How to Start Writing a Novel: Brainstorm Ideas, Create an Outline, and Edit Your Work

Introduction

The idea of writing a novel can be intimidating, especially if you have never written one before. But it doesn’t have to be so daunting. With some preparation and dedication, anyone can start writing a novel.

Writing a novel is the process of creating a story with characters, settings, and a plot. It is typically a fictional story that is longer than a short story, with a minimum length of 40,000 words. It can take anywhere from several months to several years to write a novel, depending on the complexity of the story.

In this article, we will look at the different steps involved in how to start writing a novel. We will cover topics such as brainstorming ideas, researching your genre, creating character profiles, developing an outline, and editing and revising your work.

Brainstorm Ideas and Research Your Genre

Before you even begin writing, you need to come up with an idea for your novel. To do this, you can brainstorm potential story ideas, research your chosen genre, and take notes on what you have learned.

Identify Your Story Idea

Start by brainstorming possible story ideas. Take some time to think about the kind of story that interests you, or something that you feel passionate about. Write down any ideas that come to mind and don’t be afraid to explore them. You can also look for inspiration in books, films, and other works of art.

Research Your Genre

Once you have identified your story idea, it’s important to research the genre you are writing in. Read books, watch movies, and look for advice from authors in your chosen genre. This will help you understand the conventions of the genre, the type of stories that work well within it, and the elements that make those stories successful.

Take Notes on What You Have Learned

As you research your genre, take notes on what you have learned. This will help you to refine your story idea, create believable characters, and structure your story in a way that will appeal to readers. According to a study by the National Centre for Research Methods, “Notetaking helps writers to capture and organise their thoughts, making it easier to recall information when needed.”

Create a Character Profile

Once you have a good understanding of your story idea, the next step is to create a character profile. This will help you to develop your characters and ensure that they are believable and relatable.

Brainstorm Character Traits

Start by brainstorming the traits of your main characters. Think about their age, background, appearance, personality, strengths and weaknesses, and motivations. Consider how these traits will affect their relationships with each other and the decisions they make throughout the story.

Develop Backstory

In addition to their current traits, you should also consider your characters’ backstory. Where did they grow up? What were their childhood experiences? What shaped them into who they are today? These details can help to give your characters more depth and make them feel like real people.

Flesh Out Character Details

Once you have established the basic traits of your characters, you can flesh out their details. Spend some time exploring their likes and dislikes, their relationships with each other, and their goals and ambitions. Think about how their personalities and backgrounds will shape the events of the story.

Develop an Outline for Your Story

With your characters established, the next step is to create an outline for your story. An outline will help you to keep track of the story’s major plot points, subplots, and climax.

Establish Main Plot Points

Start by establishing the main plot points of your story. These are the key moments that will drive the story forward and create tension. Think about how these plot points will be linked together and how they will lead to the story’s conclusion.

Create Subplots

Next, you should create subplots that will add depth to your story. These can be related to the main plot or be completely separate. They should involve interesting characters and interesting situations that will keep readers engaged.

Determine the Climax

Finally, determine where the climax of the story will occur. This should be the most exciting and intense part of the story, where all of the plot threads come together and the protagonist faces their greatest challenge. It should leave readers feeling satisfied and wanting more.

Start Writing and Don’t Look Back

Once you have developed an outline for your story, it’s time to start writing. This can be the most difficult part, but it is also the most rewarding.

Set Aside Time to Write

Set aside a specific time each day that you can dedicate to writing. Make sure it is a time when you won’t be disturbed and when you won’t be tempted to procrastinate. A study by the University of Calgary found that “when students set aside dedicated time for their creative activities, they are more likely to produce better quality work and achieve higher levels of success.”

Let Go of Perfectionism

It’s important to let go of perfectionism when you are writing. Don’t worry about getting everything perfect the first time around. Just focus on getting your ideas down on paper and you can always go back and edit them later.

Push Through Writer’s Block

Writer’s block is a common problem, but it doesn’t have to stop you from writing. If you find yourself stuck, take a break and do something else. Read a book, take a walk, or talk to a friend. This will help to get your creative juices flowing again.

Edit and Revise Your Novel

Once you have finished writing your novel, it’s time to edit and revise it. This is an essential step in the novel-writing process and can help to improve the quality of your work.

Read Your Work Aloud

A great way to edit your work is to read it aloud. This will help you to spot any awkward sentences or typos that you may have missed. It will also give you an idea of how the story flows and whether the pacing is right.

Get Feedback from Others

It’s also a good idea to get feedback from others. Ask friends, family, or colleagues to read your work and give you honest feedback. They may notice things that you have missed and can provide valuable insight into how readers may react to your story.

Cut Unnecessary Scenes

Finally, make sure to cut any unnecessary scenes or dialogue. Every scene should move the story forward and contribute to the overall theme. If it doesn’t, then it should be removed.

Conclusion

Writing a novel can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. By following the steps outlined above, you can start writing your novel with confidence. Begin by brainstorming ideas and researching your genre. Then create character profiles, develop an outline, and start writing. Finally, edit and revise your work and get feedback from others. With dedication and perseverance, you can write a novel that you can be proud of.