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Kids Can Publish Novels Too! [Part 2]
by Angela Giles Klocke and Scott D. Warren

There is really so much to learn about writing books that we could never cover it all in two articles (thus the reason that whole books are written all about HOW to write books!). But this month, we offer some quick and easy tips for getting you started and inspired to keep going.

Did You Know?

Many writers often find that they are able to move forward with their books only after coming up with an interesting title? A good majority of the books on the market today began with the idea for a title. Both of us agree that we always have to have a title before we can go any further with anything we are writing.

Did You Know?

Just because one successful writer was able to write their book only after writing an extensive outline, you may not need one at all. The process of creation should involve only what you feel comfortable doing. If you like the idea of using outlines, try it. But if it doesn't work for you, don't sweat it. Try something else.

Did You Know?

You don't have to write your book from page 1 to the end. Writing a book can be like putting a jigsaw puzzle together. You can write all the parts as they come to you, and then put them all together later. Sometimes you will find yourself with a snappy bit of dialogue, but with no place to put it. Write it anyway, and then fit it in when a part of the book comes up. You can even write the ending of your book before ever even writing the beginning.

Did You Know?

If you know of another writer who is working on a book in the same field as yourself, you could buddy up with them and cheer each other on. There are many completed books out there where the author had assistance from a buddy; someone who was honest enough with them to tell them what sounded good and what did not. A writing buddy, especially for a book, can keep you writing even when you don't feel like it. And because they are your age, they will understand the excuses you will come up with to try to get out of writing, and will not let you get away with them.

Did You Know?

If you don't try to work on your book at least once a day, you could lose interest in it and never finish. Did you hear about the time that one famous writer didn't finish his book because he didn't finish it after ignoring it for a few weeks? Of course you didn't -- he isn't famous because he never did write that book. Think about it -- if you really want to write a book, you have to write the book. Take time each day, even if it is only 10 minutes, and write something. Write a short scene, or some dialogue. Anything as long as you don’t let the day go without thinking about the book.

Did You Know?

When you write the first draft of your book, mistakes are not important. The most imperative task to begin with is to just get the story out -- then clean it up. Many writers have a hard time leaving grammar errors and spelling mistakes alone when writing, but to go back and correct them can break the creative momentum you may have been building. Just leave them alone -- period.

Did You Know?

If you've heard it once, you've heard it a million times -- always carry something to take notes with. Never leave home without at least a pen and piece of paper. Ideas for your book can strike at any time. You may find yourself on the way to school when you suddenly work out an important part of your book's plot. What if you don't have anything to write on? Are you going to rely on your memory in hopes that you will remember it by the end of a long school day? What if you're about to fall asleep? Sometimes we get our best ideas right before falling asleep. Keep some supplies by your bedside so that you don't have to get up and hunt them down. Many times, we are too tired to get up, so we allow ideas to leave us in favor of going to sleep and trying to remember instead.

Did You Know?

There are many great books to assist you in writing your book from start to finish. Some show you important steps, while others inspire. But the important thing to remember is that no matter how much you read, don't get so caught up in trying to learn that you never actually DO. Take the advice and try to use it, but again,always go with what feels best for you.

* Novel Notes: Scott has written significantly more pages than Angela, but Angela pleads her case by explaining all of the work she has to do while Scott is on a nice little vacation. Both still share ideas, but it appears Scott will win this race. Only time will tell.

Copyright © 2001 Angela Giles Klocke and Scott D. Warren

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