What should I start off with?

Question:

What should I start off with?

I love writing and I would like to start writing my first book to publish...I have been writing so many things, mostly poems, but I am not sure if I want to write a poem book. I would like to start writing stories...but how should I start my first book?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Start by deciding who your main characters are. Learn as much about them as you can (there are tons of character worksheets out there, if you google for them). Give them names and backgrounds. Make them well-rounded. He may have amnesia, but who are the people around him and how would they react to this news? Even if he does not know anything about his life, you should know it! It will help determine how his friends and family interact with him.

Then I would work on an outline of your story. I don't tend to have very detailed outlines when I begin (I have a one or two page plot synopsis, though), but for many writers they benefit immensely from doing a thorough outline first. It really depends on how your brain works, but give it a shot and see if it helps!

I would recommend reading as many books as possible in genres that you like to write, plus books about the craft of writing. When you are reading fiction books, pay attention to how the authors structure their work.

Here are some of my favorites about writing (your local library should have most of them):
1) "Writing Down The Bones" by Natalie Goldberg
2) "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott
3) "On Writing Well" by William Zinsser
4) "How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy" by Orson Scott Card
5) "On Writing" by Stephen King
6) "No Plot? No Problem!" by Chris Baty
7) "Eats, Shoots, and Leaves" by Lynne Truss
8) "The Elements of Style" by Strunk and White

Also, take a look at a few websites where authors gather. Some of them have very helpful articles and forums. Holly Lisle has a fantastic website that has articles on both the business and writing aspects of the life, and I would highly recommend her section on world building:
http://hollylisle.com/fm/

Forward Motion is a wonderful, helpful community:
http://www.fmwriters.com/

Absolute Write is one of my favorite author communities, with a vast pool of resources and helpful people:
http://www.absolutewrite.com

Write every single day. Set a target for yourself. For instance, my goal right now is to write 1,000 words a day. I get this done before I go on the internet, read, watch TV, or goof around. To begin, maybe set an easier goal for yourself-- try 250 words each day. Write in a journal as well, if you feel so inclined!

When you get ideas, find a way to record them as well. I have a spiral notebook that I keep just for that purpose. This way, when I want to begin a new project I can read through my notes and find just the right idea! I am not going to share any ideas with you because that is part of your job as a writer. I am a writer as well, and my story ideas are my own to write.

Also, never forget how important it is to edit and rewrite! When you finish a short story or novel, I suggest setting it aside for a month. Don't look at it or think about it (if you can help it). Work on another project. Once that time has passed, go back and read what you wrote. Try to be objective-- are there parts that need to be expanded? Cut out? Rewritten? How is the grammar and spelling? Editing could (and should) take more time than the original draft!

Don't write this book to be published, write it for yourself. Publishing is a difficult process (especially if you decide to pursue poetry) and you should make sure your expectations are realistic. Most authors have their first book hidden away under their beds, because it was a learning experience for them.

Just write!