Nathan Bransford - The Forums

I think the biggest problem with the rules is that people can get so caught up in following them that they lose all sense of voice. I personally loved having a framework to base things on, as Nathan said, because it's nice to feel like you at least know what you're doing. At the same time, when I fi...

He covers an awful lot in the FAQ, too, though. I'm about 99.9% certain this one is included there, and it's a great place to start. I also tend to browse the tags on the side. :)

Thanks for the response Nathan. And now for one that belongs on your FAQs...When do you sleep!? ;)

Is the preface the same information you have listed on the website in your siggy? I don't really think you need a preface of the sort you describe. Don't forget, a reader will have the back cover of your book giving them a quick summary to begin with (and an agent would have a query letter), so it's...

My last MC came with a last name (which he uses as a first name, basically), and I had to figure out the first. I knew the sound I wanted, though, and had it narrowed down to two from pretty much the beginning, though. Two of the other characters came pre-named. Generally, though, I have a feeling o...

It depends. I wrote my first two (and about 60 pages in one that I put aside until I figure out a plot point in it) longhand. Now I'm more likely to type just because it's easier, though I had to learn to be able to do it. I carry a notebook with me and write while waiting for the train sometimes, t...

My favorite part is the characters. I always love them, and for me writing (and editing) is like getting to go play in their world. I enjoy their company and seeing what they're going to do. :) The hardest part is a bit more difficult to say...I've always known writing requires a lots of work and ed...

Wow, Nathan, I can't believe it. This hasn't been up a week and already you have so many pages of questions. I'm almost embarrassed to be adding to it, to be honest, because I'm not certain you'll have an answer. Here goes anyway: I'm getting ready to submit (hopefully this week), and my first thre...

I researched everything for my last novel. Not kidding. Even these random details you wouldn't necessarily think about. There's a part where they're searching through government earmarks for things linking to the case they're working on, and I actually went and looked up what some bills were at the ...

My file of notes for my last novel was about fifty pages long. It was divided into different sections, with about thirty of that being straight plot. It was written in actual outline form and basically detailed what action should happen in what order. I also included a section of unanswered question...

One. I really can't focus well on more than one, and it's very easy to keep the self-motivation going when I have one specific goal rather than three or four. If I get an idea for another story I might start a notes file or just summarize it depending on how planned out the story becomes, but after ...

Wow, Nathan, I can't believe it. This hasn't been up a week and already you have so many pages of questions. I'm almost embarrassed to be adding to it, to be honest, because I'm not certain you'll have an answer. Here goes anyway: I'm getting ready to submit (hopefully this week), and my first three...

Ooh, Nathan has a pretty new site. Lookin' nice.

And monkeys of course. Sneaky little devils.