Starting a novel can feel overwhelming, terrifying even, but breaking it down into manageable steps can help you get going. Over the next few weeks I'm going to walk you through various stages of writing your novel, from getting started to building characters and getting the scene.
Writing your novel: Where to start
1. Develop an idea or concept
Inspiration: Think about the central idea for your novel. This could come from a personal experience, a social issue, a "what if" question, or a character you want to explore.
Genre: Decide what kind of book you want to write. Will it be fantasy, romance, thriller, or something else? Knowing your genre helps set expectations for tone, style, and plot.
2. Outline your plot
Plot structure: Begin by outlining the major events. You can use a traditional three-act structure (setup, conflict, resolution) or any other method that works for you (like the Hero’s Journey or a more freeform style).
Beginning, middle, end: Think about how the story will start (how you’ll introduce the world/characters), what the central conflict will be, and how it will end.
Plot Points: Identify key moments—turning points, climaxes, and resolution scenes—that drive the story forward.
3. Develop Your Characters
Protagonist and antagonist: Define who your main characters are, what they want (goals), and what stands in their way (conflict).
Character arcs: Think about how your characters will change throughout the story. How do they start, and where do they end?
Supporting characters: Develop secondary characters that will add depth to the story, giving your protagonist challenges, allies, or emotional connections.
4. Create the setting
World-building: Think about where your novel takes place. Whether it’s a fictional world, a real-life city, or a small town, your setting should feel immersive.
Time period: Is it set in the past, present, or future? This will affect your characters, technology, and plot events.
Mood and atmosphere: Decide how the setting will influence the tone of the story—whether it’s mysterious, light-hearted, grim, etc.
5. Decide on a point of view (POV)
First person: The story is told from the perspective of one character, using “I.”
Third person limited: The narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of one character.
Third person omniscient: The narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of all characters.
Second person: Rare, but uses "you" to make the reader feel part of the story. This is common in experimental fiction.
6. Write a rough outline or scene-by-scene breakdown
Outline by chapters: Some writers prefer to map out each chapter before writing. This helps keep the story focused and provides a road map for when you start drafting.
Scene outline: Others prefer to outline by scene. Breaking down each part of the plot into scenes can help you see how the story progresses on a more detailed level.
7. Start writing
Write the first draft: The most important step is to start writing. Don’t worry about perfection in the first draft. Allow yourself to make mistakes and simply get the words on the page.
Set goals: Set small daily or weekly word count goals to keep yourself on track. Consider challenges like NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) to help with this.
8. Edit and revise
Take a break: Once you’ve finished your first draft, take a break before revising. This will give you a fresh perspective.
Self-edit: Go through your manuscript and look for plot holes, character inconsistencies, and awkward phrasing.
Feedback: Share your draft with trusted friends, family, or a writing group for constructive criticism.
9. Research writing techniques
Read similar novels: Study books in your genre to understand the conventions, pacing, and expectations.
Writing guides: Consider using resources like The Elements of Style by Strunk and White, or On Writing by Stephen King to refine your craft.
10. Be persistent
Consistency: Writing a novel takes time. Keep a regular writing schedule, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks.
Stay motivated: Celebrate small wins, like reaching a word count goal or completing a chapter.
By breaking the process into manageable steps, you'll gradually bring your story to life! Writing a novel is a journey, so enjoy each stage.
If you'd like more help bringing your writing to life and getting it in perfect shape before publication, whether it be a basic proofread or full edit, get in touch to find out how we can work together.
Photo by Simone Dinoia on Unsplash
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