HOW TO WRITE A NOVEL.
HOW TO WRITE A NOVEL.
INTRODUCTION:
A novel is a fictional work of narrative prose. Good novels
illuminate reality even as they transcend it, allowing readers to find
truth and humanity in worlds that are completely fabricated. No matter
what type of novel you want to write — literary or commercial, romance
or science fiction, a wartime epic or a family drama — you'll need
boundless creative energy and a commitment to see you through drafting
your novel, and the revision and editing process.
Method 1 of 3: Creating a Fictional World
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1
Get inspired. Writing a
novel is a creative process, and you never know when a good idea might
come to you. Carry a notebook and a pen so you can jot down ideas
wherever you go. You might feel inspired by something you hear on your
morning commute, or while daydreaming in a coffee shop. You never know
when you'll be inspired, so you should keep your eyes and ears open
wherever you go.
- Being a writer, you need constant inspiration. Sometimes, writers
find it difficult to have ideas popping in their head. This problem
comes across all writers, and the best way is to seek inspiration.
- It doesn’t necessarily have to be a book, it can be a TV show, a
movie or even travelling to an exhibition or art gallery. Inspiration
comes in infinite forms!
- Use your notebook to write fragments, paragraphs, or even sentences, that will become part of a more complete story.
- Think about all of the stories you've been told — stories passed
down from your great-grandmother, a story that fascinated you on the
news, or even a ghost story from your childhood that has stuck with you.
- Consider a moment from your childhood or past that stuck with you.
It could be the mysterious death of a woman in your town, your old
neighbor's obsession with pet ferrets, or a the trip you took to London
that you can't stop thinking about. For example, the ice scene in One Hundred Years Of Solitude was based on the author's own boyhood experience.
- People say that you should "write what you know." Others believe
that you should "write about what you don't know about what you know."
Think of something from your own life that has inspired, troubled, or
intrigued you — how can you explore this topic more fully in a novel?
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2
Consider your genre. Not
every novel fits neatly into a certain category, but it's helpful to
think about your intended genre and audience as you begin planning your
work. Read all of the major works that fall into your chosen genre to
get a good understanding of how to construct a novel according to the
standards of your chosen genre. And if you haven't completely decided on
one genre or are working in more than one genre, then it's no problem —
it's more important to be aware of what tradition you're working in
than to stick to one specific genre or category. Consider the following
options:
- Literary novels are intended to be works of art, complete with deep
themes, symbolism, and complex literary devices. Read classic works by
the great novelists and refer to helpful lists like The Guardian's "100 Greatest Novels of All Time".
- Commercial novels are intended to entertain audiences and sell a lot
of copies. They are divided into many genres, including science
fiction, mysteries, thrillers, fantasies, romances, and historical
fiction, among others. Many novels in these genres follow predictable
formulas and are written in long series.
- There is plenty of crossover between literary and commercial novels.
Many writers of science fiction, fantasies, thrillers, and so on create
novels just as complex and meaningful as writers of novels that are
classically "literary". Just because a novel sells well does not mean it
isn't a work of art.
- Whatever genre you like or choose to focus on, you should read as
many novels within that genre if you haven't already. This will give you
a better sense of the tradition you'll be working in — and how you can
add to or challenge that tradition.
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3
Consider your setting.
Once you've decided which genre (or genres) to write within, start
dreaming up a setting for your novel. This goes beyond the particular
city where your characters will dwell; you've got an entire universe to
dream up. The setting you create will determine the mood and tone of
your novel, and will affect the problems your characters will face.
Think about these questions as you sketch out the parameters of the new
world you're creating:
- Will it be loosely based on places that are familiar to you in real life?
- Will it be set in the present, or in some other time?
- Will it take place on Earth, or somewhere imaginary?
- Will it be centered in one city or neighborhood, or expanded to a range of locations?
- Will it take place over the course of a month, a year, or decades?
- Will the world be cast in shadows, or will it inspire optimism?
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4
Create your characters.
The most important character of your novel will be your protagonist, who
should be fleshed out with recognizable personality traits and thought
patterns. Protagonists don't necessarily have to be likable, but they
are usually relate-able in some way so that readers stay interested in
the story. One of the joys of reading fiction is recognizing yourself
and living vicariously through your favorite characters.
- Your protagonist and other characters don't have to be likable, but do have to be interesting. Like Lolita's Humbert Humbert, the character can be despicable — as long as he is fascinating.
- Your novel also doesn't have to have just one protagonist. You can
have multiple characters that engage the readers, and can even play
around with telling the story from multiple points of view.
- Your world should be populated with other characters too. Think
about who will interact with your protagonist, serving as either friends
or foils.
