Writing a novel can be a daunting task. It’s not just a matter of putting your finger on the keyboard and seeing what happens. Instead, it requires an intricate framework of planning ahead.
You need to know what every scene is going to be about, who your characters are and how they’re going to grow over time and that’s just for starters!
But I have good news: if you follow this simple guide, you’ll be well on your way toward writing the best novel ever by this time next weekend.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Utilize a structured framework for novel writing. |
| 2. Plan your storyline and character arcs beforehand. |
| 3. Break down tasks to maximize writing efficiency. |
| 4. Incorporate creativity while following the framework. |
| 5. Embrace the challenge of writing in a condensed timeframe. |
The Outline
Outlines are one of the most critical parts of the novel-writing process. An outline is a road map for your novel, it’s what gives you direction when you get lost in your story.
The outline is the foundation on which your book will be built. It provides you with a skeleton that will hold up when things get tough and also give your story shape and structure as it grows into something more complex than just words on paper (or screen).
Think of this as diagramming sentences or making flowcharts: it might seem tedious at first, but once they’re finished they’ll help guide us through our writing process until we reach our goal of a completed draft!
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The Character Sheet
The character sheet is a summary of all the characters in your novel. It should include their name, age, occupation, and relationship to the protagonist.
The character description should also include a short description of their appearance (height/weight/hair color) as well as any other important details about them (for example: where they live).
The final section of the character sheet contains a list of their traits or personality traits.
The Setting Map
What Is A Setting Map?
A setting map is an outline of the world you’ve created for your novel, including all the major locations and settings. It can be as simple or intricate as you want it to be; there are no set rules that have to be followed.
The only thing that matters is that you create a complete picture in your mind of your story’s setting before beginning to write the actual manuscript.
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How Do I Create One?
There are many different ways to go about creating a setting map for your novel, but here are some suggestions:
Use index cards (or post-its). Write down each location or environment on its card and then arrange them on a wall in chronological order based on when they appear in the story.
For example, if there’s going to be an earthquake halfway through your book that destroys part of town, place those cards near each other so it’s easy for yourself or anyone else who’s looking at it later down the road when writing/editing/revising drafts during the editing process!
You could also use colored sticky notes instead which would allow users to distinguish between different categories like “Environment” vs “Character”.
The Plot Planner
The plot planner is a tool to help you organize your story. You can use it to make sure your plot is logical and has structure, as well as is easy to follow.
The plot planner helps you create a story that has a beginning, middle, and end; in other words, it has three acts. Each act will have certain events that happen within them which lead up to the next act.
By using this framework, you can easily see where things might be going wrong with your story and fix them before they get too far along.
The Roadmap Document
From the outset, you’ll have a road map that outlines every element of your novel. This not only helps ensure that everything connects and has meaning, but it also saves you from wasting time trying to figure out how to tie all these elements together.
The first step is to create an outline for your entire story this includes the major plot points, characters, and themes; subplots and other important scenes; character arcs; setting elements; etc.
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The Synopsis
The synopsis is a summary of your novel. It’s a brief description of what happens in your story and why it happens.
Think of it as a gist or elevator pitch for your book a quick way to give someone an idea about what you’ve written, without having to read the whole thing out loud (although I encourage this if you have time).
It may seem obvious that you need one, but many writers neglect this important step.
The reason is likely because writing synopses feels like homework it can feel tedious, especially when all you want to do is write more chapters instead of doing something else that doesn’t involve working on your manuscript. I get it!
But trust me: writing synopses will be worth it in the end if they help improve how well organized your work is and make sure every scene serves its purpose within the overall story arc.
The First Draft
The first draft is the most important part of the whole process. It doesn’t matter how good or bad it is, so don’t worry about that. Just get it done! As you go along, feel free to make changes and edits as you see fit you can always go back and fix things later.
Just be sure not to think too much about what your story is going to be like before you start writing it (or else you’ll get caught up in trying to figure out everything before you write anything). If there’s one thing I’ve learned over my years of writing novels, it’s that:
The Second Draft Revisions
This is where you revise your first draft. This is where you revise the second draft. This is where you revise the third draft and so on until your writing reaches perfection, or at least as close to it as possible given the time constraints of your current life situation.
If at this point in your novel writing career you are anything like me, then there will be many times when you think about giving up on writing altogether because it’s just too hard for you to find a balance between raising children and working (or not working) full-time from home.
