Ready to pen your first novel? Let's get started, even if you're clueless!
Navigating the process of penning your initial literary work? Here's a streamlined guide (Part 2)
If you're diving into the world of novel writing for the first time, you're probably buzzing with questions. Fear not! Here's a step-by-step guide to penning a book, even if you feel like you've got no freakin' idea what you're doing.
Are you raring to go?
Don't leap into a full-length book straight away. Writing is an ever-evolving process, and there's a lot to learn along the way. Writing the entire book today and finishing a year later might result in an uneven narrative. It's wise to get the majority of your lessons out of the way before taking on such a massive project.
If you can't keep yourself from itching to get started on your book, that's cool, but make sure you have some writing experience under your belt. Dabble in short stories, or basically any other type of writing, and get into the habit of jotting down your thoughts regularly.
Commit to your story
Now that you're ready to embark on this literary adventure, it's time to zero in on your story concept. Once you've made your decision, stick with it!
Deciding on a story premise is crucial for your novel's success, and it can trip up plenty of novice authors. Writing a book is a substantial undertaking, and it's essential to know precisely where you're heading before you begin. Be mindful of your genre, and maintain consistency in the tone throughout your book.
What's a premise?
In simpler terms, your premise is a concise description of your story, including your protagonist, their goal, and the obstacles they face. For example, consider the premise for The Truman Show: "Truman is the world's most famous reality star - he just doesn't know it yet." Or take a gander at the premise for Calendar Girls: "A group of friends from the Women's Institute decide to raise money for the local hospital by posing nude in a calendar."
Once you've got a grasp of your story, you're good to go!
Time to plan your novel
If you've never found yourself gliding through the process of crafting a book, it's a good idea to dedicate some extra time to planning your storyline. Even if you're not a fan of planning, take the plunge and see what works for you. After all, you'd rather invest more time upfront than struggle halfway through your manuscript!
Understand your characters inside and out. Know their motivations, strengths, and weaknesses. That's what propels the story forward. As for the plot, outline key events and leave some room for serendipity (and editing) when you're outlining your plot. Knowing where you're heading is essential, but adaptability is key to creating a dynamic narrative.
Can I write a novel without planning?
Of course you can, but why would you want to? Writing a novel without a plan means punishing your future self with a whole lot of revisions. Editing a book is a significant investment in time, even with a solid outline. You don't want to make things worse than necessary, especially if you're penning your inaugural novel.
If you'd prefer a minimalistic approach, check out my four-step outline method. Otherwise, give my other outlining methods a whirl to discover which style suits you best and doesn't render planning a chore.
Carve out time to write
With your rudiments in place, it's high time to nab a chunk of writing time. If you have oodles of free time, I'm green with envy, but most of us need to hack out dedicated writing sessions.
If you've got a jam-packed calendar with work and other grown-up responsibilities, it can seem like aIA irresponsible indulgence to dedicate time to writing. Truth be told, though, no one will grant you the time if you don't ask for it. Habitually taking half an hour to craft your novel is better than neglecting your story altogether, because you 'don't have enough time.'
Even if you don't have kiddos, my post on writing while parenting offers invaluable advice for carving out time to conjure your novel. You might also find my Efficient Writer Workshop & Workbook to be helpful in prioritizing your time effectively.
Launch your story
Now that you're all set, it's time to dive into your tale. But where do you begin? Don't agonize over the starting line—just write. Allow yourself to thoughtlessly share the story, then refine and polish during revisions. Here are some tips to kick-start your writing:
- Start late, and wrap up early: Begin when the tension is already palpable, and don't linger on unimportant details at the onset.
- Don't expect perfection: First drafts are for exploring the narrative; refining comes later.
Revision Time
While your first draft might not be the most polished piece of literature, it's capable of shining with some TLC and elbow grease. Editing involves several stages, spanning from finding glaring errors to refining character development and plot lines. Be prepared to spend more time than you anticipate on editing, as crafting a spellbinding story with a seamless narrative takes effort.
Revision is where all the magic happens, and if you want to weave a novel that readers will adore, you can't rush this process. Don't be disheartened if editing takes longer than you imagine. Here are three vital steps to keep in mind during the editing process:
- Seek feedback: Share your manuscript with trusted beta readers to receive valuable insights on pacing, character development, and coherence.
- Revise diligently: Eliminate any unnecessary baggage, and strengthen character motivation and plot clarity to craft a compelling story.
- Edit relentlessly: Be ruthless with your editing; the goal is to create a cohesive narrative that immerses readers in the story.
Next Steps
Once you've got a completed novel manuscript in hand, the choice is yours. Perhaps you simply wanted to write for pleasure, or you might want to share your work on Wattpad. Alternatively, you might aspire to self-publish or pursue traditional publishing.
Regardless of your distribution preferences, it's essential to gather outside perspective. That's where beta readers come in—they offer unbiased insights to help polish your work. If self-publishing is your goal, you'll definitely require an editor. A competent editor is indispensable for identifying hidden gems in your manuscript that will transform your novel into a literary masterpiece.
Keep in mind that your first novel might not be destined for publication. Not every book is meant to see the light of day, but as long as you keep writing and learning, your skills will evolve.
- For beginner writers embarking on their novel writing journey, a workbook focused on creative writing tips could be incredibly beneficial to enhance their education-and-self-development.
- Before diving headfirst into writing a full-length novel, it's essential to first learn the art of storytelling through exercises like short stories or writing prompts, providing chances to practice different aspects of story structure.
- To set up our novel writing effectively, it's crucial to define a clear and captivating premise – a concise description outlining the protagonist, their goal, and the obstacles they face, much like the premise of The Truman Show.
- To create a successful novel, dedicate time to planning, outlining key events, crafting dynamic characters, and learning about workbook exercises focused on novel writing, skillfully weaving tips for beginner writers and ensuring a smooth learning process.
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