- You don't have to know exactly who will populate your novel before
you begin. As you write, you may find that your real protagonist is
actually one of the minor characters you created, or you may find new
characters creeping up where you didn't expect them to be.
- Many novelists describe thinking of their characters as real people,
asking themselves what the characters would do in a given situation and
doing their best to stay "true" to the characters. Your characters
should be so well-developed in your mind that it feels natural to help
them navigate your fictional world.
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5
Visualize the plot. Most
novels, regardless of genre, have some sort of conflict. Tension builds
until the problem comes to a climax, and then it's resolved in some
way. This doesn't mean novels always have happy endings; it's more about
providing motivations for the characters' actions and creating a
vehicle for change and meaning across the span of your novel.
- There is no set formula for the plot of a perfect novel. Though one
traditional approach is to have rising action (building the details and
tension in the story), a conflict (the main crisis of the novel), and a
resolution (the final outcome of the crisis), this is not the only way
to do it.
- You can start with a central conflict and work backwards to show why
it matters. For example, a girl can be returning home for her father's
funeral, and the reader may not know why this is going to lead to a
major conflict momentarily.
- Your novel also doesn't have to neatly "resolve" the conflict. It's okay to leave some loose ends undone.
- Your novel also doesn't have to be linear. It can start in the
present, jump back and forth between the past and the present, or even
start in the past and jump ahead twenty years — do whatever works best
for telling your story. For an example of a nonlinear novel, see Hopscotch by Julio Cortázar.
- Read some of your favorite novels and follow the plot arc. See how
the novel is put together. This can be even more interesting if the
novel isn't linear.
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6
Decide on a point of view.
Novels are typically written in the third or the first person, though
they can also be written in the second person, or in a combination of
multiple perspectives. The first person is the "I" voice that is told
directly from the point of view of a character; the second person, less
commonly used, addresses the readers as "you" and tells the reader
exactly what he or she is doing, and the third person describes a
character or set of characters from an outside perspective.
- You don't have to decide on the point of view of the novel before
you write the first sentence. In fact, you may write the first chapter —
or even the entire draft of the first novel — before you have a better
idea of whether the novel will sound better in the first person or the
third.
- There's no hard and fast rule about what point of view will work
better for what type of novel. But if you're writing a panoramic novel
with a wide variety of characters, the third person can help you manage
all of the characters that populate your novel.
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7
Consider starting from scratch.
Though it's great to start with a genre, plot, characters, and a
setting in mind, if you want to write a novel, you shouldn't get too
bogged down with all these details first. You can get inspired by
something simple — a historical moment, a snatch of a conversation you
hear in the grocery store, or a story your grandmother once told. This
can be enough to get you writing and to start creating something from
what you already know.
- If you're too worked up about getting the details figured out before
you write a draft, you may actually be stifling your own creativity.
Method 2 of 3: Drafting the Novel
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1
Consider making an outline.
Every novelist has a different method for starting a new novel.
Creating an outline can be a good way to map out your ideas and give you
small goals to accomplish as you work toward the larger goal of writing
an entire book. But if you write from the hip and don't have all the
details — or any of them — down yet, then you should just let yourself
get inspired and write whatever feels right until you latch on to
something that really appeals to you.
- Your outline does not have to be linear. You could do a quick sketch of each character's arc, or make a Venn diagram showing how different characters' stories will overlap.
- Once you make your outline, don't attempt to follow it exactly. The
point is simply to jump-start the writing process with a visual
representation of where the story might go. It will certainly change as
you begin the writing process.
- Sometimes an outline can actually be more helpful after
you've completed a draft or two of your novel. This can help you have a
better sense of how your novel is structured and can help you see what
does or does not fit, or what should be expanded or compressed.
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2
Find a writing routine that works for you.
To complete your first draft, you'll need to find a time and place that
is conducive to your writing goals. You can write at the same time
every morning or evening, write in spurts throughout the day, or write
in long bouts three days a week. Whatever your routine may be, you can't
just write when you're inspired — that's a myth. You'll have to treat
writing like real work and stick to a regular routine, whether you
"feel" like writing on a certain day or not.
- Create a writing space to help you get into a routine. Find a cozy
place where you can relax and there are no distractions. Get a good
chair to use which won't give you back pains after hours and hours of
sitting and writing. You don't write a book in an hour; it takes months,
so protect your back.
- Your routine can also include what you need to eat or drink before
or during your scheduled writing time. Does coffee make you feel more
alert and aware, or too jittery to be productive? Does a big breakfast
energize you, or leave you feeling sluggish?
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3
Do your research.
