writing a book - how to turn a concept into a good story?
Discussion
"Theres a good book inside everyone" I believe the saying goes and though Ive not really believed it I still have harboured the notion that one day I could put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and produce a work that, while probably not going to set the world on fire, is still 'my book'.
Its been years while Ive thought of ideas and dismissed them as too worn, too plagiarised, too boring etc etc and so things have remained unwritten. Last week though I finally came up with a concept that actually is fresh and interesting and what I would think is a fair crack at a horror/sci-fi yarn set in contemporary times.
The massive problem Ive got is how the hell do I go about turning such a concept into a coherent story? Ive never reached this stage before!
Is there some sort of practical 'recipe' that can be followed to take my idea and turn it into something more? Am I reaching too far too soon? would I be better shelving this and concentrating on a few short stories to get my understanding of how things work squared away before attempting it? Would I be better turning THIS idea into a short story and trying for amateur accolade first? Im at a bit of a loss, though would really like to give this a go to see if I do have it in me.
Ive searched online but would be grateful for any personal recommendations?
Its been years while Ive thought of ideas and dismissed them as too worn, too plagiarised, too boring etc etc and so things have remained unwritten. Last week though I finally came up with a concept that actually is fresh and interesting and what I would think is a fair crack at a horror/sci-fi yarn set in contemporary times.
The massive problem Ive got is how the hell do I go about turning such a concept into a coherent story? Ive never reached this stage before!
Is there some sort of practical 'recipe' that can be followed to take my idea and turn it into something more? Am I reaching too far too soon? would I be better shelving this and concentrating on a few short stories to get my understanding of how things work squared away before attempting it? Would I be better turning THIS idea into a short story and trying for amateur accolade first? Im at a bit of a loss, though would really like to give this a go to see if I do have it in me.
Ive searched online but would be grateful for any personal recommendations?
totally agree, never ever tell anyone the details of your ideaI'm writing a book at the moment. I'm about halfway in at the minute, and several re-writes later, it's looking pretty good.
Mine was borne from both having a good storyline, of which I know a lot about from work with which to add detail, and from reading similar books and being very disaapointed in what I was actually reading.
A year after starting, it's still not done, but thats the nature of the beast.
Good luck.
Mine was borne from both having a good storyline, of which I know a lot about from work with which to add detail, and from reading similar books and being very disaapointed in what I was actually reading.
A year after starting, it's still not done, but thats the nature of the beast.
Good luck.
Edited by Chainguy on Sunday 22 March 19:45
Stewie from Family Guy said:
You know...the novel you've been workin' on? You know the the one, uh, you've been workin on for three years? You know the novel. Got somethin' new to write about now. You know? Maybe a, maybe a main character gets into a relationship and suffers a little heartbreak? Somethin' like what... what you've just been through? Draw from real life experience? Little, little heartbreak? You know? Work it into the story? Make the characters a little more three dimensional? Little, uh, richer experience for the reader? Make those second hundred pages really keep the reader guessing what's going to happen? Some twists and turns? A little epilogue? Everybody learns that the hero's journey isn't always a happy one?
Bree said:
I find that writing a story is much easier if you have several solid scenes in mind before you start, this way you know where each part of the story is heading.
Ive got the concept and the first few scenes in my head. After that I am currently playing with ideas but its tricky not to 'borrow' from other writers when thinking of direction. I note the OU do a creative writing course and think that perhaps buying up last years books from a student might be a fair way to familiarise myself with what I need to know...paolow said:
Bree said:
I find that writing a story is much easier if you have several solid scenes in mind before you start, this way you know where each part of the story is heading.
Ive got the concept and the first few scenes in my head. After that I am currently playing with ideas but its tricky not to 'borrow' from other writers when thinking of direction. I note the OU do a creative writing course and think that perhaps buying up last years books from a student might be a fair way to familiarise myself with what I need to know...It needs a Start, a Middle and an End
ONE, of many types of story.
START - set the scene - time, location, prime character.
Give more information to let the reader think they know what direction the book is going to go..
Introduce more characters to validate or change that direction.
