How to Write a Novel: Step-by-Step Guide for Aspiring Authors
“There comes a point in your life when you need to stop reading other people’s books and write your own.” – Albert Einstein
Want to write your novel but have no idea where to start? You’re in the right place.
So often, a writer’s mind is overfilled with ingenious ideas, book tropes, intricate plots, creative writing techniques, you name it. But consolidating all of those ideas into a novel? That’s the tricky part.
It’s also the reason why 97% of writers never finish their book!
After studying the greatest writers this planet has ever seen for over a decade, I’ve compiled many of their top tips, techniques, and patterns that helped them create their work into this complete guide.
So, whether you’re an aspiring novelist, a student, or just love to write, this is the guide for you. Let’s get started!
What Is A Novel?
A novel is a lengthy work of fiction, typically over 50,000 words, that tells a complex story with developed characters, intricate plot lines, and thematic depth. To plot your novel effectively, you’ll need to consider elements such as a central conflict, character development and pacing.
Many writers find it helpful to plan a novel before diving into the actual writing process, using techniques like outlining, character sketches, and world-building exercises. However, whether you meticulously outline every chapter or prefer to discover the story as you write, the essence of a novel lies in its ability to transport readers into a fully imagined reality, engaging them emotionally and intellectually from the first page to the last.
Step 1: Choose Your Genre And POV
Before you can write a novel, you need to get your ducks in order. This involves more than just coming up with a great idea; it’s about planning, understanding your genre, and doing the work so that when it comes to writing, it’s plain sailing.
Are you aiming for a spine-tingling thriller, an epic fantasy, or perhaps a poignant literary novel? Understanding your genre will guide the tone, style, and structure of your story.
A great way to do this is to read the most known books in your genre, for example in fantasy you would turn to Tolkien, Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson etc. What do you like them about them? What do you dislike about them? Are there books in this genre that you would have loved to write? Why? And how can you incorporate the parts you like into your own work? Try to have an analytical point of view as you’re reading and take notes for your own novel. This not only inspires you but also helps you grasp the expectations of your readers.
If you’re writing a historical fiction book, you’ll need to do research on the time period you story is set in. Of course, all writers take their liberties, but you need to show some understanding of era in order to experiment. For instance, the customs, language, mannerisms, social norms, and significant events will help you create accuracy and authenticity.
Another key decision of your novel is what perspective you will use. First person, second person of third person? They all have their pros and cons and will completely affect how you tell your story, although usually third person POV is preferred.
Step 2: Develop A Unique And Compelling Story Idea
Now, coming up with a story idea that hasn’t been done to death? That’s a whole other ball game. I swear, every time I thought I had a brilliant, original idea, a quick Google search showed me that it had been done at least a dozen times before. Talk about frustrating!
But here’s a little trick: take something familiar and give it a twist. Look at how Margaret Atwood came up with “The Handmaid’s Tale.” She took the concept of totalitarian regimes and applied it to gender dynamics in a futuristic setting. Or consider George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series. He basically took the War of the Roses and added dragons and ice zombies. Genius!
Another great example is Andy Weir’s “The Martian.” He took the classic castaway story and set it on Mars, then threw in a heap of scientific problem-solving. The result? A bestseller and a hit movie.
Don’t be afraid to mash up different concepts or put a new spin on old ideas. That’s where the magic happens! Take inspiration from your own life experiences, current events, or even your weirdest dreams. Neil Gaiman famously got the idea for “Coraline” from a dream his daughter had. You never know where your next great idea might come from.
Remember, as Mark Twain supposedly said, “There is no such thing as a new idea.” It’s all about how you present it and make it your own. So when start writing a novel, keep brainstorming, keep twisting those familiar concepts, and eventually, you’ll strike gold.
Step 3: Choose Between Plotting and Pantsing (Or Find a Middle Ground)
When starting a novel, writers often face the choice between plotting and pantsing. Plotters, like J.K. Rowling, meticulously plan their novels with detailed outlines and character profiles. This approach provides a clear roadmap and helps maintain consistency throughout the story.
Pantsers, on the other hand, prefer to write with minimal planning. It literally means that they ‘write on the seat of their pants’ ergo the name! Stephen King, a famous pantser, believes in letting the story evolve organically. He compares writing to excavation, uncovering the story bit by bit.
Many authors find success in a middle ground approach. George R.R. Martin describes himself as a “gardener,” planting the seeds of his story and characters, then nurturing them as they grow. This method allows for both structure and spontaneity. Australian six time novelist, Josephine Moon recommends writing the synopsis of your novel first:
“I can see the real value in …. being able to see problems in advance” Joesphine says. While writing one of her novels, she explains, “I got 50,000 words in and I just went, it’s not working. And it was horrifying. It was like, at what point should I have seen that I’d written myself into a hole here that I can’t get out of? And if I had done the synopsis, I may have been able to see that.”
