The First Novel - Writers Forum

Patriot · 05-11-2008, 12:41 AM

I’m beginning a fictional novel called The Orion Brigade that is set in the Star Wars universe. I have a detailed plot set up in my head, and I’ve been thinking about the project for about a year. I’m very serious about sitting down and writing my first novel. I know that it may be impossible to publish it, but I hope to finish it for my personal satisfaction.

I’m interested in knowing a little about character development and plotline. I want to cover a scene that takes place about twenty years before the actual novel begins, but should I do this in the first chapter or a prelude?

As for character development, I’ve actually searched for templates from expert novelists, but I cannot find any. I want to really be serious about this, and that means seeking some advice. If anyone has any general advice for young writers, please share it with me. I have really enjoyed some of the general information and resources found on this site.

Ilasir Maroa · 05-11-2008, 12:53 AM

Many professionals will tell you that characte templates are necessary, and many others will say that templates are bullshit. I tend to agree with the latter. No one can teach you characterization; to seem real it must come from you. So in essence, the quality of your characters will depend heavily on your experience and insight. General guidelines are only a google-click away, if you want to try some.

As you have already acknowledged that publication is impossible, I'll skip over that. It's really up to you how you handle your scene. Depending on how long it is, a prelude could work. If it's fairly long, it might be better to include it in a chapter. On the other hand, if this is the largest timeskip in your book, a prelude may be the right choice.

karax268 · 05-11-2008, 01:14 AM

A prologue, or prelude, is possible of course. Many people don't like them though but since you don't go for publication that shouldn't scare you

Another possibility is to give the information in bits. One piece in this chapter, two in the next etc. This way the reader gradually gets to know what's going on. This also depends on what kind of scene it is, of course. If it has information the reader has to know, then go with the prologue

Patriot · 05-11-2008, 01:04 PM

Does anyone know of any good character templates to use? Have any that you favor or have used in the past? I know this sounds crazy, but all the character creation templates from the search engines are geared towards role-playing games. I can't find anything geared towards the writer.

I'm also looking for some type of characte portrait generator that will allow me create my characters, at least from the shoulders up. Does anyone know of anything I could use? I think it would help me to get some kind of visual...

PageOfCups · 05-11-2008, 04:01 PM

That's kind of a weird question to ask. I've never met or spoken to another writer that couldn't see their characters in their head. Have you tried drawing them?

As for the templates I've used one before but I tend to get bored of planning so it got used twice and I only really look at it when I can't remember which side a scar is suposed to be on or something like that. But I'll list the headings I used incase it's helpful for you. I'm not much of a planner and tried it more as an experiment though so I'm not sure if it'll be that useful.

Age:
Gender:
Species:
Appearance:
Personality:
History: (You should probably be pretty brief and just list the major events or the ones that influence them in the story for this one so that you don't get bogged down with it.)
Relationships:
Other:

Patriot · 05-11-2008, 07:18 PM

As for the generator, I know that it is indeed a weird question to ask, but I just wanted something visual. I can imagine the characters quite well, but I just thought it would be helpful. Thank you for the template.

LolliAdverbs · 05-11-2008, 08:32 PM

There are such things as character generators.... I forgot what the most popular one is, but you get to play around with outfits and hairstyle. Sometimes just getting that out the way can really solidfy a character.

Katastrof · 05-11-2008, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LolliAdverbs

There are such things as character generators.... I forgot what the most popular one is

Your Imagination

PageOfCups · 05-11-2008, 10:11 PM

Are you talking about the kind of thing that World of Warcraft has where you make your character for the game?

Patriot · 05-12-2008, 07:25 AM

Perhaps something along those lines. This may sound a bit outlandish to some of you, but I thought it may help me out. I thank all of you for the help so far. LolliAdverbs, do you have any idea where I could find one of these generators?

Omnisu · 05-12-2008, 08:14 AM

The most important thing about characters is rarely what they look like, but that's what character templates focus on. When you really know your characters, you don't need to consult a template to know how they'll act. Physical description only needs to be given when it's important to the story, and that's where a template can actually be useful, if only to keep a character from shrinking a foot in between scenes. I usually just have a page in my notebook where I jot down notes as I make decisions.

Maybe the fact that you can't find any templates from 'expert' novelists tells you something about the use of templates.

As for general first-novel advice : Plan to throw it away. I've heard it takes about a million words before you write anything good.

SaintPeteSam · 05-12-2008, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Omnisu

The most important thing about characters is rarely what they look like

Indeed. I don't think that Ross MacDonald ever described Lew Archer, and the only thing I can tell you about Mike Hammer's appearance is that he's big and ugly... Spillane never got more detailed than that, to my recollection. Yet both characters are vivid and fully developed.

Patriot · 05-14-2008, 10:31 PM

Anybody have any general advice about alternate perspective within a novel? For instance, in a complex storyline with many different perspectives and angles, how can I handle this without creating a big mess?

lin · 05-14-2008, 11:21 PM

Let me ask you something. You're talking about writing a novel. The fictional kind. You know the title.

But you are setting it in somebody else's universe, want some stranger to tell you what's important about your characters, and don't see to have the simplest idea on plotting.

So I have to wonder...why are you doing this? Because you have a word processor? Is it possible you could scratch this itch in some other way where you seem to have a little more direction and concept?

Just a thought.

Patriot · 05-15-2008, 05:19 PM

It's really a sad thing that you have to be so arrogant. This IS my first novel, and I simply am asking general questions, looking to get some nuggets from some of the more experienced writers of this forum. I AM trying to do the best I can, and if you do not want to answer my questions sir, you do not have to.

In your mad rush to insult me, you misunderstood my post about alternate perspective and took it as a post about handling a complex storyline in general. That is what a novel is. A novel is a complex storyline. Alternate perspective is something I need to learn a bit more about. That is why I made the post.

I do not plan to publish this book. I simply want to write a novel. I know the ins and outs of writing, but there are some (yourself included) who could offer some really helpful general advice. Please do not be so condescending.