the best way to write a novel is to start from the ending if you have decided how your story ends then the rest is easy. another thing to do is fill your story with unique characters lots of them this helps to keep the reader interested in the storyline. the next thing to do is have your main character have some quality that sets them apart from the other characters and the last thing to do is read as many other novels by best sellers in your chosen genre especialy when you have writers block.
Hi. I see this vid is from 07, I wonder how you have done from the day you did this vid. I think you have it together and think you will one day break out. Ty for this vid. Please let me know ,,ty
@zofoblues i have finished one book and have another 2 on the go. i havent published anything yet. i am thinking of going on a course. but i am not sure yet. if anything changes i will update you. thanks for the interest.
Sir , I'm writing my Auto-biography Book should I discuss in my book all my life stories and each and every thing what happened with me in my school and college and have seen Or Only important things which I have experienced? If i write each and every thing then it can make my book based on lot of pages, I want to write concrete book, and everyone like it. Have your say! give me tips please.
Thanks for the info, appreciate. Just wondering, if you could attach the name of the books and the authors on the info under your clip, it's easier to find the book you are referring to.
@chrisc74 Thanks Chris, you forgot actually the one that made me ask. The one you talked about lastly called, writer's guide. I tried to google that, but there were about two or three of them.
@chrisc74 Thanks a million! I will order that next time as for now I just made an order for the teach yourself and the writing dialogue(9781884910326), that I hear is good too! Thanks once more! How about link to the book that you have already written? I promise not to ask more smile!
@TheVGinia its still in the editing stage. not sure if i will publish it yet. i have a few other projects which i am working on. when it is available then i will let you know. glad i could help.
dont think about how many words, just develop your story, characters, watch it grow and you beat the terrain of the first few chapters. If you go over 80,000 words, so what? If you are 5000 below, who cares? Add a surreal intermission related to the story but at a "unconscious" level of if. That's what I do.
Hi guys, working on my fifth and possibly final novel. (Not in a series)
Anyway, I'm writing out of my comfort zone on this one, and would appreciate some opnions. Anyone with any time to read a few chapters? (Horror genre) Inbox me please, thanks.
This is a very great video that summarizes the main points of writing a novel. Thank you! I'm in the midst of writing a novel myself, or at least a chapter book. I'm pretty young and I've really been helped by the website writing.com. This website is incredibly helpful for getting feedback from writers and readers all over the world. It may even help you get published. I would reccommend writing.com to writers everywhere of every age!
Do you work on more then one book at a time? If so, is it kind of like, painting with oil paint. Start on one painting of a while.. While the paint is drying.. Go on to the next one and work on it for a bit.. Let the paint dry.. Go to the next one… and then back and work on the first on again?
@idram7 i tend to work on one book at a time. i have many ideas and a few books which i have started but i try to stick with one book until the end. other wise i confuse myself.
I must say awesome job on the vid and you're very inspiring! I'm 14 and writing a horror novel which some people might be skeptical, but I'm really taking it seriously. You've given some great tips and advice, so thanks!! :)
@darkblade225 I'm doing pretty good, if you mean by progress with my book, i'm on chapter 13, so I have quite a ways to go, but I'm still motivated! Thanks and good luck to you too! Also just to tell you, if you want an actual copy of your book, you can make one at lulu.com for pretty cheap, that's what I'm doing. :)
You forgot to mention "On Writing" by Stephen King and The Elements of Style. Really good tips and suggestions. One of the most helpful youtube videos I've seen so far. Thanks a lot :)
@darkblade225 the way i work out my book is to make 20 points. each point is an event. for example. 1 intro to main. 2 main finds something. 3 main girlfriend gets hurt etc. at the moment i am working on a new story. this time i have only written out the first 6 points so i can change them easier. hope this helps.
Very informative video, Chris. You've given some key information. Write what you know. I'm going to subscribe to you, as well as add you as a friend. I think I can learn much more from you.
Ask yourself: Would my character respond to being bullied ? Does my character fall for the cheerleaders/jocks ? Which teachers does the character like ? Which ones does it hate ? Favorite class, favorite lunch meal. Are they the class clown ? do the drive, or ride the bus ?
Just pull from real-life, and you should do really well :D
My personal advice: pull from personal experience. Insert real life experiences into the story, bit and pieces of real life. Scenarios from actually being in school you can remember, even conversations you can remember having, or comments made to teachers from other students. Establish which kids are the nerds, jocks, bullies, sluts, and put your character in a category just like every other student(unless they are the lone-wolf outsider)
when you look at films like terminator and games like fallout 3 they just use normal names. like john. might be worth having a look at cast lists for films like that.
Hi. Have you ever writtnen a synopsis? To me, this is harder than the book. I wrote a book which included quite a few flashbacks and cliffhangers. Now I have to write a synopsis, which I feel takes away most of the suspense. It is certainly tricky.
@SadSusi try having a look in your local libary at how others write it. dont copy because thats against copyright but see how they would write it and get a feel for it. i read at least 3 books before i started mine.
Also, when fleshing out the story, mind mapping is a really great idea. Helps me a lot when coming up with a story. I use a program called 'FreeMind'...
As far as names go. When working on my movie scripts, (and now books), I have a program with a lot of generators in it. It's meant for rpg's, but it has a group of name generators.
I often use the "US Name Generator", which gives you a list of random combinations of first and last names that were on the '99 census. Gives some great names, or inspirations for great names.
