A pep talk before you start
When most people hear, “writing a novel,” there’s one thought that pops into their minds: I could never do that. That’s for other people to do, not me.
But have you ever walked into the library or Barnes & Noble and wondered if, someday, your name could be on the front cover of a book? Maybe you have stories floating around in your head all the time, or perhaps you know a lot about a cool topic, like the Amazon Rainforest or the history of Japan. Writing a whole book might seem to you like an undertaking that’s near-impossible—even for professionals. While I can tell you it's not easy, writing a novel is definitely not impossible. All you really need is a large supply of grit, determination, and perseverance.
So, my friends, that idea that’s been brewing in your head for a while? Take it out. Dust it off. Writing isn’t just for those people. It’s for anyone. Including you. So turn off that voice in your head that’s telling you that this is impossible, and let’s get to work.
But have you ever walked into the library or Barnes & Noble and wondered if, someday, your name could be on the front cover of a book? Maybe you have stories floating around in your head all the time, or perhaps you know a lot about a cool topic, like the Amazon Rainforest or the history of Japan. Writing a whole book might seem to you like an undertaking that’s near-impossible—even for professionals. While I can tell you it's not easy, writing a novel is definitely not impossible. All you really need is a large supply of grit, determination, and perseverance.
So, my friends, that idea that’s been brewing in your head for a while? Take it out. Dust it off. Writing isn’t just for those people. It’s for anyone. Including you. So turn off that voice in your head that’s telling you that this is impossible, and let’s get to work.
Step 1: Your Process - Plotter or Panster?
There is an important step you need to complete before you even think about beginning to write a story. You have to figure out your own unique writing process. This process will be different for every person, but generally, authors categorize themselves by their style of preparation. Plotters, as you can probably guess, like to outline, take notes, and get every detail right before they start writing. Pansters—who “fly by the seat of their pants”—generally come up with an idea they love, sit down at the computer, and start typing, not knowing where the story will take them. Many people fall somewhere in between, including myself. As you begin to form some ideas for possible story options, take notice of how much you tend to think things through before feeling ready to write. Maybe you take light notes. Maybe you just have an idea for a first line and want to go from there. Maybe your outline will be longer than the book itself! It’s completely up to you.
Step 2: Structure
Turning a concept in your mind into the plot of a story can be difficult, but there are a few things that can really help you while figuring things out. If you are reading this on a device that has access to the internet, you’re just a Google search away from learning about story structures and outlines. A common one is the Three-Act Story Structure (which is what I typically use). It's a list of the typical beats in a story, such as the inciting incident, midpoint, and climactic confrontation. Other story patterns include the Save the Cat! structure, the Hero’s Journey, and the (simple but effective) Freytag's Pyramid. While you’re experimenting with different structures, keep in mind that it’s okay to bend them a little to suit the needs of your story. The structure should serve your idea, not the other way around.
Step 3: Genre
Now it’s time to figure out what genre you’re writing in—and research this carefully, because it can be tricky. Say you want to write a fantasy. Look up the subgenres in that category and pay attention to what makes them different. Are you writing a portal fantasy or a high fantasy? An urban fantasy or a dystopia? Maybe a combination of a few? Read into key characteristics of each genre and use them in your story.
Keep in mind that you will have to give your story a title at some point. Just remember to make sure to take careful, deliberate time in naming your novel. After all, it will be the one of the first impressions anyone has of your story before reading it.
Step 4: Characters, Characters, Characters
Perhaps you know the genre of your book, but you’re convinced you have a “bad idea.” Let me tell you something: ideas don’t have to be “good” to make an amazing book. Just look at the plot of the internationally bestselling series Harry Potter: a boy goes to wizard school. Nothing very extraordinary at all—wizards and witches have been done a thousand times before. Why do people love this series so much, then? Well, it includes the one ingredient that makes or breaks a novel. What is this ingredient—the thing that will keep people reading, no matter how dull the plot is? Characters.
If you have a book that you love, chances are you don’t like it because of the action-filled plot or the cool world. These things might enhance it, but let’s face it—you’re here for the characters. Connecting your readers to the characters in your story is key. The characters are what make the story matter to your readers. Getting them right is essential.
First, your characters need to seem like real people. I strongly recommend taking a look at author Abbie Emmons's blog and YouTube channel (link will be below). She has done countless in-depth videos on how to find a character's fear, desire and misbelief. But in summary, here's the basic idea: all characters, like all real people, should have a fear, desire, and misbelief that is grounded in their backstory.
If you have a book that you love, chances are you don’t like it because of the action-filled plot or the cool world. These things might enhance it, but let’s face it—you’re here for the characters. Connecting your readers to the characters in your story is key. The characters are what make the story matter to your readers. Getting them right is essential.
First, your characters need to seem like real people. I strongly recommend taking a look at author Abbie Emmons's blog and YouTube channel (link will be below). She has done countless in-depth videos on how to find a character's fear, desire and misbelief. But in summary, here's the basic idea: all characters, like all real people, should have a fear, desire, and misbelief that is grounded in their backstory.
Here’s a tip: if you’re having trouble with your plot, you can also use these factors to create obstacles for your characters, tailored to what makes them afraid or uncomfortable.