The amount of research you need to do will depend on the novel you
write. Be sure to know, research, and learn as much as you can about
your novel's setting (like the character's culture, the place he/she is
in, the time period, etc). The research you'll need to do to write
historical fiction set during the Revolutionary War, for example, will
be more copious than the research you may need to write a Young Adult
novel inspired by your own experiences in high school. Still, whatever
novel you're writing, you'll need to do enough research to make sure
that the events in your novel are accurate and believable.
- Make use of the library. You'll be able to find most of the
information you need in your local library, and libraries are also
excellent places to do some writing.
- Interview people. If you're unsure whether a topic you're writing
about rings true, find someone with firsthand knowledge on the subject
and ask a lot of questions.
- Part of doing research means reading the other novels that are
working in your tradition. For example, if you're writing a novel set in
World War II told from a French perspective, read the other novels that
are written about this topic. How will your novel be different from the
rest?
- Researching can also influence the scope and content of your novel.
As you read more about the time period or topic you're writing about,
you may find some new details that are completely fascinating — and
which change the entire direction of your novel.
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4
Write a first draft.
When you feel ready, sit down and begin writing the first draft of your
novel. Don't worry about making the language perfect — no one will read
this draft but you. Write without judging yourself. The first draft of a
novel does not have to be spectacular — it just has to be done.
Don't hold back. The roughest parts of the novel may turn out to be the
most compelling in future drafts.
- Make the commitment and write every single day — or as often as you
can. You do need to understand what you're undertaking. Many wonderful
writers go unnoticed and unread because their drawers are filled with
unfinished novels.
- Set small goals — finishing a chapter, a few pages, or a certain amount of words every few days — to keep yourself motivated.
- You can also set long-term goals — let's say you're determined to
finish the first draft of a novel in one year, or even in six months.
Pick an "end date" and stick to it.
Method 3 of 3: Revising the Novel
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1
Write as many drafts of your novel as necessary.
You may get lucky and only need to write three drafts to get it right.
Or you may write twenty drafts before your novel rings true. The
important part is slowing down and figuring out when your work feels
done and ready to share with others — if you share it too early, your
creativity will be stifled. Once you've written enough drafts of your
novel and feel ready to move on, you can move on to the editing stage.
- When asked what was the hardest part of writing the ending for A Farewell to Arms (after rewriting it thirty-nine times) Ernest Hemingway famously replied, "Getting the words right".
- After you've written your first draft, take a break from it for a
few weeks, or even a few months, and try to sit back and read it as if
you were one of your reader. Which parts need more explaining? Which
parts are too long and boring?
- A good rule of thumb is that if you find yourself skipping over long
chunks of your novel, your readers will, too. How can you make the
novel more appealing to them by cutting down or revising these
cumbersome parts?
- Each new draft, or new revision, can focus on addressing one or
multiple aspects of the novel. For example, you can write one entirely
new draft focusing on making the narrator more interesting to readers,
another draft that hones in on developing the setting of the events, and
a third that fleshes out the central romance in the novel.
- Repeat this process over and over until you have a draft you'd be
proud to show other people. It may be months or years before your novel
gets to this stage; be patient with yourself.
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2
Practice self-editing.
When you have reached the point where you have written a solid draft of
your novel, you can start editing your work. Now you can focus on
cutting paragraphs or sentences that aren't working, getting rid of any
awkward or repetitive phrasing, or just streamlining your prose. There's
no need to edit every sentence you write after the first draft — most
of the words will change by the time you've completed a solid draft
anyway.
- Print out your novel and read it aloud. Cut or revise anything that just doesn't sound right.
- Don't be too attached to your writing, for example a particular
paragraph that just isn't moving the story forward. Challenge yourself
to make the right decision. You can always use the paragraph in a
different piece.
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3
Show your work to other people.
Begin by showing your writing to someone you completely trust, so you
can get used to the feeling of having others read your work. Since it
isn't always easy to get honest feedback from people who love you and
want to spare your feelings, consider getting outside opinions in one or
more of the following ways:
- Join a writing workshop. Local colleges and writing centers are great places to find fiction workshops. You'll review other people's writing and receive notes on yours as well.
- Start a writing group. If you know a few other people who are
writing novels, arrange to meet with them once a month to share progress
and ask for tips.
- Take advice with a grain of salt. If someone tells you a chapter
isn't working, get a second opinion before you decide to cut it from
your manuscript.
- If you're really committed to finishing a novel, you can consider
applying to an M.A. or an M.F.A. program in creative writing. These
programs offer a supportive and inviting environment for sharing your
work with others. Additionally, they can help motivate you by setting
deadlines for completing your work.
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4
Consider trying to publish your novel.
