By Doris Madden
If you are like lots of people, you have a desire to write your novel. Almost everyone has a story they want to tell. It is hard to get started, though, partly because of fear of failure or the unknown, and partly because of procrastination. But, knowing certain steps to follow to get started can overcome those drawbacks. Following these steps can help you get off the ground and get writing.
You need to determine what message you want you story to have. Good stories all have a moral of some sort, something the author is trying to say. It may be one of the old cliches about love conquering all, or about your sins being found out. There is a limited number of messages. Make sure everything you include in the plot helps portray that idea.
Plotting is am important part of writing a good story. Plotting is the action that occurs in the story, not what it is about. A plot outline detailing the highs and lows and the forward progression is important. When there is a moment of intensity, it should be followed with a period of slower action to prevent overwhelming the reader with intensely stressful moments.
Most novels are written in a pattern similar to a three-act drama. Act one covers about a fourth of the plot, act two covers about a half, and act three the additional fourth. Most of the action is in the middle, which is often the hardest for a writer to do. Some will outline this part even if they are not one who uses outlines. Others prefer to just let the action move forward without an outline.
Setting is another important aspect in planning a story. Setting is not just the place, it is also about time. Make the setting as authentic as you possibly can. If you don't want to use a real location, find an area or two and use elements from those to make the location seem authentic. If your novel requires a fantasy world, make it at least believable.
Characterization is one of the most important things about a good story, along with plot. The protagonist, the main character, needs to be likable, but not all good. Write in a weakness so they will be more believable. The antagonist is the character in opposition to the protagonist. However, don't make them all bad so they will be more realistic.
You have to at least get started if the story is to be written at all. Only thinking it through will not get it done. Find a schedule that works for you and stick to it. If you can't commit to daily sessions, set a particular time or amount of writing. Daily is best. Some plan on a number of words or pages, and other on a particular time period. Consistency is what matters, however.
When you write your novel, the goal is to just get the words written down at first. You will revise and edit afterwards. To have something to revise, you must at least get it on paper. It won't be perfect, but something you will work on after it is written.
You need to determine what message you want you story to have. Good stories all have a moral of some sort, something the author is trying to say. It may be one of the old cliches about love conquering all, or about your sins being found out. There is a limited number of messages. Make sure everything you include in the plot helps portray that idea.
Plotting is am important part of writing a good story. Plotting is the action that occurs in the story, not what it is about. A plot outline detailing the highs and lows and the forward progression is important. When there is a moment of intensity, it should be followed with a period of slower action to prevent overwhelming the reader with intensely stressful moments.
Most novels are written in a pattern similar to a three-act drama. Act one covers about a fourth of the plot, act two covers about a half, and act three the additional fourth. Most of the action is in the middle, which is often the hardest for a writer to do. Some will outline this part even if they are not one who uses outlines. Others prefer to just let the action move forward without an outline.
Setting is another important aspect in planning a story. Setting is not just the place, it is also about time. Make the setting as authentic as you possibly can. If you don't want to use a real location, find an area or two and use elements from those to make the location seem authentic. If your novel requires a fantasy world, make it at least believable.
Characterization is one of the most important things about a good story, along with plot. The protagonist, the main character, needs to be likable, but not all good. Write in a weakness so they will be more believable. The antagonist is the character in opposition to the protagonist. However, don't make them all bad so they will be more realistic.
You have to at least get started if the story is to be written at all. Only thinking it through will not get it done. Find a schedule that works for you and stick to it. If you can't commit to daily sessions, set a particular time or amount of writing. Daily is best. Some plan on a number of words or pages, and other on a particular time period. Consistency is what matters, however.
When you write your novel, the goal is to just get the words written down at first. You will revise and edit afterwards. To have something to revise, you must at least get it on paper. It won't be perfect, but something you will work on after it is written.