Novel-writing is hard work. It can take months or even years of intense mental concentration. A vivid imagination is useful but perseverance is just as necessary. Create a story about something that interests you. Only then are you likely to have enough determination to write your novel through to the end.
For a first novel, you need to write about familiar places and times. The writing will then sound authentic. If you want to include information on subjects not familiar to you, research the area thoroughly or have a knowledgeable friend give their opinion of how you have dealt with a subject.
Decide what genre you're going to attempt. Whether you're writing a mystery, a romance or a historical drama, the approach to each will be different. The plot is important. Generally there needs to be tension of some sort in the writing; a problem or dilemma that isn't fully resolved until the end of the book. Twists and turns in the plot keep the reader in suspense and wanting to know more. Because a novel is so long, subplots may be needed to retain the interest until the last page. A rough plan will keep you on track and give you guidelines to follow.
Every writer uses a different method to write their novel. Setting a goal of a certain number of words a day works for many people. Some work better early in the morning; others do their best writing after the household has gone to bed and there is peace and quiet.
Characters should be believable without being stereotyped. Watch the people around you and incorporate some of their interesting characteristics into your characters. Choose names carefully and ensure they suit the characters. Before including a character, make them as real as possible in your imagination. Think about how they would speak, what they would wear and any mannerisms they might have.
A universal rule is 'show, don't tell'. Try to impart information by the actions, dialogue and stance of your characters. Instead of telling the reader a person is angry, show it by having him/her slam down a book or stamp out of a room. Dialogue is a very strong tool. Mix speech and narrative to keep the interest alive.
Read your work very critically. Look for spelling mistakes and errors in grammar. Check the time-lines and look for facts that don't ring true. With a long novel, it is easy to lose track of some facts. Everyone finds it hard to proof-read their own work. It may be useful to have a trusted friend or even a professional editor look at your story for you. Trim unnecessary words and paragraphs that might turn a reader's interest to boredom. If a passage isn't moving the action forward, then it needs to be deleted.
If you find the words are coming almost faster than you can write them down, just write without bothering to make minor corrections. Editing can wait till later. Once you write your novel, put it away for at least four weeks before going through it again. Writing a book is sometimes the easiest part. Editing and proof-reading may take longer than the actual writing.
For a first novel, you need to write about familiar places and times. The writing will then sound authentic. If you want to include information on subjects not familiar to you, research the area thoroughly or have a knowledgeable friend give their opinion of how you have dealt with a subject.
Decide what genre you're going to attempt. Whether you're writing a mystery, a romance or a historical drama, the approach to each will be different. The plot is important. Generally there needs to be tension of some sort in the writing; a problem or dilemma that isn't fully resolved until the end of the book. Twists and turns in the plot keep the reader in suspense and wanting to know more. Because a novel is so long, subplots may be needed to retain the interest until the last page. A rough plan will keep you on track and give you guidelines to follow.
Every writer uses a different method to write their novel. Setting a goal of a certain number of words a day works for many people. Some work better early in the morning; others do their best writing after the household has gone to bed and there is peace and quiet.
Characters should be believable without being stereotyped. Watch the people around you and incorporate some of their interesting characteristics into your characters. Choose names carefully and ensure they suit the characters. Before including a character, make them as real as possible in your imagination. Think about how they would speak, what they would wear and any mannerisms they might have.
A universal rule is 'show, don't tell'. Try to impart information by the actions, dialogue and stance of your characters. Instead of telling the reader a person is angry, show it by having him/her slam down a book or stamp out of a room. Dialogue is a very strong tool. Mix speech and narrative to keep the interest alive.
Read your work very critically. Look for spelling mistakes and errors in grammar. Check the time-lines and look for facts that don't ring true. With a long novel, it is easy to lose track of some facts. Everyone finds it hard to proof-read their own work. It may be useful to have a trusted friend or even a professional editor look at your story for you. Trim unnecessary words and paragraphs that might turn a reader's interest to boredom. If a passage isn't moving the action forward, then it needs to be deleted.
If you find the words are coming almost faster than you can write them down, just write without bothering to make minor corrections. Editing can wait till later. Once you write your novel, put it away for at least four weeks before going through it again. Writing a book is sometimes the easiest part. Editing and proof-reading may take longer than the actual writing.
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