Do this several times to introduce the Main characters for something to happen in the Middle part.
MIDDLE - The BEST Bit - Do the thing that the book is about, but do it slowly.
Linking the characters previously described together.
Make the reader want to read on - by giving snippets of information and assumed links between the main story line and characters. Readers like to think they know the outcome and want assurance of that, so will carry on reading.
Have several Endings in mind.. Use the middle to set-up the end, the Act or deed in the storyline.
The END - When you have picked your intended ending out of your choices, drive the book in that direction, but keep the other possible endings in there, to keep the reader amused. Eliminating one at a time. Depending if you want a crescendo or a fizzle out ending.. have a build up to it.
Think of books you have read which fit into this type of structure.. They will help.
Films will also help. Even films / books with only a few characters mostly follow this..
KEEP MOMENTUM
Dead Calm is a typical and great film which follows this structure.
My2pworth.
ONE, of many types of story.
START - set the scene - time, location, prime character.
Give more information to let the reader think they know what direction the book is going to go..
Introduce more characters to validate or change that direction.
Do this several times to introduce the Main characters for something to happen in the Middle part.
MIDDLE - The BEST Bit - Do the thing that the book is about, but do it slowly.
Linking the characters previously described together.
Make the reader want to read on - by giving snippets of information and assumed links between the main story line and characters. Readers like to think they know the outcome and want assurance of that, so will carry on reading.
Have several Endings in mind.. Use the middle to set-up the end, the Act or deed in the storyline.
The END - When you have picked your intended ending out of your choices, drive the book in that direction, but keep the other possible endings in there, to keep the reader amused. Eliminating one at a time. Depending if you want a crescendo or a fizzle out ending.. have a build up to it.
Think of books you have read which fit into this type of structure.. They will help.
Films will also help. Even films / books with only a few characters mostly follow this..
KEEP MOMENTUM
Dead Calm is a typical and great film which follows this structure.
My2pworth.
On Radio 4`s book review programme late last week, there was a book being discussed that was full of hints & tips for the budding writer...what to avoid ...etc...can`t remember it`s title or the author but I`m sure it can still be available to listen online.
Edited by FM on Sunday 22 March 20:27
Start with writing short stories first.
I have a publishing deal agreed for a new anthology of new Sherlock Holmes stories, as a number of people on here know. I have completed two thirds and life keeps getting in the way of finishing the rest, but it is one of my key targets for this year.
Once I eventually get this put to bed I may move on to a novel.
I have written scripts in the past, but those were generally much easier than a book. The key is to continually revisit, edit and refine them.
I have a publishing deal agreed for a new anthology of new Sherlock Holmes stories, as a number of people on here know. I have completed two thirds and life keeps getting in the way of finishing the rest, but it is one of my key targets for this year.
Once I eventually get this put to bed I may move on to a novel.
I have written scripts in the past, but those were generally much easier than a book. The key is to continually revisit, edit and refine them.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
This might seem the way forward. TBH, courses or no courses, the whole thing is akin to me thinking that now I have a good rucksack, I can climb Everest. I am increasingly realistic and think that a good couple of shorts can give me the confidence and experience I need to make a go of the real deal. I do have a few ideas that, while not going to be full blown stories, do have legs as interesting concepts - maybe this is the way to go?
Simpo Two said:
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Can anyone write Sherlock Holmes stories, or is it controlled by, eg, Arthur Conan Doyle's estate/descendants?(IMHO of course.)
I got mine read by members of the Sherlock Holmes Society who are incredibly difficult to please (as you would imagine) and got the thumbs up.
paolow said:
anonymous said:
[redacted]
This might seem the way forward. TBH, courses or no courses, the whole thing is akin to me thinking that now I have a good rucksack, I can climb Everest. I am increasingly realistic and think that a good couple of shorts can give me the confidence and experience I need to make a go of the real deal. I do have a few ideas that, while not going to be full blown stories, do have legs as interesting concepts - maybe this is the way to go?Writing is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration. You can learn the theory and the techniques, but you must have an ability to plot and tell a compelling story, coupled with an excellent command of language. Although these days you don't need to be fabulous at spelling as the software will correct your mistakes, you do need to fully understand sentence construction, syntax and grammar.
