[i received a question in a private message about how to get started with modding Skyrim.

Here is roughly what I wrote back.]

If you want to get started with modding Skyrim, the best way to go about it is

1. first to have something you want to do or change in the game. Without an itch to scratch, you won't get very far.
   
2. find an existing mod that is close to what you need and create a patch for it
   

Starting with an existing mod will save you a lot of headaches with how to start a mod from scratch.

It is also easier to figure out what an existing mod does and try to improve on it than figuring out how to do it in the first place.

There are several mods that have been abandoned by their owners.

Either get permission to update them or find a more that clearly indicates the author is not actively working on it and will let anyone pick it up.

But whatever you do, always ask for permission before posting your mod for downloads.

For example, mods like this one is in need of some care.

http://www.loverslab.com/files/file/2143-spouses-enhanced-173-14-oct-2015/

Familiarize yourself with the main wikis for Skyrim:

• CK editor wiki (http://www.creationkit.com/)
  
• UESP wiki (http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Skyrim)
  
• Maps of Skyrim (http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Maps)
  

These will help you fit your quests in the general Lore of the game and find spots on the map that have not been used already by official quests.

If you want to make a custom follower from scratch, here is the best tutorial I know of:

http://deck16.net/post/22645519500/making-a-unique-voiced-follower-in-skyrim-part-1

Also, take some time and watch some of the many video tutorials available on Youtube.

They will save you a lot of time.

This link has one of the best series I can think of:

https://www.youtube.com/user/DARKF0X127/playlists?view=50&sort=dd&shelf_id=3

I also wrote a few blog entries that could be helpful, for example this one:

http://www.loverslab.com/blog/60/entry-243-crash-course-getting-started-with-sexlab/

I will be happy to answer some questions if you run into a specific issue. Post the question in the comments of this blog post or in a private message.

On last thing - take your time and start small.

Most mods are abandoned because their author was too ambitious or too impatient.

Good luck