Novel writing help?

I have wanted to write a novel for some time now. I am a very good writer but I am having trouble starting and getting somewhere. I need to know of a plan to follow or something to aid in keeping the bits and pieces organized in my head or something along these lines. I can't invest in anything (im broke) but are there any people who have been through the writing process before that could give me steps to follow or any other useful information? Thanks a TON, this is really important to me!

Check out the tutorials on http://www.storyentertainment.com -- they were written specifically for that problem.

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I cant say I have been through the writing process but i am an avid reader and I know what normally compels me to buy a book. The first paragraph of a book is really important, If you don't interest a reader there then you have a problem. Start with something really dramatic or shocking. First Impressions are everything. If a writer cant interest me in the first chapter i don't normally want to read the book thinking its really boring. Good Luck hope i was helpful.

First and foremost, write an outline for your novel. You can do that in your spare time. Set aside time to write and try to stick to it.

If you have a job, do NOT quit. You need income while you write, and unless you can crank out something people want to buy in a weekend, you're going to need something to pay the bills. Author Larry Niven said it best, (and I paraphrase) "If you want to be an author, it is best to be born wealthy, because you can focus on it." For those who weren't they sit at keyboard when they can until it is is done. It isn't until you can live off your author earnings that you can quit your job.

Get an agent. (Do this last.) An agent will be able to recommend an editor, and yes you're going to need one, and then see if there is a market for your book... AND THEN get it to a publisher.

I'm a tech writer. I've outlined a dozen novels and am working on completing two. There's no hurry for me, as I enjoy spending my spare time with my bride of 8 months.

Personally I keep a file containing information about my characters and details about the plot. Even if I haven't written that information in the story, I still compile all the facts about everything so I have a better feel for who and what I'm writing about. Then I don't have to keep all of it in my head. I sometimes track the same information in Word or Excel. Sometimes when I just picture a single scene from the story and it doesn't fit anywhere, I write it down on a scrap of paper or in Word and file it for later use.

A timeline might be useful too. Good luck.

Open up a word document or get yourself a cheap notebook and just start jotting things down.

Been having some trouble getting started myself. Scary stuff! I know you said you're broke, but go to Amazon.com and enter writing software. Can't remember what it's called, but they have a cheap one on there, about $50. It's supposed to help you get organized. That's what I plan to do.