Tips for writing a full story of at least 80.000 words or more

Do you have an idea in mind that could turn into a book? And are you considering to selfpublish the book? Then this post is for you!

Photo from the collection of Wix

Introduction

Firstly, I would like to state that I am not a trained writer. I have no degree in writing, literature or any language. I am a Dutch mother of three who has loved writing since childhood: first short stories, then poetry, and now fantasy stories.

I do not teach writing classes. Yes, I have taken a short story writing class, but it wasn't anything professional. So, now that I have set the bar low, here we go!

The process

An idea

It all begins with an #idea_for_a_story. Allow it to take shape in your mind. Let it float around. Visualise scenes and allow your imagination to run wild.

When you are prepared to express the concept in written form, take a pen and paper and note down everything that comes to mind. Don't stop! Do. Not. Stop. This is your moment to throw it all out.

Tip: I used a notebook to write everything down. Well, multiple notebooks, actually.

Word count

The #word_count for a novel would be around 80,000. For a fantasy novel, it would be around 100,000 words, but could be higher. If it's an epic fantasy story, then the word count could be around 150,000.

I have decided to write a series, so I reduced the word count from 130,000 to around 90,000. I wanted to have my book printed by a traditional printing company, which turned out to be an expensive endeavour. I will tell you more about that in another blog post.

The plot

Yes, you do have to know #the_plot before you start writing. For me it really helped to already know the ending of book 1. And then there can be subplots and twists.

Tip: Create an outline of the story. Try to describe the plot, subplots, and twists, bearing in mind that you can always alter this during the writing process.

For example: I changed a plot twist during the editing process. This was because it was my first book and I had never worked with an editor before. I have learned my lesson, though, and I will never do that again, probably. But it can be done. After all, you're the writer of the story.

Doing research

Proper #research is a very important step in the writing process that should not be overlooked. If you want to write about sword fighting, for example, you should have watched YouTube tutorials and read every book you can find on the topic. You could also visit a sword-fighting club. Alternatively, you could contact someone who is a swordsman or swordswoman.

If you want to write about love but haven't been in love yourself, you must do research. Read love stories. Watch dramas. Immerse yourself in the words you read. Talk to someone who has experienced heartache — perhaps a friend.

TIP: You cannot write about something unless you know about it.

How to start the story

Some writers start at the beginning, some in the middle and some at the end. I don't write scenes in chronological order. You have to figure out your own writing process.

Tip: Write down whatever comes to mind. This will form the basis of your first scene. It doesn't matter if this is at the beginning, end or middle of the story. You can sort that out later.

The characters

Who are they?

You have an idea for a story. So, who are the main #characters?

What do they look like?

For example: I considered using Medea for my story, but her name was different in the first draft. Then I thought of Viktorya, who also had a different name. Other characters just appeared as I was writing, as if they were introducing themselves to me from another realm that I had tapped into.

Their names

Finding names for some certain characters was indeed difficult. I searched the internet on websites for boys names and girls names. Then I decided to choose one country for the names for Viktorya's family and one country for Medea's family.

Tip: Make a list (I used Excel) and note down the names in alphabetical order. This will help you to quickly identify names that are too similar. There's still time to change them.

The world

Worldbuilding

Where does the story take place? On Earth or on a different planet? In this reality or another? Or perhaps it's a completely different universe. The setting doesn't need to be described in detail. Readers have to use their imagination, but they also need to be guided by the writer.

Name of the world, towns and other places

For example: I chose to use the names of the stars that appear in the Taurus constellation and the Seahorse Nebula. However, I have altered some of them. I have a great love for the stars, which is why I wanted to do that.

Tip: Try to create a system for naming cities, areas and characters.

Their personality and appearance.

Some writers love to record all the personality traits and physical descriptions of their characters in a notebook. They use this as a reference. I tried doing that, but I found it boring. I had a very clear image in my mind. It was as if they were standing right in front of me, and for me that was enough.

Tip: Create a template on which you can stick a picture of the character. Describe appearance, hobbies, good and bad points, and favourite colour and food. Do they get angry easily? Are they always in a good mood? Pick a date of birth and find a zodiac sign. Describe their purpose and what happens if they don't meet the goal or do.

For example: Medea was born on 18 April. As an #Aries, the #element_of_fire rules her zodiac sign. She can get angry and hurt easily. She is adventurous and full of energy, and when she sets her mind on something, she gives it her all.

Writing the scenes

I like to think of each chapter as a separate scene, just as in a film.

Consider how the scene begins and ends. First, write down whatever comes to mind. The first draft is always the worst. And that's OK!

You control the pace of the scene. You can choose to 'show and not tell', or to 'tell and not show' explicitly. It's entirely up to you and how you naturally write.

The key is to write the scene and put what you have imagined on paper. For me, this is the best part of writing. I just go with the flow and write down everything that comes to mind. I pour it all out.

First draft

If you have written all the scenes and typed 'The End' on the final page, you have completed your #first_draft of your work in progress (#WIP). Congratulations! But the real work is just beginning.

Watch this space for my next blog post.

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Did you find this post interesting? I hope so. If you notice any incorrect information, please let me know. We all make mistakes sometimes, and I'm no exception!

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