TubeNet

Experience writing canons will help a great deal.

I would consult a theory source to make sure that you are actually writing a fugue, not something that sounds "like Bach." If you are gonna write a fugue, which is cool and challenging - make sure that you do it correctly.

There is a GREAT deal of "math" that goes into writing a fugue. I had to write one (well just an exposition, but it was still long and complicated) as part of a college theory assignment. Most advanced music theory textbooks will touch on the subject. Here is something to get you started (or confused):
http://www.kunstderfuge.com/theory/smith/anatomy.htm

In my opinion a fugue is not a musical genre. Nor a musical form.

There are fugues in different genres and different forms.

A fugue is a technic to compose music.

To master this technic it will require some practice of imitative music like Ricercari, Canons, etc.

Try to use a theme that is easy to work with in your first try.

Try to show it to a teacher of composition.

Hear your fugue and try to make, above all, Music.

Hope this helps.

Antero

ufoneum wrote:I would consult a theory source to make sure that you are actually writing a fugue, not something that sounds "like Bach." If you are gonna write a fugue, which is cool and challenging - make sure that you do it correctly.

If you do it "like Bach" you're doing it right!