How to Write a Novel: A 10-Step Guide for Authors
Writing a novel requires a structured approach that moves from foundational motivation to consistent execution. The process involves defining your core purpose, selecting a complex idea, establishing genre conventions, developing deep characters and setting, structuring the plot, and finally, committing to a routine that prioritizes momentum over perfection during the first draft.
Key Takeaways
Define your 'why' first; motivation sustains effort past initial excitement.
A novel idea must be complex enough to sustain 80,000 words and significant conflict.
Choose POV and tense early to establish narrative intimacy and voice.
Focus on creating fascinating characters with clear goals and internal flaws.
Consistency in routine and systems is more crucial than relying on inspiration.
Why must I identify my core motivation before writing?
Identifying your core motivation, or your ‘why,’ is the crucial first step because it provides the necessary fuel to sustain your writing efforts long after the initial excitement fades. This foundational purpose informs your schedule, helps you approach challenges effectively, and ensures you remain committed to the long process of novel creation. Whether you aim to share a deep message, start a career, or achieve a personal goal, knowing your motivation is key to completion. Keep this written motivation visible to reference during tough moments.
- Core Motivation Questions: Share a deep message?
- Core Motivation Questions: Bring characters/worlds to life?
- Core Motivation Questions: Start an author career?
- Core Motivation Questions: Personal achievement?
How do I select a novel-worthy idea that will last?
To select a novel-worthy idea, you must evaluate whether the concept possesses sufficient depth and complexity to sustain a narrative of 80,000 words or more. A strong idea goes beyond a simple concept, hinting at inherent conflict and high stakes, often framed by compelling ‘what if’ questions. When committing, choose the idea that evokes both excitement and a healthy sense of fear, as this indicates its potential scope. Look for the idea that persistently returns to your thoughts, demanding to be written.
- Idea Evaluation: Must sustain 80,000+ words.
- Idea Evaluation: Needs depth beyond a simple concept.
- Commitment Strategy: Choose idea that evokes both excitement AND fear.
- Idea Test: Main character with clear goal, significant obstacles, and meaningful consequences.
What role does genre play in writing a novel?
Genre functions as both a marketing category and a vital guide for setting reader expectations and convention. Choosing your genre early helps you understand the specific tropes, pacing, and emotional payoffs readers anticipate, whether you are writing Literary Fiction, Romance, or Science Fiction. By studying comparable titles (comp titles), you can effectively navigate these conventions, ensuring your story delivers the expected experience while still offering unique elements. This clarity is essential for both writing and eventual publication.
- Genre Function: Marketing category.
- Genre Function: Sets reader expectations and convention guide.
- Common Genres: Literary Fiction, Romance, Mystery/Thriller, Science Fiction / Fantasy, Historical Fiction / Horror / YA.
How should I choose the best point of view and tense?
Selecting the point of view (POV) and tense determines the narrative intimacy and immediacy of your story. First Person offers an intimate but limited view, while Third Person Limited follows one character closely. Third Person Omniscient knows everything, providing maximum flexibility. Tense options typically include Past Tense (traditional) or Present Tense (for immediacy). The best way to decide is to experiment by writing the same scene using different POV and tense combinations to see which voice best serves your story and characters.
- POV Options: First Person ('I') - Intimate, limited view.
- POV Options: Third Person Limited (He/She/They) - Follows one character.
- POV Options: Third Person Omniscient - Knows everything.
- Tense Options: Past Tense (Traditional) or Present Tense (Immediacy).
What are the key elements for developing main characters?
Developing main characters requires focusing on their internal and external drivers, as fascinating characters are the heart of any story. For the protagonist, define what they want (external goal), what they truly need (internal need), and the flaw they must overcome to achieve growth. The antagonist must have a goal that conflicts directly with the protagonist’s, but they should also believe they are justified and possess humanizing weaknesses. Create detailed profiles focusing on motivations, fears, and defining past experiences to ensure depth.
- Protagonist Focus: What do they want? (External Goal).
- Protagonist Focus: What do they need? (Internal Need).
- Antagonist Focus: Goal conflicts with protagonist; believes they are justified.
- Key Insight: Focus on creating fascinating characters, not just likable ones.
How does setting influence the story and characters?
The setting is more than just a backdrop; it actively creates mood, atmosphere, and introduces specific challenges that shape character dynamics. When determining your setting, consider the time period (historical, contemporary, future) and the geographic location (real or imagined). To avoid 'White Room Syndrome'—where the story could happen anywhere—ensure the setting is integrated deeply enough to naturally create conflict for the protagonist. A well-chosen setting should actively enhance the cohesive world of the narrative.