Many first-time novelists look at their novel as a learning experience
that can help them write stronger fiction in the future; however, if you
feel very confident about your novel and want to try to take it to a
publisher, then there are a number of routes you can take. You can
choose a traditional book publishing house, an online e-publisher, or self-publishing.
- If you're going the traditional route, it helps to find a literary
agent to shop your book around to publishers. Go to Writer's Market for a
list of agents. You'll be asked to submit a query letter and a synopsis
of your manuscript.
- Self-publishing companies vary widely in quality. Before choosing a
company, ask for a few samples so you can see the quality of their paper
and printing.
- And if you don't want to go the publishing route, that's not a
problem. Congratulate yourself on a job well done and move on to your
next creative project.
Tips
- If you're having trouble developing a character that seems
realistic, try this: Take them with you wherever you go. Next time you
go to work, the grocery store, the mall, or even on the street, imagine
what they'd do in your position or situation. Take note of what they'd
do the same as you would and what they would differently.
- Remember to make characters that have similar and different
personality traits (including opinions) compared with your own. No one
wants a Mary Sue, and people may tolerate a well-written Author Avatar
(as TV Tropes would call it) but we should really strive for variety.
- There are plenty of notepad applications (i.e. Google Keep, Astrid
Tasks) for your smartphone/iPod/tablet that can be incredibly useful for
documenting those random ideas wherever you are. Some devices even have
office suites/word processors which can allow you to write on the go.
- Just because you love your story, doesn't mean others will. Let a
minimum of 3-4 trustworthy, reliable friends read it before sending it
off to a publisher. Remember to copyright your work first even if it's
not finished.
- To plow through writer's block, read lots of books, watch plenty of
movies/TV, look around in magazines, travel, dine out, go out with
friends to the bar or dinner, go to parties, explore the city — in other
words, live life. You'll never know when inspiration might hit you.
- Write about anything you desire or fantasize (interpret that in any
way you wish). If you're a sci-fi nut, you probably won't have as much
fun with a historical fiction work.
- "It is better to write for
yourself and have no public than to write for the public and have no
self." Write your story the way you want. There are markets for all
genres, and there will always be a slot for your story if it's well
written and interesting.
- Read lots of books (especially ones
similar in genre or relevant to yours in any way); before, during, and
after you've written your novel. That will help you in many ways.
- If
you're stuck on how to move the story forward, imagine one of your
characters standing behind you and telling you what they'd do in that
situation.
- Write a page a day regardless of how creative you are feeling.
- Invest some time (or a lot), while
writing or not, into music — specifically, songs that would cast a
particular emotion, sensation, or short story in your mind. Search
within your current collection of CD's/tapes/vinyls/MP3s, as well as
explore other genres and moods. Compile a list of songs that would fit
your novel/story, kind of like the soundtrack to a movie. This can help
give you ideas on how to add emotion to parts of your draft that you
find bland or lacking emotion. Or you can try to write a scene or
chapter based on what you feel from hearing a particular song.
- If you are a procrastinator, try joining
NaNoWriMo: write 50,000 words in one month to complete your novel.
Writers tend to work better when there's a deadline to face (more
motivation).
- You'll know after a while if a story
you're writing has really captivated your attention and imagination. If
you don't feel this right away, keep developing ideas and trying.
Sometimes it helps to listen to music in between moments when you're
writing. The right songs can give you ideas on different scenarios and
chapters, and how characters might feel about these adventures,
themselves or even other characters around them.
- As the old joke goes, "Avoid clichés
like the plague" (ironically, this useful bit of advice has been so
oft-repeated that the joke itself is slightly clichéd). They have their place, but over-using them is boring and unoriginal.
- Sometimes that perfect character has
everything — except a good name. Invest in a baby book that provides
names and their meanings, and keep it with you while writing. There are
also websites online that can generate names and/or tell you what names
mean. Alternatively, you may want to try using any online translator to
translate an English word (say 'Warrior') into another language and use
that as a name (if it fits the story in general). You can even mix and
match words from different languages.
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Don't wait for inspiration to just come to you.
Writing is kind of like digestion — there won't be output if there's no
input. For example, you know when you get an idea out of absolutely
nowhere, while you're doing something totally irrelevant to your idea?
That's when you observe something, let it slip into your subconscious
where it gets processed, and at some point, returns back to your
conscious. In some instances, these are some of the best resources for
ideas — the spontaneity of these ideas can really help to develop rich
irony or exciting twists and turns in your story.
- Start a diary or journal and read more,
as this will improve your skills. Remember, if you want to change
something, change it. Your novel can evolve from a war in the Middle
East to a simple high school predicament. It happens, whether you're
just starting your book or in the middle of it. So make sure you really
think about things before you write them.
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