Things You Can Do To Start Writing A Novel

Writing a novel is harder than it looks. Thankfully, there are some things you can do to make the process easier.

Takeaways
1. Set Clear Goals: Define your novel’s purpose and what you want to achieve with it. This will give your writing direction and motivation.
2. Create a Writing Schedule: Allocate specific time slots for writing. Consistency will help you make steady progress.
3. Explore Ideas: Brainstorm different ideas, themes, and genres to find what resonates with you. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box.
4. Develop Characters: Craft well-rounded characters with unique personalities, motivations, and flaws. They drive the heart of your story.
5. Start Small: Begin with short writing sessions to build momentum. Focus on one scene, dialogue, or description at a time.
6. Embrace Imperfection: Your first draft doesn’t have to be perfect. Allow yourself to write freely without overthinking. You can refine later.
7. Seek Feedback: Share your work with trusted friends or writing groups. Constructive feedback can provide valuable insights for improvement.
8. Read Widely: Exposure to different writing styles and genres can inspire and inform your own storytelling techniques.
9. Stay Persistent: Writing a novel takes time. Keep pushing through challenges, and celebrate each step of progress.
10. Believe in Yourself: Cultivate self-belief and confidence in your writing abilities. Remember that every successful writer started with a first step.

Permit Yourself To Write Badly

You don’t have to write a perfect first draft.

This advice may sound obvious, but it’s important to remind yourself that you don’t need every word of your novel to be perfect. Your first draft doesn’t even have to make sense! 

The most important thing is that you get ideas down on paper and then revise them later when you can see what works and what doesn’t.

It’s also okay if your writing isn’t grammatically correct or even remotely close to being correct. You probably won’t be able to spell all the words correctly either (and if you do, I’m jealous). 

These things will come in time as your writing improves and evolves into something more polished. In the meantime, just write whatever comes into your head as quickly as possible, and don’t worry about getting everything right immediately!

Starting your creative journey can be daunting, but taking those first steps is crucial. Learn practical methods and tips in our guide on ways to get your creative plunge off the ground to embark on your creative endeavors.

Write As Often As You Can (And Preferably Every Day)

You should write as often as you can (and preferably every day).

Writing daily is an important part of your writing practice. The more consistent you are with your writing, the faster it will come to flow naturally and easily. And when it comes to getting that first draft down on paper, nothing is more powerful than the momentum of a daily habit.

If this sounds daunting, there’s always the option of starting small: 5 minutes per day will add up quickly!

The benefits of writing every day go beyond just developing good habits; the regular practice also strengthens your analytical skills and makes them easier to access when working on a new piece. 

When I write regularly, I find that my stories tend to be better thought out before I even begin typing them up.

Because I’ve gotten into the habit of thinking about plot twists or other potential story points in advance during my non-writing time (when I’m exercising or taking care of chores around the house).

Enhancing your creative writing skills is an ongoing process that requires dedication. Discover 17 actionable strategies in our article about improving your creative writing skills and watch your writing flourish.

Read In Your Genre

I know, I know: if you’re not writing, why read? Well, we have to take a break and recharge our creative batteries sometimes. And since reading is such an integral part of the writing process (and a great way to get inspired), you mustn’t neglect this step!

Read what you like: If certain authors or genres speak to your heart and soul more than others, then go after those first. You may be surprised by what you find with some of the books on your TBR list books that once seemed bland can become favorites after all.

Find A Writing Buddy

Like any creative endeavor, writing a novel requires dedication and perseverance. 

It is important to have someone in your corner who understands the process, can encourage you when you’re feeling down and will hold you accountable when it’s time to get back on track.

Find a friend who is also writing a novel.

Share ideas: check in with each other on where you are at in the process, share feedback about your respective stories and characters, etc. 

This can be done through email or text messaging or an app like Slack if both writers prefer working with technology instead of face-to-face communication. 

You might even decide that it would be helpful for each of you to work from the same space (in separate rooms) so that there is less distraction for both parties involved!

Share a writing goal: Whether it’s finishing an entire draft by September 30th or submitting your first manuscript by December 31st.

Set goals that motivate YOU personally and focus on those instead of worrying about what everyone else thinks should happen first! Focus on YOUR goals (even if they seem crazy because they ARE YOUR OWN).

Technology can be a valuable tool for writers, offering new ways to explore your imagination. Explore our list of the top 12 writing apps that can ignite your creativity and streamline your writing process.

Find A Writer’s Group

As you’re finding your voice as a writer, it’s important to find an environment where you feel safe and supported. A writers’ group can provide that environment for you.

If the group is full of people who are overly critical and overly supportive, it may be difficult to find the right balance between criticism and support. 

If they’re all encouraged to share their work but then one person gets too much praise while others get none at all, that could create a sense of competition which isn’t helpful for writers in general or any individual writer in particular.