One of the most handy programs that I've ever had.
ok I have a question. I'm wanting to write an autobiography, and with the 20 points, ive got them down but im not too sure what order to put them in, really i dont know where i want to begin... any tips?
that was really helpfull cheers man. I like the 20 points tip and reading books in the genre you would like to write your book about tip as well. a great help, cheers man.
I think if anyone wants to write a book don't do it on a laptop (even though it would be the most comfortable thing) because laptops shutdown really easily. I would know because everytime I would use my friend's laptop it would die within two maybe at the most three hours and that's bad.
i have a netbook and i have used that with no problems. when it says that the power is getting low i save what i have done then plug in the mains. each to his own
I've never heard of a netbook. Is that a certain brand of laptops? (sorry I know it's a dumb question but there's still alot about technology I don't know about even though I'm young). lol
Laptops are great since they, as the name implies, fit on your lap. You can write on the couch, on a beanie bag, in the train, on the toilet even. Most of the time you can also leave it plugged in, so there's no chance of it "dying" on you.
It's a good idea to buy a bigger battery than the standard one usually sold with the laptop. I bought one for my MSI Wind which lasts about 5 hours, a more than sufficient amount of time.
Thanks. I'll tell my friend (who has a laptop) what you said because he knows alot about computers and laptop imfo. What's RSI? Is MSI Wind the brand of your laptop? (sorry I'm not good with technical terms)
try plugging the laptop in, it doesnt need to be flat to be plugged in, you can leave it charging the whole time if you want, that way it wont die on you.
it depends what you want to know. i get most of my information of the internet. if its map locations then i use google earth. any thing else i just google it.
well JK rowlings did well becoming the 10th richest women in the uk. it depends what your book is about, how good it is and if people want to buy it. i think most writers do it because they like it not for the money.
the 3 hours was just a guide line really. i think i try for the hours instead of pages. most of the time it averages out. the best thing to do is try not to over think it. thats what i did with my first book and i burnt myself out really quickly. as far as the distractions are concerned i sit myself in my room shut the door and put on some classical music to plot out the world. then i just let the writing flow. it needs to be fun or its not worth doing. hope this helps and thanks for watching.
i took a couple of days for me to work out the outline of the novel. then about a week to do research. if i had writers block i would use research to help get back on track and it worked the research is an ongoing thing for me which lasts most of the time that i am writing. glad you like the video. hope this helps.
Interesting video. I'd disagree about needing to put pressure on. I find that if I don't put pressure on myself to finish a story, my writing dwindles and then I get distracted by the next plot idea. I end up with loads of starts of novels and no endings!
Another book that's similar to the Yearbook is The Writers' Handbook. It's the same sort of thing and it's what I used to find a publisher. I basically went through and made a list of every one that took unsolicited sci-fi manuscripts.
The greatest gift to creative writing is the word processor. This allows me to rattle off a raw idea almost as if in a trance.
The you can go back and craft each line and each paragraph and even re-arrange the order. Also the choice between the right word and the wrong word can be the difference between boring writing and pure poetry. the word processor allows you to do all this.
Say, Chris, thanks for the Video, Now my problem is that I do most of my writing in pads, but I know that eventually i had to type it. The problem is, I just got a computer and my typing is really slow, so slow I have been close to quitting, do you recommend attending a typing class or software I could use? I don't pick up things as well as I used to when I was young.. sadly.
try not to worry about your typing. the more you do the better you will get. there are some online typing lessons and i think there is some on youtube. i tried it myself once but you really have to stick with it to do it well. personnally i would just stick to typing the way you do. you will soon pick up speed. but if you want some help then have a look on line or go to your local library
I am currently trying to write a book, and I created characters and settings and stuff, but there is a missing piece in it. I just can't seem to find a conflict/obstacle. that's what a book is about, right? a conflict. and I can't make up one. argh.
it depends what kind of book you want to write. if it was a romance then you would have a man liking a women who he cant have. the conflict would be how he would get her. or if it was a horror then you would have the hero and his girl and how they survived. you need to look at what you have and try i decide what gnere it fits in.
well you could have an evil character who is trying to take over the world and the hero has to stop him and save the girl or boy if the hero is female. or the bad guy needs to do something to be released from a human form so that he can release his evil on the world and the hero has to stop his minions from releasing him. you could try finding some books/films which are like what you want to write. this could give some more ideas.
hey chris i dont know if you remember me but me and you talked on email and i gave you info on publishers and read some of my work and i read some of yours. well i sent of a query letter to a publishing company and i got rejected but they said it had alot of potental to re submit. so i guess im writing this to ask how have you been on the writing front?
hi. i remember. sorry to hear you where rejected but good about the re sub.
my writing has been a bit slow. i had to do a re-write on the book i am working on at the mo because i got a virus and lost my work. but i am still plodding along with it. i am also thinking of doing another video. thanks for the comment. good to hear from you.
My biggest problem is continuing the story. I'll be bangin on just fine for a while and then all of a sudden...BLAM I hit a brick wall, and I can't for the life of me figure out a way to get back on track. Any advice?
when i have this problem i just leave it for a while. i will maybe go and do some research on what i am writing. i will also go and watch a film or read a book that is similar to what i am writing. sometimes just going for a walk can help. what you need to do is get the creative thoughts flowing again. the one thing you need to do is not worry about it. that in its self can add to the brick wall so to speak.
Very helpful. That guide book you recommended was a life saver, thank you. Have you had any luck getting your book published since this guide? If you have, you should make another one about, "how to get your book published". Thanks again =)
Thanks, great video! I have just started writing myself and this was very helpful in giving me a few guidlines, especially the idea of writing 20 points or events you want to get across. I think that will help me form and develop my story nicely. Cheers!
