Making an original novel

Discussion in 'General Chat' started by jkmessah, Sep 7, 2016.

  1. jkmessah

    jkmessah WoC, GoR and TGS enthusiast!

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    Heyya, I was wondering if all you wonderful NUF people could help me out a bit in some explanation.

    I was thinking about making my own original composition. But from what I know, the first draft is usually shit, to say the least. I am ok with grammar, but I'm horrible with editing/checking my own essays for mistakes.
    I mean, my friends check a lot of my essays for applying to uni back then.
    When I get round to writing, I don't want to put out something that's really bad and vague. Do you guys usually have editors when you make original compositions? Should I look for someone to check and make sure you know, it makes sense and has a good flow? Maybe some tips for writing?

    None of my friends (IRL) know about this so... yeh. Thanks all~
     
  2. Readingaddict36

    Readingaddict36 [Mostly dead]

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    Well the easiest way would be writing your short story or first few chapters and posting them in an original creation thread, you'll get feedback and tipps on improving there.
     
  3. Aternus

    Aternus Well-Known Member

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    You sound lazy as hell, grab a grammar book for adults and afterwords read whatever you wrote out loud.
     
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  4. SenjiQ

    SenjiQ [Wise, for a Bird]

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    If what you're writing's interesting, an editor might approach you
     
  5. Neroborj

    Neroborj Well-Known Member

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    Enjoy making it, it'll be bad if you lack motivation.

    Plan it all out, it's good to have a clear end goal

    Rewrite and stock pile, don't be content with writing it once, and having a stockpile is nice...

    Learn to differentiate trolls from readers...
     
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  6. Stormingtiger101

    Stormingtiger101 Procrastinator ○

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    First drafts are always shit. That's why authors re-write afterwards. If you cannot catch your mistakes in your head: read aloud.

    I would recommend you read: The Elements of Style. I've also heard Stephen King's On Writing: A Memoir of The Craft is a good read for authors, though, since I've yet to read it I cannot say for certain.
     
  7. elairz

    elairz Well-Known Member

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    Just write it first. You can proofread it later. You dont have to publish it online the moment you finished writing a chapter. If you think you made a lot of mistakes in a chapter better find another person to read it first.

    If not that many, just post it and let the reader point it out to you lol
     
  8. chopin124

    chopin124 Well-Known Member

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    I'm currently writing a novel, (with many restarts) and I have to say, it's pretty difficult to get a decent read out. I would say you should make dozens of trial chapters first, to find a writing style that you like.

    I'm currently having trouble on deciding whether to write in 1st person or 3rd person.

    As for editing and proofreading, it's always good to get a friend who hasn't read your work yet to proofread it as we often gloss over our own mistakes when rereading our compositions.

    Internet critic/author Yahtzee once said (not exact quote), we're not supposed to love our writing once we've finished it, in fact we're supposed to hate it because we've read it over a thousand times already.

    I think it would be good to try three or four stories copying the style of authors of your favourite authors before embarking on a personal novel with a storyline that you're really passionate writing about. :) at least that's what I would do. (Fellow proofreader hater... I usually try to proofread and end up deleting everything...)
     
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  9. jkmessah

    jkmessah WoC, GoR and TGS enthusiast!

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    Sorry if it came off that way, I have never written stories before and I'm not asking for someone to grammar check my work. I can do that, but sometimes I don't convey what I want when I'm writing so my friends help point it out. Thanks for the advice anyways!

    I will do that! Thank you very much!

    I'll check it out! Thank you!
     
  10. jkmessah

    jkmessah WoC, GoR and TGS enthusiast!

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    I'll take your advice to heart! Thank you and I wish you the best on your novel!!
     
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  11. Clozdark

    Clozdark "Kuma chan \(≧◡≦)/ "「airhead」「nonsense speaker]

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    you better put not native english speaker or you will get blown really hard until you don't want to write anymore.
     
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  12. chopin124

    chopin124 Well-Known Member

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    Thankee and good luck to you too! :D
     
  13. SenjiQ

    SenjiQ [Wise, for a Bird]

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    If we're recommending things you should read, I'd say Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss
     
  14. Chiaroscuro

    Chiaroscuro Your Favourite Family Disappointment

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    Put a huge disclaimer of "not proofreaded or proofreaded by ms.word"
    If you can't find someone, put also "recruiting for PR/ED" with tempting benefit of read ahead lol
    or
    When a reader comment with huge grammar criticism approach them and ensnare them to be your editor /pr
     
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  15. jkmessah

    jkmessah WoC, GoR and TGS enthusiast!

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    I'll get to writing then! And then I'll follow your advice! Thank you!
     
  16. Deleted member 33563

    Deleted member 33563 Guest

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    Buy a stock vehicle - dont like it? Malfunctioning? Change the parts!
    This is usually what i think of when i write a first draft.
     
  17. Daike1234

    Daike1234 THE GUY WHO TRANSLATE WITH THE HELP OF MACHINES

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    Just write a story, it's not that your making money out of it. People will help you pointing out mistakes.
     
  18. Ldyrdy

    Ldyrdy Snowfallsdown

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    As for me..

    Plot plot plot...
    Plan out your story well, arcs and background story and if possible the end.. Plan out every arc well and it will be wonderful..
     
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  19. forgotten

    forgotten 【 R E M N A N T】

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    I'm not writer but I have posted some time ago and it might be somewhat of help to you

    '22 rules of story writing by Pixar's story artist'
    Thread
    image
    [​IMG]
     
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  20. jkmessah

    jkmessah WoC, GoR and TGS enthusiast!

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    That's a wonderful list! I'll go through it carefully while I prepare my story! Thank you very much! :)