Embarking on the journey of writing a novel is a creative adventure that can be both fulfilling and challenging. It involves weaving together a myriad of elements into a compelling narrative that captivates readers. This blog post aims to provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to write a novel, catering to both novice writers and seasoned authors. It covers everything from the fundamental building blocks of a story - such as the plot, characters, setting, and theme - to more nuanced aspects like tone, style, and dialogue.
Whether you're in the early stages of conceptualising your story or looking to refine your manuscript, I hope you find some valuable insights and practical tips to navigate the writing process.
Setting out to write a novel is a thrilling and sometimes daunting adventure. It's all about stitching together a rich tapestry of elements into a story that grabs and holds the attention of your readers. In this blog post, we’re going to break down how to tackle the novel-writing process, offering tips that cater to both beginners and experienced writers. The blog covers everything from the basics like plot, characters, setting, and theme, to the finer details of tone, style, and dialogue.
The 'Five Commandments of Storytelling', essential principles that ensure your story is structured in a way that truly engages your audience. Plus, we’ve prepared a handy checklist to help launch your novel-writing endeavour. This includes pinpointing your audience, choosing your genre and themes, developing your characters, and sketching out your plot.
Whether you’re just starting to shape your idea or you’re in the midst of polishing your draft, our guide provides helpful insights and actionable advice to help you navigate the novel-writing journey. Let this post be your guide as you dive into the fascinating world of storytelling, helping you create stories that resonate deeply with your readers.
1. Plot
The plot is the sequence of events that occur in the story. It includes the actions, events, and situations that drive the narrative forward. The plot is typically structured around a central conflict that the protagonist must navigate, often consisting of an introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
2. Characters
Characters are the individuals who populate the story. They can be human, animals, or even fantastical creatures. The development of these characters, particularly the protagonist (main character) and antagonist (opposing force), is crucial as they carry the plot forward and engage the reader’s emotions and interest.
3. Setting
The setting refers to the time and place where the story occurs. It includes not only the geographical location and historical period but also the social, political, and cultural environments. The setting can influence the plot and character development significantly, providing a backdrop against which the story unfolds.
4. Point of View (POV)
This is the perspective from which the story is told. Common points of view include first person (narrated by the character using "I" or "we"), third person limited (focusing on one character from an outside perspective), and third person omniscient (where the narrator knows all the thoughts and feelings of all the characters).
5. Theme
The theme is the underlying message or insight about life that the author wants to convey through the story. Themes can explore complex issues like love, war, humanity, society, mortality, etc. A well-articulated theme can give a story depth and offer readers a universal connection to the narrative.
6. Conflict
Conflict is the challenge or problem around which the plot is centered. It is essential for creating tension and interest in the story. Conflict can be internal (within the character) or external (between characters or between a character and their environment), and it drives the dramatic action that keeps the reader engaged.
7. Tone and Mood
Tone refers to the author’s attitude toward the subject and the readers, often conveyed through the choice of words and details. Mood, on the other hand, is the overall feeling or atmosphere that a story evokes in the reader. These elements are influenced by the setting, theme, and diction used by the author.
8. Style
The style of a novel involves the author's choices in sentence structure, word choice, and literary devices, such as metaphors, similes, and alliteration. Style contributes to the uniqueness of the author's voice and can greatly affect how the story resonates with the reader.
9. Dialogue
Dialogue consists of the conversations between characters. It can reveal their personalities, show their relationships, advance the plot, and enhance the pace of the narrative. Effective dialogue sounds natural to the characters and is consistent with their development throughout the story.
Each of these elements plays a critical role in crafting a compelling narrative. Mastering how to effectively develop and balance these components can lead to the creation of memorable and impactful stories.
The Five Commandments.
The concept of the "Five Commandments of Storytelling" is often used to describe essential elements that make up a compelling narrative. These commandments can be particularly helpful for writers and storytellers to ensure their stories have the necessary structure and impact to engage audiences effectively. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Inciting Incident
This is the event that sets the story in motion. It disrupts the life or the world of the protagonist, and propels them into the narrative's main conflict or quest. The inciting incident should happen early enough in the story to grab the reader's attention and give them a reason to keep turning the pages.
