Write Your Own Novel!

Tips for Drafting That Story You Have Always Dreamed Of Writing

BY ALYSSA KING Staff Writer

Have you thought about writing a book? Writing a novel is a complex thing to do, but there are ways to make it easier. Starting with a structure or outline is always a great idea. An outline would include elements like the main character, setting, character motive or goals, conflicts, changing point, plot development, crisis point, resolution, and theme. There are many different structures, such as the seven-point story structure. The seven-point story structure consists of a hook, the plot twist (puts your story in action), the first pinch point (where you introduce the antagonist/tension), the midpoint (where your character problem solves), the second plot twist, the second pinch point, and the resolution.

Any structure or outline you choose must fit into your selected genre. Some examples include horror, romance, comedy, fantasy, mystery, science fiction, action, and historical fiction. Different genres may have specific setups that are needed. For example, some mystery novels need a strong hook for the readers to be interested in the rest of the book.

Once you start your book, you must establish a time and place to continue writing. It is helpful for some people to have a certain desk or room dedicated to their writing time. To stay motivated, try setting a goal of 1,000 words daily or at night. If you are not interested in the book you have started, your readers will probably not be interested. So, make writing your book enjoyable for yourself! Writing exercises can be a fun way to get through writer’s block. Some exercises you can try are writing prompts that you can find on Google or Pinterest.

The area or areas for your writing time should consist of a calm and quiet place where you are most comfortable and can do your best work. These areas might include the library, dorm room, or a friend’s house. It is best to make sure that plenty of snacks and water are at your disposal. Writing can be very time-consuming and make getting up for a snack difficult if you are too focused and stressed. Taking breaks often is essential for your mental health. When you focus on something too long, your brain gets tired and stops thinking completely.

Another excellent tool for when you start writing your novel is research. It may sound simple, but research can help develop character personality types, accurately explaining certain events through common sense and science and creating complex situations for characters to interact with. Do this cautiously, though; you do not want FBI agents at your door because you looked up how to make a nuclear bomb! Typically, research is done before starting your first draft, but it can be helpful at any point in the writing process.

So have fun, brainstorm, research, edit, and revise! Most importantly, take breaks when you need to. When you complete your final draft, remember to ask for feedback from your peers before publishing.