals who know a good book when they see one. Take their comments seriously. Even if you disagree with some of their suggestions, thank them profusely for pouring over your manuscript.
9. Edit the book at least twice more.
10. Submit your written, edited fiction book to an agent and pray! If an agent accepts your fiction book, you may be required to do more edits. Have great patience, and no matter what: finish the job.