Other authors such as Brandon Sanderson, have a climatic scene in their minds, and they write the rest of the story structure based on this key part. So keep it as loose or as planned as you like, but generally it’s always good to have a rough idea of where your story is going. Know the major events or turning points, but allow room for your story to evolve naturally.
Pro Tip: Use an online software to easily create plot your novel. Plottr is my favourite or Story Planner has a great free version.
Step 4: Develop Multi-Dimensional Characters That Readers Will Love (or Love to Hate)
Characters are the heart of your novel. They’re the ones readers will connect with, whether they’re cheering them on or despising their every move. Consider Miss Havisham from Great Expectations. Charles Dickens didn’t just create a bitter old woman; he crafted a deeply complex character whose heartbreak and obsessive desire for revenge make her both pitiable and terrifying. Miss Havisham’s depth is what makes her unforgettable as readers grapple with both sympathy and repulsion toward her.
So, before you start your first draft, you need to dive deep into the motivations, fears, and desires of your characters. Ask yourself key questions: What drives this character? What are their deepest fears? How do they change over the course of the story? For example, understanding that Miss Havisham’s actions stem from her own trauma adds layers to her character, making her more than just a villain.
Here are some methods authors use when developing characters:
- Character Interviews: Some authors “interview” their characters, asking them questions as if they were real people. What’s your biggest regret? What’s your happiest memory? This technique helps to flesh out their backstory and motivations, even if these details don’t make it into the final manuscript.
- Character Arcs: Think about how your character will evolve throughout the story. A character arc can turn a flat character into a dynamic one. For instance, consider how Pip’s understanding of wealth and social status changes throughout Great Expectations. This growth makes him a more relatable and engaging protagonist.
- Backstory Development: Give your characters a history that influences their actions in your story. Miss Havisham’s jilted wedding day is a backstory that colours her every action, turning her into the bitter, vengeful figure that looms large in Pip’s life.
- Flaws and Strengths: Real people have a mix of both, and so should your characters. A character like Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice is beloved because she’s relatable—intelligent and witty, but also prejudiced and headstrong. These flaws make her growth over the course of the novel more impactful.
- Visual and Psychological Profiling: Some writers create detailed profiles for their characters, outlining not just physical traits but also psychological ones. What does your character look like? How do they walk, speak, or react under pressure? Are they optimistic or cynical? This profiling can help ensure that your characters are consistent and believable.
As you build your characters, remember that even your antagonists should have depth. Miss Havisham isn’t simply evil; she’s a woman consumed by grief, making her actions understandable, if not excusable.
Step 5: Create A Writing Schedule That Works For You
Okay, let’s talk about the nitty-gritty of actually sitting down to write. I used to think I had to wake up at the crack of dawn and write for hours like Ernst Hemmingway:
‘When I am working on a story I write every morning as soon after first light as possible. There is no one to disturb you and it is cool and you come to your work and warm as you write…you may go on until noon or be through before that.’ Erst Hemmingway
Spoiler alert: I’m not a morning person, and trying to force myself to be one just resulted in a lot of grumpy staring at a blank screen.
But then I learned about how different authors approach their craft. Take Japanese author Haruki Murakami, for instance. This guy’s got a routine that would make most of us cry. He wakes up at 4 AM, writes for five to six hours, and then goes for a 10km run. Talk about discipline! On the flip side, you’ve got someone like Stephen King, who aims for 2,000 words a day, usually in the morning, but he’s flexible.
The key is consistency, not quantity. Find your groove and stick to it, even if it’s just 15 minutes a day. Maya Angelou used to rent a hotel room to write, while J.K. Rowling famously wrote parts of Harry Potter in cafes. The takeaway? Write to your strengths.
Remember, writing a novel is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself, set realistic deadlines, and don’t forget to celebrate your progress along the way. Trust me, your future self (and your sanity) will thank you for it.
Step 6: Let Go Of Perfectionism – Just Write!
Author William S. Burroughs put it best: ‘You do an awful lot of bad writing in order to do any good writing. Incredibly bad.’
In novel writing, it’s easy to fall into the trap of expecting every sentence to be a masterpiece. But this mindset can be crippling. Remember, even the first drafts of literary giants weren’t perfect. Anne Lamott, in her book Bird by Bird, famously talks about ‘shi**y first drafts’—but these messy, imperfect beginnings are a vital part of the writing process.
