You must be thinking, What are the rules for writing a Novel? Worry not! Here’s your step-by-step guide for writing a novel.
Brainstorming:
This is the first step to extraordinary writing. This technique helps unclog your mind. When you brainstorm, everything you have in mind can be considered. The easiest way is to write down everything that comes to mind when you think about the novel.
The ideas don’t have to be structured. The main goal of brainstorming beforehand is to make your thoughts and ideas tangible. This way, you can easily decide what needs to be added and what is redundant information.
This technique will also help you decide your niche and narrative. You can then choose your genre and create a story much more efficiently.
Fabricating a strong storyline:
The best way to create a strong storyline is by putting yourself in the reader’s shoes. Think about what kind of story you would prefer to read. Ask yourself questions such as ‘Will this inspire me?’ or ‘Is it worthy of my time?’.
By doing so, you can develop a storyline that will hold the power to fascinate your readers. Ensure your plot consists of all the elements that make it special and immersive. The main elements of a plot are as follows:
- Exposition: This is the start of your book writing. You introduce characters, where and when things happen, and the main problem. Don’t take too long to get to the exciting part. Some authors put interesting but not needed details at the start. Instead, begin with action and add background info smoothly.
- Rising action: The rising action starts with something that starts the story. It has more intense conflicts, like going up on a roller coaster. You’re building up to the most exciting part. This part is a big part of your book and can decide if your story is good. Make each conflict more exciting than the last. It’s okay to bring up questions that won’t be answered until the end.
- Climax: The climax is the most intense part of your story. It’s what readers are excited about, so it makes it awesome! Usually, something big changes, or the main character makes a huge choice. Readers shouldn’t know what happens next. It’s like being at the top of a roller coaster – everything stops, and you’re curious. A great climax does this, keeping readers hooked until the end.
- Falling action: Now that you’re at the highest point of your story, it’s time to head toward a good ending. It would be best to start sorting out problems and smaller storylines so the ending doesn’t feel hurried. This is also when you can start solving any new problems that came up because of the big moment earlier.
- Resolution: Lastly, the resolution is where your story ends. You can wrap up any remaining questions and give the story a happy or sad ending. If you’re writing a series, you might leave a suspenseful moment to excite readers for the next part.
Choose your characters:
Nobody wants to invest in a boring novel with dull characters. Thus, choosing your characters wisely is important.
The plot solely relies on the main character/protagonist. Make sure that your main character has flaws and experiences life. This element helps the readers to relate and feel comforted. Think of Suzanne Collins’ Katniss Everdeen or Leigh Bardugos’ Kaz Brekker. Both these characters had strengths, but at the same time, they were heavily flawed. That is why readers adored and admired them.
The villain/antagonist also holds equal importance as the main character. Your antagonist shouldn’t be too conventional or predictable as it takes away the curiosity.
Outline and choose a point of view:
A proper outline will help you write without losing control over the story. The ideas you wrote while brainstorming should then be organized as an outline. By doing this, you will know where to begin and end.
Sum up your story in one sentence as a guide for all drafts. Then, outline the main events briefly on one page. Divide the story into acts and add scenes, focusing on your main character’s goals and conflicts. This keeps the story engaging. Jot down scene ideas even if you need help determining where they fit.
Next, understanding your characters helps you choose a fitting narrative voice. You can opt for the first person, where a character narrates using “I,” like in The Great Gatsby. The second person (“you”) is rare but used for emphasis. Third-person limited maintains distance, focusing on characters without sharing inner thoughts. Third-person omniscient knows everything, sharing thoughts and hidden details, as seen in books like The Da Vinci Code.
Research:
Research as much as you can. Learn about the genre you are writing in. Surf the internet and read from authors who have written in the same genre. Read literary papers to know how the audience has critiqued those writers’ work. This will help you learn from their mistakes and avoid inconsistencies.
Write your first draft:
Do not strive for perfection and let it hold you back. Planning is crucial but take your time thinking. Start writing your novel, even if the first draft of the first chapter is rough. Don’t be discouraged by imperfections; revisions are for refining later. Avoid paralysis from doubt and embrace progress, even if the draft is messy and flawed.
Take a break:
Breaks are necessary. An exhaustive mind and tired body will not make the experience of writing a novel any better. It only adds more to your problems and gets you nowhere in improvement. Instead, reward yourself with breaks. Make a cup of hot cocoa and bask in the morning sunlight. Take long walks and spend time connecting with people and nature. This will do wonders for imagination, and you will concentrate better while working. Allowing your mind and body to rest adds more magic to your novel.
Write a second draft:
After you’ve finished your first draft, closely examine it. You have a couple of options depending on how it’s shaping up. If specific parts need work, you can make small changes to those scenes, like a painter adding final touches to a picture.
But you should take bigger steps if the story isn’t working well. It’s like a doctor realizing a patient needs serious treatment. This could mean starting from scratch and reimagining the whole story on a fresh page.
This big step is often called a “page one rewrite.” It’s like a builder tearing down a house and starting over. You still have the core idea, but you’re rebuilding it to improve it. It’s a bold move, showing your commitment to your story’s success. Whether adding a few brushstrokes or starting anew, remember that your words are powerful, and your story’s journey is about making it the best it can be.
Seek outside opinion:
Do not hesitate to ask for help! Chat with your friend or partner and ask them about the story. Allow them to ask you questions and shed light on varying aspects of the novel. After your second draft, sharing your novel with trusted readers like friends, writers, or editors is common.
Pay attention if several people mention the same issue—it’s likely important. But remember, not all suggestions fit. Some might point out problems but offer solutions that don’t feel right. It’s your story, so while advice is useful, you have the final say. Your novel reflects your creativity, and your vision matters most.
End with a bang:
There is no such thing as a perfect ending. However, an ending that leaves you blown away does exist. Your novel must end with a bang, making readers wonder how it happened. Your novel’s resolution will decide whether it is worth a second read. The banging ending can be tragic or happy. Whatever it might be, do not let it end as if it never started in the first place.