Have you ever wanted to write a novel but didn't know how to go about it? You keep thinking about how you have this really great idea for a book but didn't know where to start?
I can help.
When I first decided to write a novel, I had no idea how to go about it. I struggled, trying to figure out what I wanted to do. What did I want to start with? What would my actual book would be about?
I had to narrow down all the ideas I had in my head into one singular idea. I then had to write the novel. Once I finished, I couldn't believe how accomplished I felt. However, then I had to do a second draft, and a third draft, and even a fourth.
Phew, finally, I thought to myself, I'm done. However, then I had to learn all about how to submit it. I didn't know anything about what the proper format was. Wow, that was a learning experience all in itself.
So, here is the nitty-gritty of how to write a novel.
A. Brainstorm what you want your book to be about.
B. Narrow down your choices. Be sure to only have one central idea. Trying to do too much is a no-no.
C. Create an outline. This is a generalized outline. Think beginning, middle, and end.
D. Create a more detailed outline. Include chapters. Name your chapters.
E. Create and name your characters if you haven't already. Confirm in your mind central characteristics of your characters.
F. Write a summary of what happens in each of your chapters.
G. Write your actual first draft.
H. Edit your first draft with both grammar and story.
I. Leave it alone for six months. Do something, anything else. Start another book if you want. Take up knotting, model airplanes -- anything. Just do something that will help you forget your book.
J. Read and edit the book again. You will be amazed how much you missed. What you thought you put down, but didn't.
K. Let someone else read it. Get feedback on what they like and don't like. You will be tempted to do this earlier in the process. Don't. You owe it to this person to have it more polished.
L. Take their suggestions to heart. Don't be defensive. I said DON'T!! :-)
M. Rewrite.
N. Find a copy editor. Get their edits and make the edits.
O. Now try and find a publisher!
At this point, you may be tempted to throw out your book. We all go through that, you are not alone. If you feel like you have the stamina to rewrite your book -- do it.
There it is! That is how you write your first novel!
To learn more, check out this website:
http://create-a-novel.livejournal.com/
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Madeline Fresco is a novelist who lives in San Francisco. She is the author of
CROSSED THE LINE, available for
Kindle at Amazon.com, for
Nook at Barnes & Noble, and as an ePub at other eBook retailers. You can also listen to her novel as a free, serialized audiobook at
madelinefresco.com.
