How To Build A Novel

This is just how I build a novel. There are many ways to build one but let me tell you how I do it and maybe give you some tips that will help you if it works for you.

This is just how I build a novel. There are many ways to build one, but let me tell you how I do it and maybe give you some tips that will help you if it works for you.

I never start with an outline. I think about what I’m going to write and sometimes I’ll write down some ideas. These are random and maybe one sheet of ideas—could be an idea about a character, setting, or plot point. That’s the most I do. The least is I just start writing. Sometimes that’s what I do.

Starting a novel for me is a freaking leap of faith. This is the jump off the cliff and sew a parachute on the way down moment. You have to believe in yourself and your ability to find your way.

If you write like this, you have to get used to the idea that you will need several drafts. The first draft, for most all of us, especially us discovery writers (pantsers, same as discovery writers) is not going to be enough. Think low expectations for draft 1. Be easy on yourself. Write yourself notes when you notice you’re not developing a scene etc... notes you can use in revision.

So, first the foundation. You build anything, you need a foundation. Put that down. Then frame up your novel by adding whatever comes to mind. This is your first draft. Write it fast. Write it in a month if you can but whatever. Keep Moving Forward. Do not rewrite as you go along. Get to the end.

When you have the end, you really have something, even it if is not the true end. You have a novel. However rough it is. You have a beginning, stuff in-between, and an end. Congratulations. You are on your way. 

But the steps of revision are as important, more important for me, than the initial draft. More on those next blog in How to Build A Novel, part 2.

All You Need To Know About Characters In A Few Short Paragraphs

You need the reader to connect with your characters. There are lots of ways to do this but if they don’t connect to your characters, they won’t care about your story. You know I’m right. Think of your own reading of books or watching of shows and movies. Sure, an interesting story is important, but if you don’t care about the characters, you’ll give up on the story.

The way to get a reader to connect to a character is through the things the character wants/needs/desires and the things he or she fears. The acts that the character does in order to get what he or she wants and in order to avoid what he or she fears create character. The character’s reflection on what happens because of their actions shows the character’s interior life.

Also, when you get this action & reflection down, the right amounts of each, in main characters it will drive your plot.  

Thinking about this in early drafts might help you decide what happens next or how a scene should work. Thinking about this in later drafts might help you select what you should keep and what should be cut.

And that’s that for character building.

Not really. There’s always more to writing fiction. But it is a good start.