I started writing a fictional book one time. I stopped 30 minutes in. Probably helps to have an outline in mind and to lay out the story before writing. I jumped both feet in and quickly realized my fictional story was a mess.
Discussion
Write the ending first.
I always had the impression that that's how Philip K Dick wrote most of his novels. That approach works for some authors. Then there's the Tolkien approach which takes the other extreme. Write hundred of pages of backstory and history supporting your story and even invent whole languages before you write your actual story. The correct path for most authors is somewhere between those two extremes.
I prepared comprehensive information for my novel 8 months ago. Yes, it was messy and a lot of work, so I put it aside.
Until recently Someone wants to dust it off and turn it into a manga, so I hope you'll be able to read the first chapter soon.
ooo nice! what's it about ? this dork would totally volunteer as draft reader =) i think it helps to have a very basic outline - but often time, even for non fiction, letting creativity flow is very satisfying.
I have also done this exact same thing lol
There are different ways to start writing one. Maybe it wasn't the right way for you. For me, works to write a summary first and then expand as I wish on each part. I don't edit immediately and I always try to get feedback before doing so. Some texts don't survive or I leave them dormant for long time. The only motto is to never stop writing.
Thanks! I heard outlining works well too - write the chapter titles first to get an idea of how the story should flow. But this is all new to me - so much to learn.