Experiment With Forms, Styles, And Genres

Writing is an art, and like all art, it can take many forms. Experimenting with your writing style can help you find what you’re best at, or even open up new creative opportunities. Try writing poetry while thinking about how much rhyme and meter are too much rhyme and meter. 

Try writing a play with only one character that has no lines. Try writing a short story where every sentence starts with the same letter of the alphabet (or doesn’t). Try writing a screenplay for a movie that doesn’t exist yet.

Trying different forms will allow you to test drive different genres and styles until one clicks for you and when it does, you’ll know!

Outline Your Novel Before You Start Writing It

When you start writing a novel, you’re going to want to get as much of it written as you can before putting it out to the public. This is because the first impressions people have of your book are the most important ones. 

If they give up on reading your work after just one chapter, then there’s no way for them to see how good it gets later on.

So before you begin writing anything at all, take some time and think about what type of plot structure would be best for your project a linear plotline where everything happens in chronological order. 

Or maybe something more complex like a nonlinear structure with flashbacks and flashforwards? You’ll also need to decide whether or not there will be multiple main characters (like in Harry Potter) or just one (like in Gone Girl).

You should also take some time thinking about how many chapters there will be in total and whether each chapter will focus on different events or locations within one overarching storyline (which is called “scene” by writers). 

This can help give readers an idea of where things might go without giving away too much information at once–plus it helps keep everyone interested!

Writing a novel can seem like an overwhelming task, but breaking it down can lead to remarkable progress. Follow our step-by-step framework for writing better novels in one weekend to make significant strides in your storytelling journey.

Write A Detailed Character Profile For Each Of Your Main Characters

You should develop a detailed character profile for each of your main characters. A character profile includes physical description, personality traits, goals, motives, conflicts, strengths, and weaknesses. 

Your protagonist will be the main character in your novel so think about what makes them tick. What is their backstory? What do they want out of life? What’s keeping them from getting it?

The best way to create a good profile is to start by writing out everything you know about the character in detail (the more details the better). You then need to review this information regularly as you write because it’s easy to forget stuff when you’re writing fast!

Study The Bestsellers In Your Genre To See How They Are Put Together

One of the best ways to learn how to write a novel is by studying the bestsellers in your genre. That’s right, read them! It can be daunting at first, but if you stick with it, you will find it very helpful when it comes time for you to write your novel.

When you read these popular books, pay attention to what makes them so good and successful. What makes them stand out from all the other novels out there? Why do people love these books? 

If a book has sold millions of copies worldwide and has been on bestseller lists for years (or even decades), then there’s something about that book that drives readers wild!

Starting a novel without a clear idea might feel challenging, but the journey itself can lead to unexpected brilliance. Discover insights and strategies in our guide on how to write a novel even though you have no idea and embrace the creative unknown.

Don’t Be Afraid To Shelve A Project Temporarily If You Run Out Of Steam Or Ideas On It

If you’re like me, there are a lot of projects — both personal and professional — that get started but are never finished. 

Maybe you thought about writing a book for years before finally sitting down to do it, only to find yourself stuck after two chapters and eight months of work. Don’t be afraid to shelve a project temporarily if you run out of steam or ideas on it.

Don’t be afraid to put your novel aside for months at a time, either; sometimes this is the best way to get back into the groove and continue working on it later. If you’re still excited about the idea, then by all means pick up where you left off!

Further Reading

If you’re looking to delve deeper into the topic of starting to write a novel, here are some additional resources to explore:

Tips for Starting to Write a Novel – Curtis Brown Creative offers insightful tips and guidance to kickstart your novel-writing journey.

How to Write a Novel: A Comprehensive Guide – Reedsy’s blog provides a comprehensive guide on the process of writing a novel, covering everything from planning to publishing.

Getting Started: How to Begin Writing a Novel – The Writing Cooperative presents practical advice on starting your novel-writing venture.

FAQs

Have questions about getting started with writing a novel? Check out these frequently asked questions:

How do I overcome writer’s block during the initial stages?

Writer’s block is common, especially when starting a novel. To combat it, try freewriting or setting small, achievable writing goals each day.

Should I outline my novel before I begin writing?

Outlining can provide structure and direction, but it’s not mandatory. Some writers prefer to discover the story as they write. Choose the approach that suits your creative process.

What if I’m not sure about my novel’s genre or theme?

Exploring various genres and themes is a natural part of the creative process. Allow yourself to experiment and let your story evolve organically.

How can I stay motivated and consistent in my writing routine?

Creating a writing schedule and setting realistic goals can help maintain consistency. Reward yourself for achieving milestones and seek support from writing communities.

Is it normal to feel uncertain about my writing quality when I start?

Absolutely. Most writers experience self-doubt at the beginning. Remember that first drafts are meant to be revised and polished. Trust in your growth as a writer.