Anybody ever write o novel?

[ncgatr1]

I was thinking about writing a novel. I think I have a pretty good story to tell. My questions is, how to go about doing it? Does the novel evolve as you write or is there a clear path? Any novelist out there have any suggestions?

[tbatten]

I'd think there are as many ways to write a novel as there are writers. As with most creative endeavors each individual probably approaches it with their own unique style.

Personally I would say a general idea and storyline, but don't be afraid to let the story evolve as you go. If you surprise yourself with the plot twists there is a better chance to surprise the audience.

[Swamplizard]

I know there has been a few people here on Gator Country that have written books

[cocodrilo]

I wrote a novel, but it was based on a screenplay I'd written, so the story was all laid out for me. Novelizing it brought out new ideas that weren't in the screenplay. I then later rewrote the screenplay, which brought out new ideas that weren't in the novel. What I eventually wound up with was a pretty good screenplay. So I would say it definitely helps to have your story laid out first, at least in a general way. The writing of it will inspire new ideas and might even take the story in a new direction. But writing a novel without knowing where you're going sounds kind of scary. If you get stuck it could prove a big waste of time. That said, I remember reading that Elmore Leonard never knows where his story is going when he starts a novel. So for some people I guess it works.

[akaGATORHOOPS]

i have thought about doing it.... as i love writing. and i had the same question you posted. i think i have the writing ability, but probably not the creativity.
i am interested in seeing the posts on this one.

[LeafUF]

Cant remember who the posters were but I know there have been a few on here that have written novels. I like to write but dont have the focus to put together a novel. I will write short stories here and there but I always go into and have no idea where I am going to end. I think that works fine when you are only writing something short but I doubt I could put together a novel without working out the details first.

[AzCatFan]

Written a few things, but never a novel. I always work best with an outline. I think of it as the skeleton, and once that's done, the rest of the words are the meat and bones. Doesn't work for everyone, and occasionally the story doesn't follow the outline exactly, but for me, it works more often than not.

[jwalkergator]

HanktheMightyGator just had a book published.

http://www.gatorcountry.com/swampgas...themightygator

[briezygator]

This is something I always come back to wanting to do. I've thought about doing a fiction one, or a non-fiction one about my dad's life in the military. I love writing, but can never seem to get going in the direction that I want to. I'm always up for hearing some advice on this subject!

[Cephalopod]

Take a creative writing class, if you haven't already. Read, write, read, write, and read some more. The best writers are also voracious readers.

When you think you're done, edit. Edit. Edit. Edit some more. Have other people with writing experience read and edit your stuff.

[DeepPurpleGator]

Originally Posted by Cephalopod

Take a creative writing class, if you haven't already. Read, write, read, write, and read some more. The best writers are also voracious readers.

When you think you're done, edit. Edit. Edit. Edit some more. Have other people with writing experience read and edit your stuff.

I have written and edited for 20 years (although not a novel), and I agree 100% with this post.