2. Progressive Complications
As the story unfolds, the protagonist should face a series of challenges or obstacles that test their resolve and force them to evolve. These complications should escalate in intensity and stakes, making the situation increasingly difficult and the outcome less certain. This tension keeps the audience engaged and creates a dynamic narrative.
3. Crisis
The crisis is a critical decision point for the protagonist. It’s often a moral or ethical crossroads that compels the character to make a significant choice. This decision should be tough, with high stakes and significant consequences. The crisis should stem naturally from the progressive complications and lead directly into the climax.
4. Climax
This is the moment where the tension reaches its peak. The climax is the result of the protagonist’s decision during the crisis and should be the most intense part of the story. It's where the main conflict is confronted head-on, and the outcome of the protagonist's journey is determined. The climax should be emotionally satisfying and resolve the central conflict of the story, even if not all secondary threads are tied up.
5. Resolution
After the climax, the resolution ties up the story's loose ends and shows the new status quo. It addresses the consequences of the climax and provides closure for the character’s journey. The resolution should leave the reader with a sense of completion and, depending on the type of story, perhaps a reflection on the themes and moral questions raised.
These commandments provide a structural backbone for storytelling, ensuring that a narrative has the necessary elements to be compelling and resonant. By adhering to these principles, writers can craft stories that are not only structured effectively but also deeply engaging.
Checklist for Beginning Your Novel
1. Concept and Premise
Before you put pen to paper, clarify the concept and premise of your novel. What is the unique idea driving your story? A strong premise acts as the foundation of your narrative, hooking your readers from the start.
2. Target Audience
Identify your target audience. Knowing who you are writing for can shape many aspects of your story, from the tone and language to the complexity of themes. Are you writing for young adults, adults, or perhaps a more niche market?
3. Genre and Themes
Decide on the genre and underlying themes of your novel. Whether it's romance, fantasy, science fiction, or mystery, each genre has its conventions and expectations. Themes add depth and invite readers to think deeper about the story.
4. Character Development
Create compelling characters. Begin with your protagonist and antagonist, outlining their desires, fears, and growth arcs. Remember, characters drive the plot forward and engage your audience.
5. Setting and World-building
Establish the setting and world-building details, especially if you're writing in genres like fantasy or historical fiction. Consider how the environment affects the plot and characters. This could involve geographical details, social norms, or even laws of physics if you’re creating a new world.
6. Plot Outline
Draft a basic plot outline. You don’t need every detail planned, but knowing major plot points can keep you focused. This can be as detailed as a chapter-by-chapter breakdown or as simple as a rough roadmap of key events.
7. Point of View
Choose a point of view (POV). Will your story be more effective in first person, close third person, or omniscient third person? The POV influences how much the reader knows and how they connect with characters.
8. Conflict and Stakes
Define the central conflict and stakes. What challenges will your characters face, and what will they lose if they don’t succeed? High stakes add tension and keep readers engaged.
9. Research
Conduct research if necessary. Depending on your setting and plot, research can range from historical contexts and location specifics to scientific details or the realities of a professional field.
10. Writing Goals and Schedule
Set realistic writing goals and a schedule. Decide how much time you can dedicate to writing each day or week. Consistency is key, and setting goals can keep you motivated and productive.
11. Tools and Resources
Prepare your tools and resources. Whether it’s software like Scrivener, a simple word processor, or notebooks for jotting down ideas, ensure you have what you need to start writing smoothly.
12. First Draft Expectations
Manage your expectations for the first draft. It doesn’t need to be perfect. The first draft is about getting your story down on paper. You can refine and polish it during revisions.
Conclusion
Starting a novel is an exciting undertaking that requires preparation and passion. With this checklist, you're well-equipped to begin your writing journey. Remember, every writer’s process is unique, so adapt this checklist to fit your needs. Yah. Happy writing!