Do you have a story to tell but you are not sure where to start? Writing novels can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Having well-developed characters and an interesting plot will ensure that readers stick with your story until the end.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to novel writing, but here are some tips to help you get started.
Developing Characters
Writing characters that readers can relate to and empathize with is essential to the success of your story. It’s important to take time when crafting characters for your novel. Think about their motivations, backstories, traits, and the relationships between them and other characters in the story. You can even make a character map to help you keep track.
When writing characters, it helps to draw from personal experiences and observations of how people interact with one another. You can also rely on research to ensure your characters are well-rounded and realistic.
Balancing the Characters and Plot
The characters and plot should be balanced in your novel. You don’t want to focus too much on one or the other, or else readers may lose interest. Make sure that each chapter progresses the plot and advances the story while also highlighting how the characters are affected by events as they unfold.
When crafting your plot, be sure to keep readers guessing. Avoid predictable twists and turns; instead, leave them wanting more with unexpected plot points.
Creating Conflict
The conflict in your story is what drives the plot forward and keeps readers engaged. Without it, your novel will feel static and uninteresting. When crafting a conflict for your story, think about how the characters’ goals and motivations can come into tension with one another. Ask yourself questions such as: What do these characters want that is in direct opposition to each other? How does their situation complicate matters?
The main conflict should be resolved by the end of the story, but it is also important to include smaller conflicts that further complicate matters. These can be internal conflicts such as doubts and moral dilemmas, or external conflicts involving other characters or outside forces.
Providing a Satisfying Resolution
Writing a satisfying resolution for your story is essential. This should wrap up all of the loose ends, giving readers closure and tying together the main plot points in a neat bow. How you handle this depends on what type of novel you are writing, and whether it’s open-ended or closed.
Aside from wrapping up the main plot points, you can also use this opportunity to show character development. How have your characters changed and grown since the beginning of the novel? How have their relationships with one another changed?
Getting Published
Once you’ve finished writing your novel, it’s time to get it published. You can either opt for traditional publishing or self-publishing. Traditional publishing involves finding an agent and a publisher who will accept your manuscript, while self-publishing gives you more control and flexibility.
Whatever route you choose, you’ll need to create a cover, design the interior of your book and format it for whatever publishing platform you’re using. You can do this yourself or use a self-publishing company to provide professional help at every step of the way.
Writing novels takes time and dedication, but with the right approach, you can create a story that will capture readers’ imaginations. Keep these tips in mind when crafting characters and plot for your novel, and you’ll be ready to get published!
Do you have any other tips for novel writing? Share them with us in the comments! We’d love to hear your thoughts.
Happy writing!