Ok, most of the problems are gone. I’m almost ready to begin writing my novel . . . - Page 2 - Writers Forum

Mishki · 03-06-2008, 04:00 AM

Ox, I find that the idea that seems clearest and most evident is best. I've tried to write on nebulous ideas before, and it always ended up sucking. When you think on an idea and it seems cool but it only brings up vague images, put it on a back burner somewhere. The ideas that will work for you best are the ones that immediately spring up a character, a subplot, a setting, etc. that you like.

If you still don't know, try taking each idea and making a few notes on components of a novel that it could produce. If it takes a long time or you don't like the components you come up with, throw it out--you'll probably give up on it anyway. If you come up with them quickly and you like them, then it's an idea you can conceivably put tens of thousands of words to.

I think we all come up with tons of neat ideas that would make better writing experiences for other people. The secret is figuring out which ones are best for you, for your experiences and what you see as the underlying truths and meanings in life, what themes that you devote hours to thinking about without even realizing it. It won't resonate for you OR anyone else unless you believe in it. Write the truth.

Olly Buckle · 03-06-2008, 04:37 AM

I think starting threads like this is Ox's equivalent of N.S. making tea or going to the bog (sorry loo wasn't it). Stop whinging like a Pom, sit down at the keyboard and get on with it big fella, it's the only way.

Mike C · 03-06-2008, 04:48 AM

You think he doth procrastinate too much?

It's the only way, Ox. Bum on seat, fingers on keyboard, sweat on brow. It doesn't matter if the first idea (or second, or third) doesn't work; words are not a finite resource, you can use them over and over until the right combination comes together.

The Backward OX · 03-06-2008, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olly Buckle

Ditto, except for the bit about people seeing my books, there aren't any, yet. And add going on wf and answering a couple of posts to the avoidance tactics.
Another reason for writing the thing that appeals most is I am more likely to end up with a satisfactory result, things I just rattle off I am most pleased with, if I need to spend lots of time checking the thesaurus for alternative words, moving bits about to get the structure right and so on the end result is never satisfying, "Toothpaste" was a ten minute job, "Moonlight holder took a couple of hours. needed a major re-write and still seems iffy.

Exactly. How does the writer of a novel sustain that level of commitment, and interest, and desire, and all those other components of human nature that are necessary to get the job done?

Non Serviam · 03-06-2008, 05:50 PM

Most of the time they don't.

I'd guess about 3%-5% of the people who start a novel, finish one.

Sam Winchester · 03-06-2008, 05:54 PM

Is that all, NS? Jesus. I thought it would have been more than that. I feel privileged to be in that category now. And Ox, I agree with Olly. Just sit your ass down and start writing. Doesn't matter if it's cack (Irish slang, I think, for underwear) just write it. The first draft will never be perfect, so don't stress out trying to make it. Write it, and come back to it once you've finished. I think it's the only way.

Sam.

Non Serviam · 03-06-2008, 06:31 PM

Well, I guess it depends what you mean by "start". Of the people who post "Start of my untitled novel" or "Please critique the prologue to my fantasy" in the critique and advice forum, 3%-5% is probably a generous overestimate.

Of those who make it twenty thousand words into their novel, I imagine more than half finish.

Sam Winchester · 03-06-2008, 07:03 PM

Well, I guess I'm not talking about that then! I haven't posted any of my finished novels. I finished them before signing up with Writing Forums. Although, I've found less time to write now with the Internet. How ironic is that?

Sam.

Mike C · 03-07-2008, 12:25 AM

It's easy to lose one's momentum, I think.

I got 80k words into a novel before I decided it was too clichéd. From a wordsmithery point of view, it had some of the best stuff I'd ever written in, but the overall package... I dumped it.

The Backward OX · 03-07-2008, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike C
words are not a finite resource, you can use them over and over until the right combination comes together.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike C

I got 80k words into a novel before I decided it was too clichéd. From a wordsmithery point of view, it had some of the best stuff I'd ever written in, but the overall package... I dumped it.

HUH??

The Backward OX · 03-07-2008, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Non Serviam

I'd guess about 3%-5% of the people who start a novel, finish one.

Is that an educated guess or a wild hypothesizing? In other words is it just a feeling or do you have some inside information?

I'm not saying you're wrong, mind. I remember my Headmaster's favourite quote was "the usual 5%", which he applied to just about everything.

It's all somewhat demotivating as far as starting a magnum opus is concerned. Why bother?

Non Serviam · 03-07-2008, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Backward OX

Is that an educated guess or a wild hypothesizing?

Yes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Backward OX

In other words is it just a feeling or do you have some inside information?

Yes.

Those are lies, damned lies, or statistics.

Mike C · 03-07-2008, 04:49 AM

NS did say it was a guess. I wouldn't be surpised it it was accurate, or at least ballpark.

It's been estimated (by someone with more brain than me) that there are at any time about 6 million novels in progress. It's a huge undertaking; I would suspect that a large majority fall by the wayside. If 5% (the usual) finish, that's around 300,000 novels.

SevenWritez · 03-07-2008, 04:56 AM

So Non, what are the titles of your books? I'd like to read them.

EDIT: Whoa. Mike, I followed the link in your signatur.e I know it doesn't mean much, coming from me, but damn, you've got some nice shit there. Good writing.

Truth-Teller · 03-07-2008, 05:26 AM

Please stop kissing other writer's ass.

Please start telling the truth.

That didn't even deserved to be published.