Expert: Susan Rand - 11/27/2006

Question
First of all, it is an honor asking you for advice.
Well I am trying to write a novel, this will be my first novel at the age of 15. I have clearly planned out the main plot, few main characters. I am having trouble to start writing, but mainly how to get to the plot. I am writing a fantasy book. Thanks in advance.

Answer
Hello Raj:


Many people want to write and have some ideas they like, but they don’t know how to get started. The problem is one of organization.

Getting started involves bringing this material under control and putting it into tangible form in a way that suits your purposes. By “suits your purposes” I mean it guides and supports your writing and ensures you don’t put a foot wrong.

First, you must decide what you will do with this book once it is finished. If you just want to write it and have fun with it but not necessarily to publish it, that's fine. But if you want to publish, and particularly if you want your novel to have depth and scope, you need a subject. Subjects (sometimes called "themes") are the big issues of life: love, hate, war, jealousy, education, liberty, etc.  It would be a good idea to decide on a subject before you proceed.

Once you have your subject, you need to decide on a premise. The premise is the one big thing you want to impress upon your readers about the subject - something your life has taught you.  It should be expressed in one sentence: "The most important thing in life is love," or “Jealousy poisons the body,” etc.  Whether it’s the absolute truth or not doesn’t matter, rather it will reflect your conviction(s) on the subject. The premise should be demonstrated in your plot – it may be the one big thing the main character learns from the events of the story. This is the most important part of your book, so choose carefully.

Once you have your premise, get some 3x5 cards and on each, write a few sentences around a story event that supports it, and how. Keep going until you feel you have enough events to fill a book. Sort out the most important ones and list them in the order they will happen in the book. This is your outline. The rest of the cards can be fitted in any way that appeals to you.

When you are finished organizing your material, you are ready to write your first draft.

I hope this helps. If it does, a nice rating would be greatly appreciated. I am proud of my high score over 850 questions.

And good luck with your writing!