Thanks Chris, it was a wonderful guide, especially considering you are, as you said only a year and a half into your writing and already look positive about the whole situation.
Hi Chris thanks for your easy to understand guide to novel writing it is not easy to know how to start the ball rolloig etc but every bit of information helps and it was a good place to start all the best for the future and good luck I hope to write a novel one day - see ya
This was a very inspirational and informative video. I recently travelled to New york and it inspired me to write the novel that I am currently working on that is set in manhattan. I find it good to really get a feel of the place that your writing about. Also I have a few set questions that I always 'ask' each of my charractors so you can really get to know them. Once again can I say thank you very much for posting this video.
when i get writers block i just leave my work and go and play on my ps3 or watch a movie. i basicaly have a break from writing. sometimes i have a 30 minute break other times i might have a break for a few months. this always helps me. i hope it helps you.
That was really helpful. I have a few ideas for a novel (my first) but weren't really sure how to go about putting them into 80000-100000 words. At one point I wrote about 5000 words of a book without any planning and gave up , so thanks alot because you've shown me plenty of great tips on how to get from start to finish =]
Today at work, a whole new idea for a plot came to me. And I believe it's a lot better than what I first had in mind. This one however, I feel is best to write in first person. I know uve said u dont have much more to add at the moment. But I heard in either this or the other video (can't remember which) that u also are writing in first person. I know u recommended to read other books like these (and I will)! But I was wondering how its goin for u, n maybe a few tips:P only if u have time ofc
i have been thinking about doing another video. the only problem is my computer crashed and i didnt get a chance to back up my books. so i lost my most recent work. so i am having to do a re-write. but i will look into doing another video. its just time is a problem at the moment.
great guide.. GREAT GUIDE!:D I agree with MatttyQ. Ive got ideas for a book involving prison life and a trial in court. Which I have very little knowledge about how works.. so I guess I got to start researching, and I better pick up some notebooks aswell! U've given me a whole lot inspiration, n I just hope it lasts till I wake up tommorow. If not, I guess i'll watch this video again! I saw trough ur videos, n was sad to see so few about ur writing. please make more:) thanks for ur help!
thanks for the comment. i am glad this has inspired you. i do the videos as i learn and i dont really have anything else to add just yet. good luck and thanks for subing
I've just written three pages about how the government works for the small country my book will be based around. Now that I have that and how the currency works, all sorts of ideas come to mind at all times of the days.
Thanks Chris, I kind of have been doing what you recommend already without organizing it. It is helpful to see you list the tips/steps. Good luck with your books!
Out of all the videos I've seen on youtube "Professionally done" and "Home Videos" this is certainly the most helpful, I thank you sooo much for posting this Informative guide on writing novels, god bless ya. :)
Hi Chris, I think you've done a great job in explaining the process of writing a novel. One of the areas I get stuck is in the idea or topic for a novel. I like sci-fi myself and am trying to think of something neat. The problem is that just about every storyline I can think of (right now anyway) seems to have already been done by someone... Anyways, do you use an outline for your book? How is the novel doing? Is it finished/published. Best of luck to you.
ideas i tough. sci-fi i have found can be the easiest to do. if they are based on another planet like starwars then you can make up anything. i take my ideas form my dreams manily and films i may have watched.
look around you.take a normal everyday thing and make it into a story.
i do have an outline. i take my story and break it up into 20 points. then i write about each point. this has helped me a lot. i have had a set back as my computer crashed and i lost all my work.
Hi. I'm Fiel from Malaysia. I think your guide is great. I intent to publish my novel within a year. Thanks for the guide, and good luck to both of us!
i had a look but i couldnt find any thing online about how to write a book. i think there might be courses that you could take at college but not alot online.
i found the "teach yourself how to write a novel" by nigel watts for about $10 on amazon. this is the book that i talk about in the video. i think you will just have to have a look in your local shop or libary. hope this helped.
i am also writing my first book if you want to read the first chapter chris that would really help me. i just need to know if it's up to par and also im kind of afraid about the whole copy writing thing. should i do any thing for that? or do i not have to?
great video by the way it really helped me out! its really great to know that im not the only one out there that is a little daunted by writing a book. thanks so much
Chris, you say your a new writer, but not many people would take time to help others with what they know thus far. You could teach others your humanitarianism because it shines through! Peace & Blessings to you, and thanks! Good luck with this & your future books!
nice one buddy, i've had an idea for a story for a long time now and after watching your guide i think i'll get these wheels in motion. keep up the good work.
i am not working at the moment so i am lucky to be able to work on my book when ever i want. if i did work then i would probably write in the evening and then do the editing on the weekend. hope this helps
the best way to write a novel is to start from the ending if you have decided how your story ends then the rest is easy. another thing to do is fill your story with unique characters lots of them this helps to keep the reader interested in the storyline. the next thing to do is have your main character have some quality that sets them apart from the other characters and the last thing to do is read as many other novels by best sellers in your chosen genre especialy when you have writers block.
doctorw2 1 week ago
@doctorw2 thanks for the info.
chrisc74 1 week ago
Thank you very much...am about to write a book for fun. I hope it turns out well. Maybe even a best seller one day
lornalifey 1 month ago
@lornalifey your welcome. good luck with your book.
chrisc74 1 month ago
@orlyyarlynowaii your welcome. glad my video helped
chrisc74 4 months ago
Hi. I see this vid is from 07, I wonder how you have done from the day you did this vid. I think you have it together and think you will one day break out. Ty for this vid. Please let me know ,,ty
zofoblues 5 months ago
@zofoblues i have finished one book and have another 2 on the go. i havent published anything yet. i am thinking of going on a course. but i am not sure yet. if anything changes i will update you. thanks for the interest.
chrisc74 5 months ago
Good job!
arrissty 5 months ago
4 years later, have you found any success in being a writer?
