How I Write - Getting Started

Hello again!


Sorry for not posting this sooner...I've been a bit busy. Work, school, personal life; it can be a bit hard to balance. lol!

Anyway this week's post is about getting started on your writing piece  Yes! Finally we have gotten to the good stuff!

So usually when you decide to write you'll sit down somewhere and you know...write...right? For me, I find that writing is something I like to do away from noise and distractions. For this purpose, I actually think Environment is quite important.

Personally, I work in my room on the computer. I would recommend not writing on paper. Having done it for NGOTG...I hated having to type up my chapters, and made me hate writing for a little while...and I would procrastinate. For ATWCB, SWFF, and IOT; I have written everything directly on the computer. Yes, I have at times lost a few sentences, a chapter at most when the computer unexpectedly shut down or I forgot to save...but in general I keep back ups on several USB's and one on the hard drive of my computer so I haven't found myself crying over losing something major. Generally my original file will be on a USB...which I will keep separate from any of the ones I use for downloads and other common files. Another note about the environment in which you chose to write in...it should be comfortable for you. My room is the only place I write...and yea...at times I have to kick out my siblings so that I won't be distracted or they won't sneak peaks at my stuff. (Usually my secrecy gets me into a little bit of trouble with my parents...especially...late at night...-_-') I do have some rules that I like to follow when writing...so although you might find them strict or weird...they work for me....they are:

-My computer is not hooked up to the internet when I write
-Always save whenever you finish a sentence/paragraph/page to be safe
-I don't like to read other books/stories when writing
-I like to write at night during weekdays...and during the day on weekends
-Silence around me is much needed...although I love listening to music sometimes
-I don't like people reading over my shoulder...so I like to write on my own

So now that I've said that, you can modify it however you choose. It all comes down to what feels comfortable and what your preferences are. 

Moving on to the Writing bit. 

I like to title my document before starting...(I can be a bit picky...I know...=S) and then put in the chapter title. 

I generally like to start of by describing the setting, or what action is going on. Because I am Canadian and I've spent most of my life in Ontario I try to keep the settings to places I know (lest I forget the Spain disaster of SWFF). Also I love my country, and there are a lot of amazing places here which I think others should see! I choose England, only because the country fascinates me...and because I have spent time there...lol! 

Anyway, in IOT I used Muskoka, it has always been a focal point for me when it comes to beauty...and I love waterfront properties, so I thought it would be interesting to start there for IOT. Another thing is that I knew in IOT I wanted a prologue and for it to be a cliff hanger. I had already thought it would be a great teaser and introduction to the story, so that's why I chose the moment which was very far off in the actual story line. I thought it would be cool to have Mia driving to the cottage with the song used for the title playing and then getting the message. I also wanted there to be a bit of mystery so if you read the prologue...Matthew is never mentioned by name. The only thing that gives him away would be the summary... -_-'... lol!

I love description, so for me I love to paint pictures with words about where a character is, and what they look like, what kind of car they might be driving, the music that is in the background...things like that make me interested in reading something.

Always re-read what you've written. If you are anything like me, you've written the chapter in the middle of the night, and the next morning you will find some interesting non-existent words that need to be fixed. Also, don't post without checking for mistakes. I always have a number of mistakes evade me, but I do try to catch spelling and grammar as much as I can...considering my computer runs a different OS and doesn't do it for me...lol!

When you start, it can be really frustrating...half the time its like sitting in front of a blank screen and staring in to the nothingness thinking...okay what do I write? Where do I start? That's why I suggest the whole outline ordeal, so that you have a basic idea. It's a useful tool...for me! =D

Another point I would like to make, is that when you are writing...write for yourself. If you enjoy what you've written, then chances are if you decide to post your work, others will like it too. I will say that if you've already decided that you will post your work, make sure you are far ahead of your readers. Personally, I've done the night of posting, being ten chapters ahead, and being like 30 chapters ahead. I would recommend being 30 chapters ahead...only because you are less likely to be influenced by reviews and comments. As long as you are happy with the story, I don't think anything else should matter.

Anyway, I really hope this helps you all!

Hopefully, I'll post again soon!

Much Love,
Andene xx

PS - I'm still hoping you guys will help get IOT to 1000 on FP, I hope you all feel that it should get there...we only have 341 reviews to go on FP, and if you haven't reviews some chapters, it would mean a lot to me if you did. Also if you think someone will like the story, please ask them to review too...=D I promise I'll always reply! Also...I hope you like the quotes I've been posting! ;)