How do I get inspiration for writing a good novel, and sticking to it?
- on 08.08.09
- inspiration
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I have always liked writing, and my goal is to write a book that is good enough to publish. I just need to get some really good ideas and inspiration to write a novel.
There are stories everywhere you look. But I wouldn’t try to force inspiration. The part of your brain that inspires you is also one that tends to work subconsciously. This is where inspiration comes from- it’ll seem like a bolt out of the blue, but actually it’s your subconscious brain working out a problem and then presenting it to you as a story idea.
That’s the conventional method though; if you want a story here and now, ask yourself what sort of things you’re interested in. Try and see which would make the best stories. Just brainstorm.
As for sticking to it- make sure the story is one you want to tell. Then, do the following
1) Turn on the computer
2) Sit down
3) Write. One word after another.
That’s it really. You won’t be inspired to stick with your story once you’re past the initial phrase. This is where it gets to be boring work. This is also the part where most writers end up stopping because they lose interest. If you really believe in your story you have to fight this. It doesn’t get any easier but it does get the job done.
Once you’re done with the first draft, let the story lie fallow for a while. Then take it out, reread it, and make your changes and your second draft. Rinse and repeat until the story is as good as you think you can get it, and then start showing it to crit partners and rework the story some more. Polish it. Then submit it.
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go stay all nite either in your car, in a safe area like a 24 hour wal mart in a safe town or something. or a train or bus station with good security. feel how bad it sucks to be "homeless". itll open your eyes a little
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You and me both bub. I have started MANY stories and I was just unsatisfied with how they were going. So I would just abandon them. If you want inspiration READ! Get inspired by them. I don’t know if this will work for you but when you read and get really into a story you will get some ideas of your own. That’s how it worked for me. So know I’m writing a story that i hope I will commit to.
If what was said above doesn’t happen for you then just get your ipod lay on your bed and play with your Imagination don’t just settle for one story theme.
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it is your hobby
but a task
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I would say READ! Have you ever heard of the saying, "Write about what you read."? Well do that!
Some inspirational things:
Depending on the mood in the book listen to music! If you book is sad right then, listen to Stand in the rain by superchick, etc.
Go on quotes.com or something and read inspirational quotes about life or something. If your book is about death read quotes about death!
If you starting to get bored or you have writers block, take like a few days or even a week off of writing your book to gather some thoughts about your book.
Hope I helped!
-M
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I’m an author.
Just look around you and read lots of books for inspiration. For a couple of days, be very observant and you will most likely find something you are curious about and that will spike your imagination. Pay attention to your dreams-reflect on them. I once got an idea from a dream but it had nothing to do with it, just my train of thought. That’s another thing-let your imagination run wild. I usually don’t get a good idea for a story when I am concentrating on thinking of a story. Do research on random topics- you will sometimes find cool things that can turn into a best-seller. One more way is to keep a writer’s notebook. You can write small story ideas that can grow, or just things that you are thinking of at the time.
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Loving to write
good ideas come from your brain. Then you have to work on it a lot, and that needs inspiration. Inspiration often comes from within. If you don’t get enough inspiration, having friends or family read your work and encourage you helps a lot too. i’m also hoping to write something that’ll get published. i have plenty of good ideas, but not enough inspiration to stick to any one for more than twenty or so pages. then i waste my time answering questions on yahoo answers when i could be writing.
IMPORTANT: Turn off distractions! internet, TV, turn it off! otherwise you’ll never get any work done!
set smaller goals for yourself. a chapter a day makes the work seem okay.
oh yeah, and you don’t necessarily have to make it GOOD, you only have to make it appeal to a large audience. Pride and Prejudice could be considered a GOOD book, but most teen girls would rather read Twilight. make sure you know your audience (stephenie meyers was NOT writing for guys).
Dr. Seuss wrote green eggs and ham because of a bet. That was his inspiration.
References :
There are stories everywhere you look. But I wouldn’t try to force inspiration. The part of your brain that inspires you is also one that tends to work subconsciously. This is where inspiration comes from- it’ll seem like a bolt out of the blue, but actually it’s your subconscious brain working out a problem and then presenting it to you as a story idea.
That’s the conventional method though; if you want a story here and now, ask yourself what sort of things you’re interested in. Try and see which would make the best stories. Just brainstorm.
As for sticking to it- make sure the story is one you want to tell. Then, do the following
1) Turn on the computer
2) Sit down
3) Write. One word after another.
That’s it really. You won’t be inspired to stick with your story once you’re past the initial phrase. This is where it gets to be boring work. This is also the part where most writers end up stopping because they lose interest. If you really believe in your story you have to fight this. It doesn’t get any easier but it does get the job done.
Once you’re done with the first draft, let the story lie fallow for a while. Then take it out, reread it, and make your changes and your second draft. Rinse and repeat until the story is as good as you think you can get it, and then start showing it to crit partners and rework the story some more. Polish it. Then submit it.
References :