Petey0707 5 months ago
This was an interesting video for an aspiring writer such as myself. All good advice. Thanks.
spitharoo 6 months ago
@spitharoo your welcome
chrisc74 6 months ago
Sir , I'm writing my Auto-biography Book should I discuss in my book all my life stories and each and every thing what happened with me in my school and college and have seen Or Only important things which I have experienced? If i write each and every thing then it can make my book based on lot of pages, I want to write concrete book, and everyone like it. Have your say! give me tips please.
asfandyarNo1 7 months ago in playlist Writing 4 nov 10
I got the year book... not as helpful as I thought it would be, this video and others were much, MUCH better, so thanks :D
ShiivaWilding 9 months ago
@ShiivaWilding thanks
chrisc74 9 months ago
Thanks for the info, appreciate. Just wondering, if you could attach the name of the books and the authors on the info under your clip, it's easier to find the book you are referring to.
Thanks
TheVGinia 9 months ago
@TheVGinia i have put links to the book in the description for you.
chrisc74 9 months ago
@chrisc74 Thanks Chris, you forgot actually the one that made me ask. The one you talked about lastly called, writer's guide. I tried to google that, but there were about two or three of them.
Thanks very much!
TheVGinia 9 months ago
@TheVGinia sorry about that. i have put them in now.
chrisc74 9 months ago
@chrisc74 Thanks a million! I will order that next time as for now I just made an order for the teach yourself and the writing dialogue(9781884910326), that I hear is good too! Thanks once more! How about link to the book that you have already written? I promise not to ask more smile!
TheVGinia 9 months ago
@TheVGinia its still in the editing stage. not sure if i will publish it yet. i have a few other projects which i am working on. when it is available then i will let you know. glad i could help.
chrisc74 9 months ago
@TheEnglandrats1 it could be. also the page layout might be wrong.
chrisc74 9 months ago
lol i love the ancient giant slow running sloth comp in the background
FlairesTears 10 months ago
hahaha baby name books... that how i named all my characters
srgwarcock 10 months ago
SELF PUBLISH if you CAN! Forget the agents and going main stream! :)
StarWoors 1 year ago
I just sit down, plant my butt in my chair, and write. It's simple and it works for me.
MomoTheBellyDancer 1 year ago
hey thanks for the vid, im at that always thinking about it stage but am now writing ideas down, your vid is encouraging, thanks and good luck
spankfoam 1 year ago
@spankfoam thanks for the comment. good luck with your ideas.
chrisc74 1 year ago
what are the story writing sites you mentioned? gud video by the way thnx helped lo (:
sugarfree933 1 year ago
@sugarfree933 i will have to look for them as its been a while
chrisc74 1 year ago
theres the writers forum which i used to go on alot. but its uk based i think.
chrisc74 1 year ago
dude, clean up your room! lol
KRSchannel 1 year ago
dont think about how many words, just develop your story, characters, watch it grow and you beat the terrain of the first few chapters. If you go over 80,000 words, so what? If you are 5000 below, who cares? Add a surreal intermission related to the story but at a "unconscious" level of if. That's what I do.
mennella2000 1 year ago
I planned my novel for years and started in 2 years ago. Years! tsk tsk
mennella2000 1 year ago
Hi guys, working on my fifth and possibly final novel. (Not in a series)
Anyway, I'm writing out of my comfort zone on this one, and would appreciate some opnions. Anyone with any time to read a few chapters? (Horror genre) Inbox me please, thanks.
andwaaa 1 year ago
im writing a sort of dark horror novel but im finding it hard to plan my novel in to chapters and to space out my plot do u have any advice?
darkblade225 1 year ago
This is a very great video that summarizes the main points of writing a novel. Thank you! I'm in the midst of writing a novel myself, or at least a chapter book. I'm pretty young and I've really been helped by the website writing.com. This website is incredibly helpful for getting feedback from writers and readers all over the world. It may even help you get published. I would reccommend writing.com to writers everywhere of every age!
Summerlantis 1 year ago
@Summerlantis i am glad you like the video. thanks for the comment and the info. i will have a look
chrisc74 1 year ago
.
Do you work on more then one book at a time? If so, is it kind of like, painting with oil paint. Start on one painting of a while.. While the paint is drying.. Go on to the next one and work on it for a bit.. Let the paint dry.. Go to the next one… and then back and work on the first on again?
idram7 1 year ago
@idram7 i tend to work on one book at a time. i have many ideas and a few books which i have started but i try to stick with one book until the end. other wise i confuse myself.
chrisc74 1 year ago
I must say awesome job on the vid and you're very inspiring! I'm 14 and writing a horror novel which some people might be skeptical, but I'm really taking it seriously. You've given some great tips and advice, so thanks!! :)
bubberdub 1 year ago
@bubberdub your welcome. i hope you enjoy your writing and i wish you every success
chrisc74 1 year ago
@bubberdub How well are you doing Im writing a horror book myself and i just want to say good luck writing.
darkblade225 1 year ago
@darkblade225 I'm doing pretty good, if you mean by progress with my book, i'm on chapter 13, so I have quite a ways to go, but I'm still motivated! Thanks and good luck to you too! Also just to tell you, if you want an actual copy of your book, you can make one at lulu.com for pretty cheap, that's what I'm doing. :)
bubberdub 1 year ago
thanks for the info!
