How to write a book when you don't know how. (Part 1)

If you have a great idea for a book of any kind, and you don't have faith in your grammar/spelling skills or how to structure it, there is advice everywhere on the internet. (Including here.)

With so much information, opinions, and horror stories out there, it is best to begin at the beginning. In your own time, in your own head.

I started writing my #YA #Fantasy novel in 2022. It took 15 months to complete the first draft. Approximately 82k words later, here I am, a newbie author, giving advice. LOL (As I edit.)

Just start writing!

The first thing you'll need to do is start. Grab a notebook, your phone, PC or laptop and begin. Write down whatever is in your head. Soon, you'll discover what type of writer you are. By type I mean, a "Planner", "Panster", or somewhere in between; a "Planster".

When I began writing this novel, I was definitely a "panster". This means that I just began to write as the story unfolded in my head. I didn't plan the story out on paper, I didn't make up any reference materials such as character descriptions, timelines, or maps. I didn't even know at this stage, what conflicts would drive the story forward.

I wrote 5 chapters and realized my lack of planning was going to be a problem. I lost track of the time of day within the story, I forgot which characters had come and gone, and how they were connected. I had also, much to my dismay, forgotten about the plot structure.

The standard plot structure. (Simple)

There must always be a structure to your story, and it should follow this diagram. The one below is more helpful for new writers. Another, even better way to find your path is to read a book, or watch a movie, and apply it.

Plot structure with comments.

One of my favorite books is "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien:

Bilbo Baggins is at home minding his own business (Life as usual), when he is drawn into an adventure (Inciting incident). The characters set off on their quest, finding danger everywhere along the way (Rising action). The party reaches Lake-town, and the lonely mountain, Smaug is killed (Climax). The battle of the five armies ensues, our heroes are victorious (Falling action), and Bilbo returns home. (The new life as usual).

This is very much simplified, but hopefully it will help show how the diagram works. This is where planning comes in. You may not know exactly where your story is going or what will happen right off the bat. Sometimes, the characters hijack your plan, and come up with their own ideas. (Yes they do. Trust me.)

Keep track of details, and ideas in a separate file or notebook. If you are creating an entirely new world, make a map. Decide who the characters are, what their strengths and weaknesses are. Describe the climate, as well as the flora and fauna. If time passing is important, keep track of "when" you are, and what is happening.

It may seem like a ton of work, but trust me, it will make your life easier. Doing these things, can also help you come up with new ideas, and help with writers block. I can't count how many times, a day of map making or scribbling in my notebook allowed me to see a new path, character or conflict.

However you choose to write, just write. Get the foundation on paper. Don't rush. And DO NOT forget to save, and back-up your work!

Stay tuned for part 2.