Tips and tricks for new authors

Organizing: The Initial Idea/ Research

Alright, so some of us hate having to organize. That's cool, it really is like that sometimes. But, I'm going to tell you about some of the ways I have learned to organize that may, or may not, help you out.

The initial idea

When that idea comes to you, write it down whenever you can. But, do it in a organized way. I like to open Microsoft note pad and quickly jot down the entire plot, vaguely, in short sentences and in chronological order from start to finish. Yes it is going to be sloppy, yes it is going to sound dumb and maybe caveman-ish, but the important part is you got everything you came up with down so that you can greatly expand on it later. You have the plot, the major events and maybe even an end (here's to hoping lol), right there and you won't have to worry about forgetting anything.

Research.

I know what you are thinking, "Ew research. Why waste time looking up stuff when I can just make it up, its fiction who cares if I'm right or wrong?" Well, the thing is some people do care. I personally am terrified of making myself look stupid. But, research can help elevate your story, make your descriptions deeper and more realistic, and give you a better idea of what you are trying to show.

I love research. I start by looking up the era in time that I want my story to take place and learn about the people who lived back then. People are important to your stories and the more you know about people the more you can make your characters feel real. But, it also helps you with other important steps as well.

Lets say you want to write a book in or based off of the 1500's. Okay cool, you know how they dressed, what materials they used for clothes, how they lived, what their homes were made from, the different social classes, jobs, the many different titles held by nobles, what they ate, what they did, and how they addressed one another, right? You knew a little bit, but not all. These things help you, they help with describing, with world building, making your scenes more believable. They give your writing more depth, and you might learn a few neat little facts along the way.