How to write a novel

by Drop Dead Gina

Have you always wished to write a novel? These handy hints and tips will get you past the dreaded writer's block that occurs somewhere around the third chapter...

From writer's block to published novel (or at least those magic words THE END)

Have you always wanted to write a novel? Does your little heart worryingly palpitate at the thought of being an established author, but you just can't get past that third chapter, and you just can't ward off that writer's block? Well, worry no more! This guide is here to help you make the most of your literary and linguistic skills with some helpful tips on how to write a novel.

Google will tell you a novel is "a long narrative in literary prose", the main buzzword here being long. While there's no set word count for prose to be a novel, it requires a significant amount of words and determination to write one, and it's not as easy as it sounds. Consider 40-50,000 to be the absolute bare minimum word count. You'll need creativity, imagination and just a sprinkling of magic dust to give your novel the edge - particularly if you dream of getting it published.

Which genre of fiction to pick for your novel?

The first thing you'll need to decide – if you don't already have a novel slowly percolating - is what genre you want your novel to be. How about an exhilarating action novel, or a steampunk thriller, or perhaps a girly chick-lit - with a kick-ass heroine, of course? If you can't decide, take a look at the type of books you read yourself, then do some research online. Google is your friend. There are loads of novel genres out there and there is sure to be one to suit you. You could even write in a wonderful hybrid of genres, but remember to keep your audience in mind as you write - an action-packed adventure about a Mohawk-mad feminist and her pet turtle might sound awesome at first thought, but if you're aiming to get published it's a good idea to make it accessible for the maximum amount of readers in your target audience age bracket. You need to make sure your novel really appeals to the, hmm, mohawk, feminist and turtle demographic.

A novel needs living, breathing characters

When you've decided on a genre, start dreaming up your characters. Get to know them before you start writing, so you can convey their personalities, interests and traits in your novel. Get to know your main characters especially, as this makes dialogue much easier and is vital if you want to write in the first person.

You NEED a chapter breakdown

The next really important step is planning. Yes, yes I know you're bursting with ideas and snappy dialogue but it's really important to plan, so your novel has a sense of direction and you don't end up stuck for words in the middle of a chapter. Make a chapter outline chart to give your novel a strong, consistent storyline. They can be as detailed or as basic as your want, and you can plan far ahead, or just a couple of chapters in advance. Simply write details of important events within the chapter; this will help keep the plot cohesive and prevent possible face-palms on your part upon re-reading. A sentence per chapter is enough to keep you on the straight and narrow.

Your novel-writing checklist

• Take breaks; while it's good to be determined, taking breaks from your writing will give you time to think and help you come up with different lexis and plot alterations you wouldn't normally have thought of.
• Read other books and immerse yourself in other interests too! You may find inspiration in the most unlikely places...
• Don't give up. If you're suffering from writers block, don't quit! Take a break and go back to writing when you're feeling more inspired.
• Each time you sit down to write, give yourself word count targets. It makes writing more manageable and you can reward yourself with a big bar of your favourite chocolate after…Mmm Dairy Milk...
• Re-read what you've written, it'll help your sentences flow naturally and consistently.
• Back up your work on a memory stick, CD, livejournal account or whatever is available. Don't risk loosing all your hard work!
• Carry a notebook and pen with you- you never know when inspiration may hit.

I hope this inspired any budding mooky authors to pick up a pen (or a laptop, or Crayola crayon) and start writing a novel. Remember, the most important thing is to be creative and write what's in your heart. * wipes away tear *

See more Creative Tips & on Mookychick