How do you start writing a book?
I had a fantastic time at this year's writer's workshop at the Georgian Court University. Now, it's back to work with a vengeance.
I've decided to start the third Snowy book from scratch.
I like to start with the title, then, after I come up with the main character's personality and back story (something I already had in this case), I write a short, back-of-the-book blurb, which I find helps me focus when it comes to writing the outline.
Here's what I came up with:
The Cat, Bianca
Catnapped by criminals during a midnight snack search, Snowy finds himself a prisoner in a research center owned by billionaire, Benedict Barnum, the man behind the illegal experiments which led to Snowy’s ability to communicate with his best friend, 13-yr-old Bill Euston.
After each failed escape attempt, Snowy loses hope, but when his captors kidnap Bill Euston, he vows to do whatever it takes to help his best friend get home. Along with fellow prisoners, Foul-Mouth (a terrier), and a belligerent white mouse named One-Sum, Snowy forms a daring plan, but everything hinges on his ability to enlist the help of Bianca, a beautiful house cat, who finds Snowy about as likeable as someone who is not very popular with anyone, and has no redeeming qualities, at all.
It should take me a few weeks to flesh out a full outline, though I already have the ending and several sub-plots buzzing around my head.
How about you?
How do you start to write a book?