Have a Great Idea for a Story - What Next?

[shalom]

Hello Everyone !
I've got an interesting theme/idea for a story which I suppose, could be developed into a novel. After googling the title/theme, to my pleasure and surprise, seems it has not been done before.

I like to write but there is a big difference between saying you enjoy writing and attempting a REAL piece of literature.

Now - where do I go with this? Test the "waters" by starting it as a blog of some kind, maybe?

Since I haven't ever written anything of significance before, should I try to bash it out myself ? Consult all the online writing, editing sites for some clues on how to structure it?

Then what? Do I then approach publishers ?

Your clever, collective ideas are welcome as always..

[Angela]

I recommend letting go of your preconceived ideas of what is a "REAL piece of literature."

Write.

If you're not writing, everything else is just distraction.

[Chris Cade]

Originally Posted by Angela

Write.

That sums up all of the advice I was going to give. And well actually, it is the exact advice I was going to give.

But since Angela responded first, I've been forced to write all these needless words telling you to just "write."

Okay, maybe I wasn't "forced," but since I'm always taking responsibility for my actions and thoughts it's nice to occasionally pretend like I can defer my responsibility onto others....

[David Cain]

I'll echo the others and say "Just write." Having a good, original idea for a novel is unimportant. Whether you write a good novel or not is what's important.

I would recommend starting with a blog though. You can write small, self-contained pieces of work, and get feedback quickly. Many people spend years writing novels before they learn they aren't very good and nobody wants to read them.

If you haven't written anything "of significance" before, your chances of writing a publishable novel are extremely slim. I would not recommend writing a novel at all, in that case. But if you have talent you can certainly self-publish smaller works, such as articles or blog posts, and save the novel for when you are more experienced.

Just put the pen to paper, in any case, and don't worry about publishing and marketing your work until you actually have some work.

[Lauxa]

Studies show that people who write more without worrying about quality write better than people who try to write well. So start writing already.

[Tracy]

Realize that you CAN write a great book, and set out to focus and just do it, no analysis paralysis. Then:

Write. Write. Write. Write.

Edit....

Write. Write. Write. Write.

Then sell.

[AttractIt]

Maybe write the first chapter, and let us read it?

[CubicleBailout]

You may also want to check out Stephen King's book called "On Writing". His only non-fiction work I believe. I checked it out of the local library and he really gets down to the nuts and bolts of how he writes. You don't have to be a fan of the genre to appreciate the devotion to writing he has. Plus, he has a pretty good sense of humor, I found myself laughing so hard I cried at some parts.

Also, like others have said, just start writing.

I don't think a novel as a blog would be a good idea, but starting a blog will get you into the habit of just writing. It's amazing how cathartic it can be.

[ChrisN]

Originally Posted by shalom

Hello Everyone !
I've got an interesting theme/idea for a story which I suppose, could be developed into a novel. After googling the title/theme, to my pleasure and surprise, seems it has not been done before.

I like to write but there is a big difference between saying you enjoy writing and attempting a REAL piece of literature.

Now - where do I go with this? Test the "waters" by starting it as a blog of some kind, maybe?

Since I haven't ever written anything of significance before, should I try to bash it out myself ? Consult all the online writing, editing sites for some clues on how to structure it?

Then what? Do I then approach publishers ?

Your clever, collective ideas are welcome as always..

When you have an idea, you need to develop the story. If you sit down and start writing you will often fail after about 10 pages. (experience speaks for itself :P) Do a google search on how to successfully write a book and go from there! If you really have the desire to accomplish it, you will get there

In terms of starting as a blog, it may be a valuable resource for ideas from other people or as a way to conveniently store all your ideas and generate many mini-stories you can branch your plot twists on, etc.

Whatever you choose to do, good luck and PM your book name when its done so I can buy a copy :P

[Eric Roosevelt]

This would almost be better in the personal effectiveness forum. Are you thinking of this mainly as a business oppurtunity, or what are your motivations for writing?

As for the writing itself, I think the quality of our writing depends largely on the quality of what we read. I don't know exactly when is the best time to approach a publisher, but if I were in your position I'd probably focus on story for the time being. Try to have as much fun with it as possible, and it will probably come out pretty good.

[Black Spring]

The basis of good writing is to be as concise as possible. Also, read up on screenwriting. It's the most effective method of storytelling we have to date. What's your story idea anyway?

[Eric Roosevelt]

Originally Posted by Black Spring

The basis of good writing is to be as concise as possible.

I sort of agree. However, when it comes to stories I don't think it's a crime to make them a bit "wordy". At least not if you choose the right words.

[Black Spring]

Originally Posted by Eric Roosevelt

I sort of agree. However, when it comes to stories I don't think it's a crime to make them a bit "wordy". At least not if you choose the right words.

This is true. I can only tell you what I like. A Moveable Feast just wouldn't be the same if it was 400 pages long, know what I mean? Get in, get out. Subtlety is definately a lost art, in my opinion. Where once an artist suggested something the reader/viewer to elaborate on themselves, we have writers giving up everything (on facebook, flickr, twitter, myspace, cams, blogs, etc) because they think we need every nuance of character plummeted for analysis. Comedians and musicians have know about this forever, it's called "timing": the notes between notes.

We shouldn't concern ourselves with "good" or "bad" writing. On The Road was garbage, yet people still talk about it, why? Because it was original and it took risks.

[bigadam]

You could take a lesson from screenwriting...

- make sure it has a beginning, middle and end

- write an outline

- write the first draft and make it a vomit draft - just get the words out as fast as possible while following your outline

- then rewrite the hell out of it

Don't overthink or analyze it.

[Rebecca800]

Consider the e-book "Novel In A Month" for very practical advice on:

- how to structure your story
- how to write convincing dialogue
- how to keep readers interested
- how to develop a good plot
- how to stay motivated
- how to keep readers intrigued
- and heaps more I cant put into words

Even if you don't finish it in a month (heck I'm still going on mine after 3 months) it still explains how to accomplish something as big and scary as an entire novel. And I know that I'm on track because I'm following all the advice - and it feels great! This is the first book idea I'm actually making a reality...

How to Write a Novel in 28 Days, or Less! - How to Write a Book

Good luck!!

[Addict]

Maybe write the first chapter, and let us read it?

Good advice, but remember you don't need to start with the first chapter. It might even easier to start in the thick of it. The novel Fight Club started out as a short story and turned into Chapter 6.

Also, I don't know how many people are doing this, but I've always thought serial fiction in a blog format would be neat.