Almost every time I tell someone I have written a novel, I get the response, "Oh, I've always wanted to write a novel." But most people never write that book because writing a novel can be a daunting, overwhelming task. Guess what? It doesn't have to be that difficult. On this web page, I give you advice and resources on how to write novel.
Here are some tips on writing a novel:
- Decide What Kind of Novel It Will Be. Mystery? Thriller? Romance? Crime? You need to know what genre your novel will be and who your target reader is.
- Research. Do the necessary research on your novel. No matter what the novel is on, you need to know what you're talking about; otherwise, people just won't want to hear what you have to say.
- Outline the Content (and Characters). You need to create an outline you can follow--this will serve as the blueprint for your book. It doesn't have to delineate every aspect and scene of your entire novel, but you should outline your purpose for writing the novel, your theme, and stay focused on this purpose. Develop and understand your characters and the roles they play in your novel. Make them memorable but real.
- Write with a Quota. This is critical. Writing a novel is too much to swallow at once. Give yourself a daily page quota to fulfill, and then write that amount every day, no matter how long it takes. My suggestion is to write 3 pages a day.
- Revise. It has been said that true writing is re-writing. Nothing I ever write--even the simplest email--is the way I want it the first time around. Same goes with your novel. Get good at editing your own novel, revising it, re-writing it. Go over your novel content multiple times.
- Feedback. Getting quality feedback is extremely beneficial to improving your novel, whether it is from a smart, trusted friend or loved one, or a professional writer or editor. Listen and be open-minded.
I highly recommend a few outstanding books and guides on writing and how to write a great novel:
How to Write a Damn Good Novel: A Step-By-Step No Nonsense Guide to Dramatic Storytelling. Written in a clear, crisp style, this book is perfect for beginners or professional writers who need a crash course in the down-to-earth basics of storytelling. Talent and inspiration can't be taught, but the author does give helpful, sensible rules and principles that will free a writer to face that novel's intimidating first page, keep him on track when he falters, and help him analyze the problems with his novel when he's done.
Writing Fiction: The Practical Guide from New York 's Acclaimed Creative Writing School . Written for the aspiring and experienced writer alike, the book includes: the fundamental elements of the novel craft--character, plot, point of view, etc--explained clearly and completely; key concepts illustrated with passages from great works of fiction; exercises that let you immediately apply what you learn to your own writing.
How to Write & Sell Your First Novel. An inspiring guide that gives information on the principles of writing a novel--story, plot, characters, etc--and motivating stories and advice on getting your novel published.