901 B
Steps to write a book:
I. Distill the 'Big Idea' -- a single sentence. ('Elevator Pitch').
II. Create a one page outline of the plot:
IV. Grow the plot, and decide its' general type (Adventure/Change/Mistake/Lure/Race...)
I. Decide on a schedule. [300 words a day]
II. Set deadlines. Treat them as ultimate. [Opener by Monday]
III. Set time for 'Diffused Mode'.
IV. Write an 'Opener'. (Dramatic/Philosophical/Suprising/Poetic/Humouros) [famous openers]
V. Write, then critique -- whatever the chunk size. Not both.
VI. Brave the 'Marathon of the Middle'.
VII. Resounding ending. Slowly.
Important principles:
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Think 'Reader First' at all times. When in doubt, you're the reader.
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Find your 'Voice'. (What's the coolest thing that ever happened to you? Who did you tell it to, and how?)
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Constantly throw in conflict, and tension.
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Be a fierce editor.