Wednesday, May 8, 2013

HOW TO WRITE A NOVEL IN TWELVE STEPS: With Whom To Write (#four)




STEP FOUR: WITH WHOM TO WRITE
In a perfect world we all might have writing partners.
In this one, I like to write by myself.
For now.

  • I once wrote a screenplay with a friend. That was a lot of fun. I wrote a play script alone, that was also fun. Theatre, television and film is (even initially) a collaborative art so it’s probably more fun writing screenplays and theatre scripts with like-minded people.
  • Novel writing is so personal you can’t go wrong by working independently. I don’t have to mention it’s a good idea to make and keep some friends before, during and after the process. 
  • Of course, if you have a great partner, writing pal etc. go to it! A few good novels and


  • many great television series have been written with more than one person at the helm.


  • But be choosy as to the company you keep.
  • What’s that old saying about too many cooks? (*they might - and often do - spoil the broth…)

Also, a word of warning, if you want to be the star, if you want your voice out there in the world – sometimes you have to write your own script.
By now, you should have a piece of paper with ideas and or sketches scribbled upon it.

  • Look it over.
  • Do the words and or images on the page inspire you?
  • If they do, then you are ready to begin a plan for the first draft of your first novel.
Congratulations!
If they don’t, get inspired and try again until you are satisfied.

  • And keep trying until you are satisfied those words or those pictures mean something to you.
  • When you have decided on a genre and an idea worth sticking with you can start to plan with more detail.