While still making sure that everything else gets done around the house like laundry or grocery shopping or taking out the trash but don’t do that! Instead of giving up on yourself, keep pushing through.
Keep revising these drafts until they’re perfect enough for submission into an agent’s inbox so they can see just how good these stories are!
Once all four drafts have been completed (final manuscript), go back over them carefully looking for any inconsistencies with previous versions.
As well as any other mistakes such as misspelled words or grammatical errors that were missed during earlier revisions because no one can write perfectly 100% percent every single time . . .
Except maybe JK Rowling herself but even she isn’t perfect all day long either so don’t feel bad if there are some things left undone before submitting something professional-quality ready-for publication-quality material ready-for publication material onto submission platforms like Submittable
Embarking on your first novel is an exciting endeavor, but it’s essential to follow a path that maximizes your chances of success. Discover the 14 crucial steps to take when writing your first novel to ensure a smooth and fruitful journey through the creative process.
The Third Draft Revision Notes
The third draft is where you revise the manuscript, organize it and write it again.
You should revise your first two drafts after each one is completed. That means writing a new outline before starting a second draft, then revising that new outline as you begin to write the next draft.
This ensures that you are always working with something fresh in mind and gives your brain new material to work with when writing or editing an earlier chapter of your novel (or screenplay).
Once all three complete drafts have been written, revised, and rewritten once more (or twice), then finalized by adding any last-minute details such as commas or dialogue tags you’re ready for publication!
The Fourth Draft Revision Notes
We can’t stress this enough: Make sure you’re satisfied with your story before moving on to the next step. There are no shortcuts when it comes to revising your novel, so be patient and methodical as you go through the first three drafts of your book.
The fourth draft is where we’ll start working on making our stories more engaging, consistent, and well-paced. We’ll also make sure our characters are well-developed and unique. Finally, we’ll take a look at how well-written our novel truly is!
Choosing The Final Manuscript Title and Subtitle
Once you have the first draft, it’s time to choose your final manuscript title. Your title should be catchy and memorable, but also relevant to the plot. It should also speak to your characters’ journey and what they’ve overcome by the end of the book.
Also, make sure it relates to the setting (which is sometimes overlooked). Finally, make sure it reflects your theme this should be something that ties everything together.
Behind every captivating novel lies a wellspring of creative ideas. Dive into the process of generating story ideas with insights from seasoned authors. Learn how these ideas take shape and transform into the stories that captivate readers.
Conclusion
I’m going to end this post with a question: Do you want to write a novel and sell it? If so, then please let me know in the comments below! I would love to chat with you about your story and help you get started on writing it.
Further Reading
Explore more resources to enhance your novel-writing journey:
Jerry Jenkins: Dive into a comprehensive guide on how to write a novel by Jerry Jenkins, a seasoned author and writing expert. Gain valuable insights and practical tips to refine your storytelling skills.
Self-Publishing School: Uncover the secrets of successful authors with this guide on how to write a book from Self-Publishing School. Learn proven strategies to craft engaging narratives and navigate the publishing process.
Reedsy Blog: Delve into the art of crafting compelling stories with the help of the Reedsy Blog’s guide on writing a book. Discover expert advice and creative techniques to transform your ideas into captivating novels.
FAQs
How to start the novel-writing process?
Starting your novel can be daunting, but it all begins with a spark of inspiration. Consider exploring various prompts, brainstorming ideas, or even using personal experiences as a foundation for your story.
How do I overcome writer’s block during the novel-writing journey?
Writer’s block is a common challenge. To overcome it, take breaks, change your writing environment, or explore different angles of your story. Sometimes, engaging in unrelated creative activities can also help rejuvenate your creativity.
What are some essential elements of a well-rounded novel?
A well-rounded novel typically includes a compelling plot, well-developed characters, immersive settings, and a strong narrative structure. These elements work together to create an engaging and memorable reading experience.
How can I stay motivated throughout the novel-writing process?
Maintaining motivation requires setting realistic goals, celebrating small victories, and connecting with a supportive writing community. Breaking your writing into manageable tasks and visualizing your progress can also help keep your enthusiasm alive.
What should I do after completing my first draft?
After finishing your initial draft, take a break to gain fresh perspective. When you return, focus on revising, refining, and polishing your manuscript. Seek feedback from beta readers or writing groups to further improve your work.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.