As an example, let’s make a character—call him Joe. Joe’s greatest fear is of silence because when he was a kid, the only thing that would rid him of his fear of the dark was background noise. Joe’s misbelief—grounded in his fear—is that there should always be some noise or conversation going on. In this example, the thing Joe wants more than anything else—what he thinks will make him happy—is to move somewhere noisy so he doesn’t have to face living alone in silence. The story will take you through Joe’s realization that he can overcome his fear and that what he thought he wanted isn’t something that will make him happy after all.
Here’s another tip: if you’re having trouble figuring out your character, try giving them an Enneagram or MBTI personality type. That way, you’ll know what they’ll tend to want, fear, and believe.
Step 5: Worldbuilding
The next step for you will be worldbuilding. And yes, you need to worldbuild, no matter what genre you’re writing in. However, you can do as much or as little as you want. For example, a high fantasy world with floating islands and elves would require considerably more planning than a cozy contemporary set in a small town. Elements of worldbuilding could include setting, society, economy, a magic system, and a belief or religion system. Obviously, if your story doesn’t have magic, you won’t build a magic system, but every story has a setting and some sort of social structure. There are lots of resources out there for you to find out how to plan each individual aspect of your world, and I encourage you to check them out.
Step 6: The Grammar Headache
Now on to one of the biggest hassles people worry about when faced with the challenge, “write a novel.” Here is my advice to you; whether it’s spelling, punctuation, or verb agreement, when you’re writing your first draft, don’t worry about grammar. While it’s good to go back briefly over what you’ve written before you write more, don’t start on any major editing until you’re completely done with the book. Why spend time editing something you’re going to change? Do yourself a favor and save that for later.
Step 7: Stick it Out to "The End"
All right. You know your genre, and you have an idea of a process that might work best for you. You’ve got your characters, world, and plot all ready to go. Now, it’s time to start writing! Except… how do you start? Suddenly, you’ve got some major Blank Page Syndrome. All you can do is stare at the cursor, not knowing how to begin the epic journey you’re about to take yourself on. This is your first line—it has to be perfect, right?
Here is the most important piece of advice I can give you: keep writing. Never stop looking forward. Barrel through that first page. It doesn’t matter if it “isn’t good.” Get through it and come back later. Later, you can fix it up all you want. Later, you’ll have time to worry about that perfect first line.
Now, it’s time to create something that your future first line can live up to.
So, you get through the first page—and then the next, and the next. However, I speak from personal experience when I say it’s easy to start a project and give up. I’ve known so many writers—myself included—that get through the first few chapters… and find that the excitement has worn out. “Meh,” they say to themselves. “This is hard. I’m going to stop.”
Think of all of the stories out there, begun yet never finished. Remember what I said about grit and determination? This is where it really comes into play. There are lots of good challenges for authors out there, the most popular being National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), taking place every November. Writers around the world all challenge themselves to write a novel—or 50,000 words—in 30 days. If you want to push yourself and get this book done quickly, it’s a great way to go. I also suggest getting yourself a writing buddy to keep you accountable while you’re writing. Many people might give up at the beginning, but that’s what has to make you different—you need to keep going. Having a fellow writer to talk to about ideas or scenes, someone you trust for advice—a person to whom you have promised that you’re really (yes, really!) going to finish this novel—will help you attain the drive and stamina to make it all the way to The End.
Here is the most important piece of advice I can give you: keep writing. Never stop looking forward. Barrel through that first page. It doesn’t matter if it “isn’t good.” Get through it and come back later. Later, you can fix it up all you want. Later, you’ll have time to worry about that perfect first line.
Now, it’s time to create something that your future first line can live up to.
So, you get through the first page—and then the next, and the next. However, I speak from personal experience when I say it’s easy to start a project and give up. I’ve known so many writers—myself included—that get through the first few chapters… and find that the excitement has worn out. “Meh,” they say to themselves. “This is hard. I’m going to stop.”
Think of all of the stories out there, begun yet never finished. Remember what I said about grit and determination? This is where it really comes into play. There are lots of good challenges for authors out there, the most popular being National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), taking place every November. Writers around the world all challenge themselves to write a novel—or 50,000 words—in 30 days. If you want to push yourself and get this book done quickly, it’s a great way to go. I also suggest getting yourself a writing buddy to keep you accountable while you’re writing. Many people might give up at the beginning, but that’s what has to make you different—you need to keep going. Having a fellow writer to talk to about ideas or scenes, someone you trust for advice—a person to whom you have promised that you’re really (yes, really!) going to finish this novel—will help you attain the drive and stamina to make it all the way to The End.
A Quick Recap
There you go! That was the quick, easy to digest guide to writing a novel. I encourage you to look into some of these topics as they apply to you. Just don't procrastinate by "doing research" when you really should be writing! ;)
It's time to summon that inner creativity that started you on this journey—that idea or wish that inspired you to open up your computer and type Chapter One—and use it to make that wish a reality.
You can do it! Really! It’s not impossible, and it’s not just for “those people” who are “good at writing.” It can be you, if you just decide to be brave and give it a try.
It's time to summon that inner creativity that started you on this journey—that idea or wish that inspired you to open up your computer and type Chapter One—and use it to make that wish a reality.
You can do it! Really! It’s not impossible, and it’s not just for “those people” who are “good at writing.” It can be you, if you just decide to be brave and give it a try.
Want to get in the writing mood?
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