Instead of pressuring yourself to write something extraordinary or laden with creative writing techniques right out of the gate, give yourself permission to write imperfectly. The first draft is about getting your ideas down on paper, not about crafting polished prose. As Terry Pratchett once said, “The first draft is just you telling yourself the story.”
Embrace the drafting process as a time to explore your ideas, play with your characters, and experiment with your plot. Don’t worry if your dialogue feels clunky or your descriptions seem flat. There’s time for refinement later. The goal during this phase is to tell your story without being bogged down by the need to be perfect.
So loosen up and allow yourself to write freely when you start to write. In fact, you’ll often find that your best ideas will emerge naturally. This is the heart of creative writing—letting your imagination lead without the constraints of self-criticism. So, take a deep breath, let go of the pressure, and remember that every great novel starts with a rough draft.
Step 7: Polish Your Literary Gem
After the exhilarating rush of completing your first draft, it’s tempting to dive straight into editing. But here’s some vital writing advice: take a break. Stephen King, in his book On Writing, suggests setting your manuscript aside for at least six weeks. This pause allows you to return with fresh eyes, making it easier to spot flaws and areas for improvement. When you come back to your work, you’ll be better equipped to see it from a reader’s perspective, which is crucial for effective editing.
Once you’re ready to begin, start with a structural edit. This is where you look at the big picture: the plot, pacing, and overall flow of your story. Does your novel start too slowly or rush to the finish? Are there plot holes that need filling? James Joyce famously restructured Ulysses multiple times to achieve its intricate, layered narrative. While your novel might not require such complex edits, it’s essential to ensure that each chapter moves the story forward and that your pacing keeps readers engaged.
A helpful technique is to create a scene-by-scene plot outline, especially using the software tools we discussed earlier. This allows you to see the structure at a glance and identify any sections that might need reworking. Don’t be afraid to cut scenes that don’t serve the story or to rearrange chapters to improve the narrative flow.
Then you can think about fine tuning your prose with line editing. Pay attention to sentence rhythm, repetition, and word choice. Does a particular passage feel clunky? Are you using the same word too often? Varying your sentence structure can also add interest and keep the reader engaged.
Step 8: Use Feedback To Your Advantage
After spending months—or even years—writing your novel, you might find yourself too close to the work to see it clearly. It’s like trying to examine a painting with your nose pressed against the canvas; you miss the bigger picture. This is where getting feedback from others becomes invaluable. Fresh eyes can spot issues you might overlook and offer insights that can take your story to the next level.
One of the best ways to get feedback is by finding beta readers or joining a critique group. Beta readers are essentially your first audience—people who read your manuscript and provide honest feedback. They can be friends, fellow writers, or members of a writing community. For instance, many writers find supportive communities through platforms like NaNoWriMo, where you can connect with others on the same journey and it’s a great place if your seeking accountability too.
Famous authors have relied on similar support networks. For example, J.R.R. Tolkien was part of The Inklings, a literary discussion group that included C.S. Lewis. They would meet regularly to read and critique each other’s work, providing invaluable feedback that helped shape classics like The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia.
Receiving criticism, even when constructive, can be challenging. It’s natural to feel defensive about your work, but learning to accept feedback is crucial for growth. Consider Stephen King’s advice from On Writing: “Write with the door closed, rewrite with the door open.” This means the first version is yours alone, but revisions should be informed by outside input.
When you receive feedback, approach it with an open mind. Not all suggestions will align with your vision, but there’s often value in considering different perspectives. Ask yourself: Does this feedback highlight an issue I’ve overlooked? Would implementing this change improve the clarity, pacing, or character development of my novel?
As you revise, use the feedback to strengthen your story, but don’t be afraid to reject suggestions that don’t fit your narrative. This is where your instincts as a writer come into play. The goal is to enhance your novel without diluting your voice or vision.
Important Note: Remember that while feedback is invaluable, it’s still your story. Balancing external input with your creative instincts is key. Harper Lee, for example, famously revised To Kill a Mockingbird based on feedback from her editor, Tay Hohoff, who suggested significant changes. However, Lee stayed true to her vision, creating a novel that’s both powerful and uniquely her own.
Your Novel Awaits – Start Writing Today
Remember, writing a book isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. It takes dedication, perseverance, and a whole lot of coffee. But with the right tools, mindset, and a dash of creativity, you’ll be well on your way to seeing your name on a book cover. So what are you waiting for? Grab that laptop, fire up your imagination, and start writing the story only you can tell. Who knows? Your novel might just be the next bestseller we’re all talking about!
