So you want to write a book?

 You’ve always wanted to write a book but don’t know how to start. Well, it’s quite simple to start a book, it’s another thing to come up with a concept that hasn’t been heard of before.  You’ve got 7 different concepts to consider when writing a book. Will your book be one of the following plots:

Rags to Riches story – your character manages to fulfill his potential because he dreamed big and got there. Think Maid in Manhatten

A quest or journey? – Your hero goes on a journey to find him or herself or even a lost item and must overcome obstacles along the way. Think Indiana Jones

Overcoming a monster - that is destroying the landscape or city? Your character must venture into the monster’s hidden lair which is both frightening and dangerous, but he does it to regain what is stolen by the monster and the city needs to want it back. Again, think of Indiana Jones movies.

Comedy - Think of Robin Williams in Mrs. Doubtfire. The dialogue in a comedy must be funny without bad language. Remember that.

Tragedy - human suffering such as in the movie Schindler’s List, or The Elephant man

A Rebirth - spiritual imprisonment that in the end leads to rebirth or redemption such as Ground Hogs Day, Sleeping Beauty, Pulp Fiction, or even better Shawshank Redemption.

A Rebellion - the best story I can think of for this category is the movie Independence Day where everyone in the world has to rebel against invading forces from outer space. Great movie and storyline.

A Murder Mystery - The only movies I can think of to explain the murder mystery style of writing is that of any of A.C. Beaton or better yet Agatha Christie’s novel stories such as Murder on the Orient Express. You see she was a researcher by nature and in every one of her novels, there were detailed explanations as to how the murder happened and what was used to murder the character. If you want to write a mystery novel, read a few of her books or Beaton’s books first.

A voyage and return story? Your character must travel to a distant land and find struggles enough to encourage him or her to find their way home. Examples of this type of story would be Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Frodo in Lord of the Rings, or Alice in Wonderland.

So, what type of story will you be writing? Pick one and come up with a storyline that is intriguing, stimulating, and on the edge of your seat thrilling. It’s hard to come up with a storyline like that but it is possible. You must have the right scenario and outline to help you get it done and be proud of the final product.

When it comes to creating an outline, I have always found that a good outline with the right idea is a good partnership to help me start a book. In fact, I will write the movie script first. This allows me to figure out my scenes, which characters are in the scene and then the dialogue first, when it’s done, I can begin to use it as my outline for the book to write. If I have the book laid out properly with the right sequence of events the story flows better and I’m able to write with more clarity. So, create your outline after deciding what type of story you will write sit down at your computer, and begin to write. Remember to always save your work in case you lose power or your computer. Save it to a jump drive so that you will always have it. I’ve learned that turning on autosave in any software I use has helped me not lose any of my work.  Happy writing and be sure to have a good feedback person to help fine-tune your work and help you edit it properly.

Artist and Author Elizabeth Kilbride is a former political operative, author, scriptwriter, historian, and journalist. business professional, creative artist, and life coach consultant. Ms. Kilbride holds a master’s in criminology and a BS in Business Management she stepped out of the loop for a while but is now back with a powerful opinion and voice in the direction of this country and our economy. As a life coach, she is available to counsel individuals to enjoy their dreams and a better life. Ms. Kilbride loves to travel and photograph her surroundings and is also a gourmet cook who loves to garden and preserve food for the winter months.

 

 

 

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