Joshua Glover

Joshua Glover asked Joe Hart:

Any advice for someone whose never written a book but is very much interested in writing? Thanks!

Joe Hart Hi Joshua, great question! I would say start off by reading a few writing books such as On Writing by Stephen King and Stein on Writing by Sol Stein to get some insight into the craft. Read some of your very favorite books and take apart the elements that make up the story. Look at how the author was able to convey emotion or create a character.

Then you need to start writing. If it's your first attempt it may not go perfectly, but don't get discouraged. Keep writing, keep learning. Practice setting up scenes and read great dialogue for inspiration. I would also begin with short stories versus a novel, but that's up to you. Continue to practice and finish what you start. As they say, you can fix any page except a blank one. Hopefully this helps. Good luck!

More Answered Questions

Ashley Edwards

Ashley Edwards asked Joe Hart:

Hi Joe, How do you go about fleshing out your stories? I've got about a 3rd of the way through writing a book and have now "run out of steam" with the story ideas. Love the books. Awaiting the next one whenever that is! Ash

Amy

Amy asked Joe Hart:

I just want to say thank you. There are so few great books these days, and I am really excited to have found you! I am in the middle of Obscura and I love it. I am reading it slowly so that I can enjoy it longer... I just don't want it to end. That doesn't happen very often. I am so happy to see that you have written other books, any suggestions what I should read next?

Sandra "Jeanz"

Sandra "Jeanz" asked Joe Hart:

I finished reading The First City at about 1am this morning! and absolutely loved it. The first thing that popped into my head was I would love more from this world and its characters! I want to know more about the First City and its people, as well as those in Seattle. Would you ever consider revisiting "The First City" and its residents again, maybe set a few more years on when Ellie & Lynn are a bit older?

All answers from Joe Hart…

1,365 followers

To ask Joe Hart a question, please sign up.

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions