FAO: bluntsword

I was considering maybe, possibly, probably, conceivably participating in NaNoWriMo this year. And I remembered that at some point in the distant past you gave some REALLY good tips about writing. And I tried to search, and I tried going through your old posts, but I'm throwing in the towel.  I know that with NaNoWriMo it's more about just getting something down, but I respect you, and I would love any tips you can give.

Yes, I understand the rules, I know I can't start writing lol I'm still in the "should I even consider this" part of my decision making xD

First off: flattered.

Second: YOU GOT THIS!

How do you do it? Is it God? Does he give you authoring powers? If so, I may return to christianityism.

While I want give credit to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in all things and thank God for the breath in my lungs, I think it mostly has to do with outlining and knowing my story arc.

I think Shakespeare when it comes to writing a novel.

Act One:
Introductions all around. Who are the characters? What is the minor and major conflict? Where is the story taking place?

Act Two:
The conflict comes to the surface. Characters are forced to act. Lines are drawn. Plans are made. Somebody probably dies.

Act Three:
A failed attempt to resolve the conflict. Or, better, minor conflict is resolved only to show that it wasn't the major conflict.

Act Four:
Major conflict confronted. Characters have a near death experience or sacrifice something big to make it out alive.

Act Five:
Resolution. Who's left alive? What bad guys made it out? What will they have to do in order to survive the next conflict?

When writing a trilogy, each novel has an arc that fits into the overall story arc that follows the same five act formula.

Then I write out a three sentence summary of each chapter before I write the real book. That way I know where I'm headed before I really write.

And that's about it.

Also, never let your characters "rest at the inn and they slept really well."

Give them conflict! Their bags are stolen. The main bad guy is in the next room. The inn burns down.

I dunno. Just have fun!

Also, never give chekov nuclear wissiles unless you're ready to destroy the world.

Spoiler for:

Or how ever that goes. I heard it in a show once.

Spoiler for:

Characterization:

Make your characters their own stereotype.
They don't have to be stereotypical, but give each of them an "always."

Harry always gets into trouble, even if he's not looking for it.
Katniss always is the survivor.
Hermione always knows the answer.

Etc, etc.

In my novels:
Tory complains.
Ealrin worries.
Blume acts without planning.
Wisym is kind.
Holve is grumpy.
Jurgon only says yup or nope.

This helps you as you write to keep your characters consistent and helps readers expect how they should act. It makes it all the more fun when your characters break from the norm in a crazy situation, aka Jurgon speaks a full sentence.

Awesome!! Thank you so much!

Ps. Keep'em coming ._.

Also this:
http://www.danielarenson.com/FantasyWritingTips.aspx

I really love Daniel's stuff and he cranks out novels like a machine. Good tips.