MrLepensuer 1 year ago
You forgot to mention "On Writing" by Stephen King and The Elements of Style. Really good tips and suggestions. One of the most helpful youtube videos I've seen so far. Thanks a lot :)
favm360 1 year ago
@favm360 thanks for the info. i am glad you liked the video
chrisc74 1 year ago
@chrisc74 Im writing a sort of dark horror n ovel but im finding it hard to pace out my work have u got any tips :D
darkblade225 1 year ago
@darkblade225 the way i work out my book is to make 20 points. each point is an event. for example. 1 intro to main. 2 main finds something. 3 main girlfriend gets hurt etc. at the moment i am working on a new story. this time i have only written out the first 6 points so i can change them easier. hope this helps.
chrisc74 1 year ago
Very informative video, Chris. You've given some key information. Write what you know. I'm going to subscribe to you, as well as add you as a friend. I think I can learn much more from you.
gannonthepro 1 year ago
just good for writers to corespond. I'm interested in your sci-fi, maybe you'd like my sci fi spoof?
TheJojozlo 1 year ago
can I send you some stuff mate?
TheJojozlo 1 year ago
@TheJojozlo if you like. Not sure what I can do?
chrisc74 1 year ago
Roughly how many pages would 80,000 to 100,000 words translate into?
drunkandangry 1 year ago
@drunkandangry it depends on the size of the page. but probably about 330 pages
chrisc74 1 year ago
Great advice imo
DevilboyScooby 1 year ago
Ask yourself: Would my character respond to being bullied ? Does my character fall for the cheerleaders/jocks ? Which teachers does the character like ? Which ones does it hate ? Favorite class, favorite lunch meal. Are they the class clown ? do the drive, or ride the bus ?
Just pull from real-life, and you should do really well :D
(unless you are like me, and dropped out at 14)
nate556 1 year ago
My personal advice: pull from personal experience. Insert real life experiences into the story, bit and pieces of real life. Scenarios from actually being in school you can remember, even conversations you can remember having, or comments made to teachers from other students. Establish which kids are the nerds, jocks, bullies, sluts, and put your character in a category just like every other student(unless they are the lone-wolf outsider)
nate556 1 year ago
err... can you give me a good male name for some one in Post-Apocaliptica?
dabuzzard1 1 year ago
when you look at films like terminator and games like fallout 3 they just use normal names. like john. might be worth having a look at cast lists for films like that.
chrisc74 1 year ago
Storm. Flint. Clay.
I personally found very strong erath-names, or nature-names are good for post-apocaliptic. Just my person style
nate556 1 year ago
@dabuzzard1 rasha
bricksterben 1 year ago
Hi. Have you ever writtnen a synopsis? To me, this is harder than the book. I wrote a book which included quite a few flashbacks and cliffhangers. Now I have to write a synopsis, which I feel takes away most of the suspense. It is certainly tricky.
MrTRTyson 1 year ago
@MrTRTyson i havent got that far yet but i would think that the writers forums could give you some pointers
chrisc74 1 year ago
@christopher what's the title of the book you're holding in your hands.I didn't quite get that.
cannoir 1 year ago
@cannoir The book is teach yourself writing a novel.
chrisc74 1 year ago
@SadSusi your welcome
chrisc74 1 year ago
@SadSusi try having a look in your local libary at how others write it. dont copy because thats against copyright but see how they would write it and get a feel for it. i read at least 3 books before i started mine.
chrisc74 1 year ago
cool,im thinking about writing a children's book :D thanks for the tips
TheRichardacosta 1 year ago
@TheRichardacosta your welcome
chrisc74 1 year ago
Also, when fleshing out the story, mind mapping is a really great idea. Helps me a lot when coming up with a story. I use a program called 'FreeMind'...
:D
JacobSheppard 1 year ago
As far as names go. When working on my movie scripts, (and now books), I have a program with a lot of generators in it. It's meant for rpg's, but it has a group of name generators.
I often use the "US Name Generator", which gives you a list of random combinations of first and last names that were on the '99 census. Gives some great names, or inspirations for great names.
One of the most handy programs that I've ever had.
JacobSheppard 1 year ago
thanks for the information
chrisc74 1 year ago
ok I have a question. I'm wanting to write an autobiography, and with the 20 points, ive got them down but im not too sure what order to put them in, really i dont know where i want to begin... any tips?
ChilliGypsy 1 year ago
thats a tough one. if i was doing it i would look at the most interesting part and work around that.
chrisc74 1 year ago
that was really helpfull cheers man. I like the 20 points tip and reading books in the genre you would like to write your book about tip as well. a great help, cheers man.
ChilliGypsy 1 year ago
Thanks
chrisc74 1 year ago
great tips thanx
beckajf 2 years ago
the editing is terribly distracting, still, ty for the tips.
greengrendel 2 years ago 2
I think if anyone wants to write a book don't do it on a laptop (even though it would be the most comfortable thing) because laptops shutdown really easily. I would know because everytime I would use my friend's laptop it would die within two maybe at the most three hours and that's bad.
masqueradefaerielady 2 years ago
i have a netbook and i have used that with no problems. when it says that the power is getting low i save what i have done then plug in the mains. each to his own
chrisc74 2 years ago
I've never heard of a netbook. Is that a certain brand of laptops? (sorry I know it's a dumb question but there's still alot about technology I don't know about even though I'm young). lol
masqueradefaerielady 2 years ago
a netbook is a smaller version of a laptop. there screen size is a lot smaller. mine has a 10" screen and they are cheaper.
chrisc74 2 years ago
Laptops are great since they, as the name implies, fit on your lap. You can write on the couch, on a beanie bag, in the train, on the toilet even. Most of the time you can also leave it plugged in, so there's no chance of it "dying" on you.
It's a good idea to buy a bigger battery than the standard one usually sold with the laptop. I bought one for my MSI Wind which lasts about 5 hours, a more than sufficient amount of time.
The biggest enemy with laptops is RSI. Watch it.
MomoTheBellyDancer 2 years ago
Thanks. I'll tell my friend (who has a laptop) what you said because he knows alot about computers and laptop imfo. What's RSI? Is MSI Wind the brand of your laptop? (sorry I'm not good with technical terms)
masqueradefaerielady 2 years ago
I write on a laptop but I save it to a folder on my email, and a memory card and I print all of my drafts out...
florific 2 years ago
try plugging the laptop in, it doesnt need to be flat to be plugged in, you can leave it charging the whole time if you want, that way it wont die on you.
ChilliGypsy 1 year ago
Have you published anything yet? great vid btw...
MrBenkku 2 years ago
no. thanks
chrisc74 2 years ago
Hey man, i really liked the advices. But would you perhaps know how to make a research about a
foreign country (in my case Washington state, USA).
I wouldn't mind if you didn't know, but just asking.
JJDvorshak 2 years ago
it depends what you want to know. i get most of my information of the internet. if its map locations then i use google earth. any thing else i just google it.
chrisc74 2 years ago
Is it worth the effort, what I mean is will I make money from it?.
zuludelta100 2 years ago
well JK rowlings did well becoming the 10th richest women in the uk. it depends what your book is about, how good it is and if people want to buy it. i think most writers do it because they like it not for the money.
chrisc74 2 years ago
Thank you Chris! It's helpful to know that someone else has to wrestle with similar challenges.
You suggested writing for 3 hours a day. Do you aim to write for so many hours a day, or to write a set number of pages a day?
How do you deal with distractions? That's a big problem for me. I am too easily distracted.
I just set up a copy of Sunbird on my computer, a free calendar. It helps me to write down the times to write my novel, write to friends and so on.
A happy autumn to you :)
AppleSouffle 2 years ago
the 3 hours was just a guide line really. i think i try for the hours instead of pages. most of the time it averages out. the best thing to do is try not to over think it. thats what i did with my first book and i burnt myself out really quickly. as far as the distractions are concerned i sit myself in my room shut the door and put on some classical music to plot out the world. then i just let the writing flow. it needs to be fun or its not worth doing. hope this helps and thanks for watching.
chrisc74 2 years ago
Thanks bro. Very informative.
All the best
Ataraxian13 2 years ago
glad you like and thank you.
chrisc74 2 years ago
How long did you spend on planning, plotting and outlining your novel, it would be great if you could answer and thanks for uploading the video.
Jakeyboy9925 2 years ago
i took a couple of days for me to work out the outline of the novel. then about a week to do research. if i had writers block i would use research to help get back on track and it worked the research is an ongoing thing for me which lasts most of the time that i am writing. glad you like the video. hope this helps.
chrisc74 2 years ago
Thanks! This was very helpful and I hope that with these good tips,my book will come out decent
Kanyesgirl315 2 years ago
i am glad it was helpful. good luck with your writing
chrisc74 2 years ago
Interesting video. I'd disagree about needing to put pressure on. I find that if I don't put pressure on myself to finish a story, my writing dwindles and then I get distracted by the next plot idea. I end up with loads of starts of novels and no endings!
Another book that's similar to the Yearbook is The Writers' Handbook. It's the same sort of thing and it's what I used to find a publisher. I basically went through and made a list of every one that took unsolicited sci-fi manuscripts.
ChildOfTheHive 2 years ago
cool vid man, thanks
CaptainChaos1234 2 years ago
thanks
chrisc74 2 years ago
hey chris,
thanks for the vid! happy pens!! :D x
madmum23 2 years ago
thanks
chrisc74 2 years ago
Thx so much for your vid
The greatest gift to creative writing is the word processor. This allows me to rattle off a raw idea almost as if in a trance.
The you can go back and craft each line and each paragraph and even re-arrange the order. Also the choice between the right word and the wrong word can be the difference between boring writing and pure poetry. the word processor allows you to do all this.
ps, i have used a baby book too.
Larkinchance 2 years ago
i am glad you like the video and thank you for your comment
chrisc74 2 years ago
Say, Chris, thanks for the Video, Now my problem is that I do most of my writing in pads, but I know that eventually i had to type it. The problem is, I just got a computer and my typing is really slow, so slow I have been close to quitting, do you recommend attending a typing class or software I could use? I don't pick up things as well as I used to when I was young.. sadly.
clearevil 2 years ago
try not to worry about your typing. the more you do the better you will get. there are some online typing lessons and i think there is some on youtube. i tried it myself once but you really have to stick with it to do it well. personnally i would just stick to typing the way you do. you will soon pick up speed. but if you want some help then have a look on line or go to your local library
chrisc74 2 years ago
Thank you Chris I will try that.
clearevil 2 years ago
I am currently trying to write a book, and I created characters and settings and stuff, but there is a missing piece in it. I just can't seem to find a conflict/obstacle. that's what a book is about, right? a conflict. and I can't make up one. argh.
do you have tips?
schlubbelybub 2 years ago
it depends what kind of book you want to write. if it was a romance then you would have a man liking a women who he cant have. the conflict would be how he would get her. or if it was a horror then you would have the hero and his girl and how they survived. you need to look at what you have and try i decide what gnere it fits in.
chrisc74 2 years ago
it's a fantasy thing, with magic and stuff. but I still don't have an idea what kind of thing the "hero" must survive...
schlubbelybub 2 years ago
well you could have an evil character who is trying to take over the world and the hero has to stop him and save the girl or boy if the hero is female. or the bad guy needs to do something to be released from a human form so that he can release his evil on the world and the hero has to stop his minions from releasing him. you could try finding some books/films which are like what you want to write. this could give some more ideas.
chrisc74 2 years ago
okay, thank you so much!
schlubbelybub 2 years ago
hey chris i dont know if you remember me but me and you talked on email and i gave you info on publishers and read some of my work and i read some of yours. well i sent of a query letter to a publishing company and i got rejected but they said it had alot of potental to re submit. so i guess im writing this to ask how have you been on the writing front?
