How to write a novel

If I can do it with my short attention span, tendency to procrastinate, and limited time, you can too.

Brainstorm: Start with a basic idea. This could be a concept, a character, or a scenario.
Ask Questions: Why is this story important? What message do you want to convey? Who is your protagonist, and what do they want? What obstacles will they face?

Plot Structure: Decide on the structure of your novel. Common structures include the three-act structure, the hero’s journey, or nonlinear narratives.
Chapter Breakdown: Outline what will happen in each chapter. This doesn’t have to be detailed, but it should give you a roadmap.
Character Arcs: Plan how your characters will grow and change throughout the story.

Setting: Create a vivid world for your characters to inhabit. Consider the time period, location, and the rules of your world (especially if writing fantasy or sci-fi).
Culture and Society: Think about how the society your characters live in affects the story. What are the norms, values, and conflicts?

Set a Writing Routine: Establish a daily or weekly writing schedule. Consistency is key (yes, yes I know, that is difficult)
Write Freely: Don’t worry about making the first draft perfect. Focus on getting the story down. (Trust me, my first draft should be set on fire)
Dialogue and Description: Balance dialogue, action, and description to keep the pace engaging.

Take a Break: After finishing the first draft, take a break before revising. This helps you return with fresh eyes.
Structural Edits: Look at the big picture. Does the plot make sense? Are the characters well-developed? Is the pacing appropriate?
Line Edits: Focus on sentence structure, grammar, and word choice.
Feedback: Share your work with beta readers or join a writing group to get constructive criticism.

Proofread: Check for any lingering typos or grammatical errors.
Consistency: Ensure all character names, locations, and timelines are consistent throughout the novel.
Format: Prepare your manuscript according to industry standards (e.g., font, spacing, and margins).

Traditional Publishing: Research literary agents and publishers who might be interested in your genre. Prepare a query letter and synopsis.
Self-Publishing: If you choose to self-publish, explore platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or IngramSpark. Consider hiring a professional editor and cover designer.
– After a few unsuccessful attempts to find an agent, I decided to take this path, and I couldn’t be happier. While doing my own marketing is challenging, I love having full control over every aspect of my book.

Create an Author Platform: Build a presence on social media, create a website, and engage with potential readers. (yes, I am doing this here :D)
Book Launch: Plan a launch event, whether virtual or in-person, and promote your book through various channels. (I’m still a bit unsure about this myself, but I’ve heard many authors rave about it as a powerful marketing tool.)

Learn from Feedback: Use reader and critic feedback to improve your craft.
Start Your Next Project: Don’t stop after your first novel. The best way to grow as a writer is to keep writing.

Read Widely: Read as much as you can, especially in the genre you’re writing. This helps you understand what works and what doesn’t.
Stay Motivated: Writing a novel is a long process, and there will be times when you feel stuck. Stay motivated by setting small, achievable goals and celebrating any progress.

By breaking the process down into these steps, you can manage the daunting task of writing a novel, turning it into a series of achievable goals.

Are you thinking about writing a novel? Are you in the middle of your first draft? Or are you already a published author? I’d love to hear from you!

Love,

Suzie

Category: Author tips