Step-by-Step & HowTo "Create a Visual Novel" FAQ?!

[OldManGaming969]

Probably one of those "not very smart" questions but maybe not and to ask questions is smart in the meaning of "like to know" ... :-) ... well, here it is ...

My main problem is always, since this is kinda new to me, how to start at all. Sure, at first comes the idea, then you develop the characters, the story and so on - but how do you do a Visual Novel out of it? What is the workflow like if you create a visual novel with TyranoBuilder? What do I do first? What do I have to do at first? Story? Images? Sound? An "If-Then" Chart for decisions in the story/novel itself?

Just asking since I really like to know. Thanks for your (hopefully "kind") answers! ;)

[zzombenn]

I start by writing out a script. I try to make it flow like a VN with choices and branches. Then I work on some rough are of the characters and backgrounds. Third step is to start programming it. I will work through the script adding and removing parts that don't work very well. I put the backgrounds and characters in when I work on previews so I can get a better visual of the environment and flow of the story.

[jay_rab]

Visual novels are alot like creative writing so if you find a resource you like about creative writing then it should help you to improve your visual novel, a resource that I have suggested in the past has been http://www.writerstreasure.com/creative-writing-101/ which breaks it down very technically

[Doom]

My personal process is:
- Epiphanny regarding the general idea
- Development of characters
- if I like the idea enough and I see potential in it, I commission art for the characters
- When that is done, I write a very detailed summary of each scene of my VN
- I start looking for backgrounds/music/sound effects
- I do the GUI, since by that point I should already know the general feel/aesthetic the VN has going on
- I start writing each individual scene in script format. It helps me to have the folder with sprite & backgrounds open to have quick references.
- Proofreading
- I code the scene and make sure it's smooth, everything goes well and nothing breaks
- Beta testing

Of course, the process is never that smooth ;) and how things are done change from dev to dev.

[OldManGaming969]

Thanks for the feedback! :)