Pyk0n 2 years ago
hi. i remember. sorry to hear you where rejected but good about the re sub.
my writing has been a bit slow. i had to do a re-write on the book i am working on at the mo because i got a virus and lost my work. but i am still plodding along with it. i am also thinking of doing another video. thanks for the comment. good to hear from you.
chrisc74 2 years ago
great advice
adolfhitlerisdead 2 years ago
My biggest problem is continuing the story. I'll be bangin on just fine for a while and then all of a sudden...BLAM I hit a brick wall, and I can't for the life of me figure out a way to get back on track. Any advice?
sabradan 2 years ago
when i have this problem i just leave it for a while. i will maybe go and do some research on what i am writing. i will also go and watch a film or read a book that is similar to what i am writing. sometimes just going for a walk can help. what you need to do is get the creative thoughts flowing again. the one thing you need to do is not worry about it. that in its self can add to the brick wall so to speak.
chrisc74 2 years ago
last names i get stuck on.... even if there from another country and then your just stuck... i have had this problem for a long time
x45films 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
That book is first book on writing instruction I read, and I too am working on a novel.
errrrm78 2 years ago
That book is first book on writing instruction I read, and I too am working on a novel.
errrrm78 2 years ago
A boys and girls name list, that's a great idea, man! Thanks!
FullMetalOvercoat 2 years ago
no problem
chrisc74 2 years ago
Great video!
dadioflex 2 years ago
Great tips, I will use. I already got the notepad and it has helped me write down my thoughts in the middle of the night to.
itsuponus 2 years ago
i am glad it helped
chrisc74 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Very helpful. That guide book you recommended was a life saver, thank you. Have you had any luck getting your book published since this guide? If you have, you should make another one about, "how to get your book published". Thanks again =)
0xenofterror 2 years ago 2
Comment removed
0xenofterror 2 years ago
Thanks, great video! I have just started writing myself and this was very helpful in giving me a few guidlines, especially the idea of writing 20 points or events you want to get across. I think that will help me form and develop my story nicely. Cheers!
megazord26 2 years ago 4
i am glad this helped and good luck with your writing
chrisc74 2 years ago
Thanks Chris, it was a wonderful guide, especially considering you are, as you said only a year and a half into your writing and already look positive about the whole situation.
Great info, great video. Thank you.
PvtFreddy 2 years ago
thank you for your comment. i am glad you liked it.
chrisc74 2 years ago
great inforn=mative video. I'll be surre to use those stratergies
MissBookaholic 2 years ago
Hi Chris thanks for your easy to understand guide to novel writing it is not easy to know how to start the ball rolloig etc but every bit of information helps and it was a good place to start all the best for the future and good luck I hope to write a novel one day - see ya
fuckpong 2 years ago
thanks. it is really good to know that this video is helping a lot of people. thanks for the comment and good luck with the writing
chrisc74 2 years ago
This was a very inspirational and informative video. I recently travelled to New york and it inspired me to write the novel that I am currently working on that is set in manhattan. I find it good to really get a feel of the place that your writing about. Also I have a few set questions that I always 'ask' each of my charractors so you can really get to know them. Once again can I say thank you very much for posting this video.
BennyMorse 2 years ago
thank you for your nice comment. i am glad you liked the video
chrisc74 2 years ago
Here's a great site to help with your writing. I don't like spamming it's just this site is really helpful
Here's my portfolio, see what you think, it's free to join.
WritingDOTCom/authors/childintime
HighwayStar199 3 years ago
thanks i will take a look
chrisc74 2 years ago
very honest, You rock! Thank you for posting this and I wish you success in your future writing career.
imaginopictures 3 years ago
thanks you very much
chrisc74 3 years ago
How do you deal with writer's block? i seems to get it a lot, inspite of the fact that i have so many ideas and researches on my hands.
hassopes 3 years ago
when i get writers block i just leave my work and go and play on my ps3 or watch a movie. i basicaly have a break from writing. sometimes i have a 30 minute break other times i might have a break for a few months. this always helps me. i hope it helps you.
chrisc74 3 years ago
That was really helpful. I have a few ideas for a novel (my first) but weren't really sure how to go about putting them into 80000-100000 words. At one point I wrote about 5000 words of a book without any planning and gave up , so thanks alot because you've shown me plenty of great tips on how to get from start to finish =]
0801436 3 years ago
i am glad this helped. good luck with your writing
chrisc74 3 years ago
Today at work, a whole new idea for a plot came to me. And I believe it's a lot better than what I first had in mind. This one however, I feel is best to write in first person. I know uve said u dont have much more to add at the moment. But I heard in either this or the other video (can't remember which) that u also are writing in first person. I know u recommended to read other books like these (and I will)! But I was wondering how its goin for u, n maybe a few tips:P only if u have time ofc
jokkepus 3 years ago
i have been thinking about doing another video. the only problem is my computer crashed and i didnt get a chance to back up my books. so i lost my most recent work. so i am having to do a re-write. but i will look into doing another video. its just time is a problem at the moment.
