Whether you are a plotter or a pantster, it's important to start with at least a little research before diving into the writing advises author and writing teacher Valerie Willis. The amount and type of research required will vary depending on your novel's genre. For sci-fi or fantasy writers, Willis suggests keeping a world building bible where you can track everything you are brainstorming and creating. For other genres, Willis suggests creating vision boards to work through character and scene development. These visual tools will serve as inspiration and motivation throughout the entire process, she says. Additional tips Willis offers for first time novelists include writing your story out of order if needed, avoiding any editing until your first draft is complete, and staying organized to maintain consistency in your story.
Hey wiliis, I need help with getting more consistent in my writng and editting. i get more distrcted when i listen to peoples opinions which tends to conflict some of my views and point of discussion. i write mainly on balancing the grace of god and Faith in God.
Each Author is different and you have to know what you DO and DON'T want to include in the current project or writing you are doing. Find those with similar views to your own. When doing research, I keep a list of for these two things and the moment I realize what I've encounter doesn't support what I want to say in my writing, I let go of it and back up to that last point I was ok with and move forward in a different direction. Not everyone is going to agree or like what you write. Often people find my work on the darker side of Fantasy and Romance, while others think it would work for younger audiences (though I feel it's too much for YA). I know who I wrote this for, why I wrote it, and what I wanted readers to be left with after they finish. Perhaps writing down those goals might help you stay on track: 1) Why are you writing this, 2)Who are you writing this for? Age, beliefs, needs? and lastly, 3) What do you want the readers to learn/know/feel after they finish your book? This should help you build walls and a stronger foundation for starting a novel/memoir/Non-fiction piece. Hope this helped and good luck with your writing!