Writing novels is not as easy as it sounds. You don’t just have to narrate a scenario but develop scenes, bring the characters to life and build a climax!
If you are excited to learn more, you are at the right place. Writing a book that makes the readers curious about what’s ahead is nothing but a gifted skill.
However, there are many tips and tricks that you can learn to improve your writing and creativity. Fiction novels are written in a very different manner than non-fiction ones.
Some say that nonfiction is easier to create or write, but we believe it just depends on your natural interests. So whether you like fiction or not, this guide is helpful for everyone.
If you can not decide which one you wish to write as a beginner, we recommend you start with fiction story writing.
This is because fiction makes you think more creatively and comes as a challenge when you’re a newbie. You can also opt for other genres like personal development or science.
1. Choosing A Prompt
Choosing the right topic to write on is crucial. Writing a book isn’t just about speaking your heart to the readers. It also involves researching the reader’s interests and mindset.
If you are writing a book that puts forward a new and unique point of view, perhaps taboo, you must make it readable. That means you have to start from a point where you make the readers relate to your perspective. Only then can you build the narrative around the idea.
Similarly, when trying to select an attractive and creative topic for fictional writing, we should know what people are already bored of.
This way, we can choose a unique and entertaining prompt for the readers.
2. Decide A Word Count Goal
This is important when you have no idea how long or short you wish to develop your prompt. Most of the time, the aim should be above 5000 words if you are writing a short story.
If it goes way above that while you start developing the story, you might have to struggle to sum it all up in the end. Therefore, ensure you know how far you are supposed to go with a string you pull.
3. Use Mind Maps To Frame Things
Mind maps are a great idea if you are writing a fictional novel. Novels are supposed to have a spread-out plot that builds to a peak point before reaching a boiling point – the climax.
Relate one problem or obstacle in the story to another, being new characters, and set the stage up.
By ‘setting the stage,’ we mean that you need to have imagery in mind that might relate to a problem that is about to come in the story.
When writing a book, you can also pre-decide the departure or death of certain characters. Pre-deciding this stuff eases the transition from the climax to the ending.
4. Chapters, Events, And Characters
Next, decide on chapters if you have a clearer image in mind after making the mindmap. Divide the various events in the story into different chapters.
Try to make some chapters end with a cliffhanger, some with a new beginning, and some leaving curiosities unanswered.
This way, the reader stays engaged and keeps on reading ahead. However, doing this at the end of each chapter takes much effort and creativity.
5. Plot Planning
Planning the plot of your book is crucial. Writing a book is impossible without proper planning of when you will put certain events in place.
Search the SEO valley on your web browser for an idea of how to make up stories to make events happen deliberately. Plot planning should be the most lengthy stage before you begin writing.
Thus after this stage, it should be ready enough to be put on paper. Plan and link where your plot starts. Also, describe what city or country it would be.
Some writers start from the middle and then take the story to flashback; some go linear. While it is surely your choice, make sure the theme of your story aligns with the technique you use.
6. Early Development
Now you have begun writing a book. And if this is your first time, this step will seem like the hardest. However, don’t worry too much because we have got you some more tips for this part!
The early development of a novel might be tedious in the outlook, but it is the easiest one. All you have to do is begin by introducing the imagery and the character (if there is a character in the scene).
All the descriptions now begin. Remember that you need most of the reader’s attention at this point. If the audience doesn’t find it interesting, you can not stop them from closing the book!
7. Transitioning To Climax
As the story nears the climax, it doesn’t only take place, but the developments are more serious and tense. It would be best if you made sure the intensity of the events should only go up till the climax is reached.
Transitioning to the climax should be tough for the audience. At this point, your writing contains less imagery or descriptions and moves to real events that are taking place.
8. Writing The Climax
Remember, writing a book is only complex when you do it the first time. From then onwards, the beginning of the climax is a piece of cake. Anything one tries for the first time is surely bound to be challenging.
The climax has to be creative but involves a twist. There can be different types of climaxes, though: some reveal the truth, some save a character from dying, and some just express realizations.
9. Character Development
Character development isn’t a technique applied to every other character in the novel. Using it on more than one or two characters can perhaps make your book go too long.
People use it on the protagonist or antagonist of the book mostly.
10. Add Depth
Finally, add some final details like an epilogue or prologue to give a relatable sense to the audience. Use language that makes them feel good or bad along with the story!
Conclusion:
Now that you have a clear idea about the typical stage of writing a book, you are all set to begin working on one! However, remember to proofread and get your book checked before finally publishing it!