chrisc74 3 years ago
great guide.. GREAT GUIDE!:D I agree with MatttyQ. Ive got ideas for a book involving prison life and a trial in court. Which I have very little knowledge about how works.. so I guess I got to start researching, and I better pick up some notebooks aswell! U've given me a whole lot inspiration, n I just hope it lasts till I wake up tommorow. If not, I guess i'll watch this video again! I saw trough ur videos, n was sad to see so few about ur writing. please make more:) thanks for ur help!
jokkepus 3 years ago
thanks for the comment. i am glad this has inspired you. i do the videos as i learn and i dont really have anything else to add just yet. good luck and thanks for subing
chrisc74 3 years ago
very helpful, thank you!
I've just written three pages about how the government works for the small country my book will be based around. Now that I have that and how the currency works, all sorts of ideas come to mind at all times of the days.
dvdeckr 3 years ago
Thanks Chris, I kind of have been doing what you recommend already without organizing it. It is helpful to see you list the tips/steps. Good luck with your books!
Novoa85 3 years ago
This is wonderful and very informative! Thank you very much for uploading this!
Ramphas 3 years ago
Out of all the videos I've seen on youtube "Professionally done" and "Home Videos" this is certainly the most helpful, I thank you sooo much for posting this Informative guide on writing novels, god bless ya. :)
MatttyQ 3 years ago
thank you. that means a lot
chrisc74 3 years ago
Hi Chris, I think you've done a great job in explaining the process of writing a novel. One of the areas I get stuck is in the idea or topic for a novel. I like sci-fi myself and am trying to think of something neat. The problem is that just about every storyline I can think of (right now anyway) seems to have already been done by someone... Anyways, do you use an outline for your book? How is the novel doing? Is it finished/published. Best of luck to you.
prashantsolomon 3 years ago
ideas i tough. sci-fi i have found can be the easiest to do. if they are based on another planet like starwars then you can make up anything. i take my ideas form my dreams manily and films i may have watched.
look around you.take a normal everyday thing and make it into a story.
i do have an outline. i take my story and break it up into 20 points. then i write about each point. this has helped me a lot. i have had a set back as my computer crashed and i lost all my work.
chrisc74 3 years ago
so i am having a break before i start again.
i have finished one book and i have two others that i am working on but nothing published yet.
thanks for the comment. i will keep you all posted on when i get published.
chrisc74 3 years ago
Update on any new happenings with your novel?
Seems like lots of aspiring writers have flocked here. I'll join the crowd lol.
duckmeat12 3 years ago
Hi. I'm Fiel from Malaysia. I think your guide is great. I intent to publish my novel within a year. Thanks for the guide, and good luck to both of us!
FielLuna 3 years ago
hi Fiel
i am glad this helped. i hope your novel does well.
regards
chrisc74 3 years ago
Very good guide, especially coming from a new writer
Have you visited the writing forums? If not, we'd be happy to have you. The address is in my profile, if you are interested.
writingforumsguy 3 years ago
thanks. i will go and have a look
chrisc74 3 years ago
is their a online way to learn how to make a book and what is a cheap novel writing book in the us
gadgethead16 3 years ago
i had a look but i couldnt find any thing online about how to write a book. i think there might be courses that you could take at college but not alot online.
i found the "teach yourself how to write a novel" by nigel watts for about $10 on amazon. this is the book that i talk about in the video. i think you will just have to have a look in your local shop or libary. hope this helped.
chrisc74 3 years ago
yes it will and i use my laptop for every thing
you should try it i do have a baby name book for names next i need help printing it
gadgethead16 3 years ago
if you get the book i suggested then it tells you in their about spacing and print size.
chrisc74 3 years ago
i am also writing my first book if you want to read the first chapter chris that would really help me. i just need to know if it's up to par and also im kind of afraid about the whole copy writing thing. should i do any thing for that? or do i not have to?
Pyk0n 3 years ago
great video by the way it really helped me out! its really great to know that im not the only one out there that is a little daunted by writing a book. thanks so much
Pyk0n 3 years ago
Chris, you say your a new writer, but not many people would take time to help others with what they know thus far. You could teach others your humanitarianism because it shines through! Peace & Blessings to you, and thanks! Good luck with this & your future books!
looktowardsthefuture 3 years ago 3
thank you for your kind comment
chrisc74 3 years ago
nice one buddy, i've had an idea for a story for a long time now and after watching your guide i think i'll get these wheels in motion. keep up the good work.
connorlangley44 3 years ago
i am glad i could inspire. good luck with your writing
chrisc74 3 years ago
Thank you Chris!
I was wondering how much time you write each day and then you mentioned - Three hours a day! Is that on days when you don't work or have classes?
Your dedication and determination shine through.
AppleSouffle 3 years ago
i am not working at the moment so i am lucky to be able to work on my book when ever i want. if i did work then i would probably write in the evening and then do the editing on the weekend. hope this helps
chrisc74 3 years ago
"Next get lots of pads."
- Freaked out for a moment there, until you brought out the notebook. Awesome video, it was really helpful. Thankyou for that.
brookaaii 3 years ago
yes. it seams that people think i say pants. which i dont. lol. i am glad you liked the video
chrisc74 3 years ago
haha, you have an english accent. its ok. just funny. love you uk people
VOLVERHURTS 3 years ago