- Setting Functions: Creates mood and atmosphere.
- Setting Functions: Introduces specific challenges.
- Setting Functions: Shapes character dynamics (e.g., small town vs. big city).
- Considerations: Time period and geographic location.
How can story structure help shape my plot?
Story structure provides a fundamental framework that organizes your ideas, builds tension, and ensures you deliver the expected emotional payoff to readers. Most narratives follow a three-act structure: the Beginning (first 25%) introduces the inciting incident; the Middle (middle 50%) develops complications, raises stakes, and forces difficult choices; and the End (final 25%) features the climactic confrontation and resolves all storylines. Mapping these major turning points before writing helps maintain momentum, though you should remain flexible as the story evolves.
- Beginning (First 25%): Inciting incident disrupts ordinary world.
- Middle (Middle 50%): Develop complications and raise stakes; force difficult choices.
- End (Final 25%): Climactic confrontation; show protagonist change and resolve storylines.
- Purpose of Structure: Organizes ideas and builds tension.
Should I be a plotter, pantser, or plantser?
The decision to outline depends entirely on your personal writing style, which falls along a spectrum. Plotters map everything upfront, Pantsers write by discovery (seat of their pants), and Plantsers blend planning and discovery. Regardless of your approach, every novel needs basic structural must-haves to guide the narrative flow. Treat any outline you create as a living document, allowing it to evolve as you discover new elements during the drafting process. Choose the style that energizes you and keeps you writing.
- Writer Approaches Spectrum: Plotters (Map everything upfront).
- Writer Approaches Spectrum: Pantsers (Write by discovery).
- Writer Approaches Spectrum: Plantsers (Blend planning and discovery).
- Basic Outline Must-Haves: Opening scene, inciting incident, major plot points/climax, and resolution.
How do I establish an effective writing routine?
Establishing a consistent writing routine is critical because consistency and systems reliably beat reliance on fleeting motivation or inspiration. Start by determining your best time (morning or evening) and environment (quiet or bustling) for focused work. Create a specific, realistic schedule and establish focus rituals, such as making tea or using a specific playlist, to signal to your brain that it is time to write. Track your progress using daily or weekly word count goals (e.g., 500–1000 words) and build accountability through writing groups or coaching.
- Setting Up Success: Determine best time (Morning/Evening) and environment (Quiet/Bustling).
- Setting Up Success: Establish focus rituals (Tea/Playlist).
- Commitment & Tracking: Create a specific, realistic schedule.
- Commitment & Tracking: Track progress with daily/weekly word count goals.
What is the best philosophy for writing the first draft?
The best philosophy for writing the first draft is prioritizing momentum over perfection. Your primary goal is simply to finish the story, giving yourself permission to write poorly if necessary. Do not stop to edit or revise while drafting; this breaks momentum and can lead to abandonment. Aim for forward progress always, using placeholders for any details or research you get stuck on. Remember the mantra: 'It’s okay, I'll fix it later.' The magic and quality of the novel truly happen during the revision stage.
- Drafting Philosophy: Momentum Over Perfection.
- Drafting Philosophy: Do not stop to edit while drafting.
- Drafting Guidelines: Aim for forward progress always.
- Drafting Guidelines: Use placeholders for details you get stuck on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is identifying my 'why' the first step in writing a novel?
Identifying your core motivation is essential because it fuels your commitment. It helps you overcome challenges and informs your schedule, ensuring you continue writing long after the initial excitement has passed.
How can I test if my idea is complex enough for a full novel?
A novel-worthy idea must sustain over 80,000 words. Test it by ensuring it includes a main character with a clear goal, significant obstacles, and meaningful consequences if they fail to achieve that goal.
What is the main purpose of using story structure?
Story structure organizes your ideas, builds tension effectively, and ensures the narrative delivers a satisfying emotional payoff to the reader, typically through a clear beginning, middle, and end.
What is the difference between a Plotter and a Pantser?
Plotters map out the entire story upfront, while Pantsers write by discovery, letting the story unfold as they go. Many writers find success as Plantsers, blending both approaches.
What is the most important rule for completing the first draft?
The most important rule is prioritizing momentum over perfection. Do not stop to edit or revise; simply aim for forward progress. The first draft only needs to exist; quality is built in revision.