A someone who's first book has just been published (this isnt a baltent plug, but search for "Aston Martin, William Presland" here:
crowood press
amazon.co.uk
amazon.de
amazon.jp
waterstones
borders
wh smiths
tescos
asda
books.com
borders
motorbooks
pitstop.net.au
play.com
booksunlimited
Ilovetoread
...and a few others, you can buy my book. Anyhow, here's how I did it.
I had the idea, and contacted a few publishers. They all asked for the same thing: a concept, list of chapters, and a sample chapter. The latter proves to them that I can write, and get a "taste" of my writing style- too dry, too daft, too urban innit etc etc. I did all of this, and sent it over to them. Crowood press were the first to say "yes", so I went with them. I had a contract, agreeing to finish the book within 12 months, photos and all. They edited it, I proof-read it, they then did the same, I agreed a few other things, and now its in the shops. Its a lot of hard work- 60-70,000 words is a lot to do especially when you need to interview various people, take photos etc etc. Its a tight deadline with my day job on top as well- most of my leave was taken up visiting important people to interview them. But Crowood were great, and very helpful of a novice writing a book. If you can, go with them.
Anyhow, if I can give two bits of advice it would be this:
1) Go for it! Getting a publisher first is the easiest solution, but you dont want to think about "what if" when you can casually mention "I have". Although sometimes my head is so big I cant walk through doorways!
2) Ignore what people ask. A lot of people would like to write a book, and a lot of people, when you tell them you're writing a book on a particulr topic will suggest what THEY want to see in a book. This probably isnt your brief, so you must ignore them. I have had enthusiasts very dissappointed when they hear that my book ISNT a detailed chassis history of every V8 Aston Martin produced, with detailed chassis differences, paint codes, subtle trim changes etc etc. There may be a market for this type of book, but that wasnt the brief so the book isnt that. There is a lot of "I would'nt have done it like that", but trust the publisher: they know what makes a good book, and are the only people worth listening too.
Any other (more specific questions) the PM me.
crowood press
amazon.co.uk
amazon.de
amazon.jp
waterstones
borders
wh smiths
tescos
asda
books.com
borders
motorbooks
pitstop.net.au
play.com
booksunlimited
Ilovetoread
...and a few others, you can buy my book. Anyhow, here's how I did it.
I had the idea, and contacted a few publishers. They all asked for the same thing: a concept, list of chapters, and a sample chapter. The latter proves to them that I can write, and get a "taste" of my writing style- too dry, too daft, too urban innit etc etc. I did all of this, and sent it over to them. Crowood press were the first to say "yes", so I went with them. I had a contract, agreeing to finish the book within 12 months, photos and all. They edited it, I proof-read it, they then did the same, I agreed a few other things, and now its in the shops. Its a lot of hard work- 60-70,000 words is a lot to do especially when you need to interview various people, take photos etc etc. Its a tight deadline with my day job on top as well- most of my leave was taken up visiting important people to interview them. But Crowood were great, and very helpful of a novice writing a book. If you can, go with them.
Anyhow, if I can give two bits of advice it would be this:
1) Go for it! Getting a publisher first is the easiest solution, but you dont want to think about "what if" when you can casually mention "I have". Although sometimes my head is so big I cant walk through doorways!
2) Ignore what people ask. A lot of people would like to write a book, and a lot of people, when you tell them you're writing a book on a particulr topic will suggest what THEY want to see in a book. This probably isnt your brief, so you must ignore them. I have had enthusiasts very dissappointed when they hear that my book ISNT a detailed chassis history of every V8 Aston Martin produced, with detailed chassis differences, paint codes, subtle trim changes etc etc. There may be a market for this type of book, but that wasnt the brief so the book isnt that. There is a lot of "I would'nt have done it like that", but trust the publisher: they know what makes a good book, and are the only people worth listening too.
Any other (more specific questions) the PM me.
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