How to write a novel – 5 tips to support your success

 Many people dream of writing a novel, you have a basic idea of plot and characters, you may even have written a few chapters, you then find your writing stalls. There are many reasons for this but most are around self-doubt. If you want to complete a novel you need to prepare yourself, after all you wouldn't run a marathon without training!

1) Create character sketches

Most novels start with the characters; they drive the plot. Create character sketches for five or six main characters. Write a description of their physical appearance, job, motivation, desires and traits. Include one or two weaknesses e.g. fear of heights. These weaknesses will be vital during your novel.

2) Write a plot summary

Now you have your characters write a page or so summarising the plot; detail is not needed at this stage however include who wants what, what the barriers are, and any other relevant details. This is not a scene by scene breakdown; it is more of an extended blurb with the end revealed. You might start with something like – Sally is pregnant, she is asked about family history and decides to try and find her father. His name is not on her birth certificate and her mother won’t give her any information. As a result she falls out with her mother. After a number of false starts she finds one person who is prepared to speak to her, only problem is this man is living in Africa. Heavily pregnant and without her husband’s blessing she travels alone – I’ll let you complete the end.

3) Note, research and describe the locations

Write descriptions of the locations for your book. You may need to research some of these however do not let this research delay your writing.

4) Create an outline

Create a scene by scene outline for your novel. Note any relevant details such as location and weather. Each scene should have a hook to encourage the readers to turn the page – typically this will be a question such as: Will she escape? Who is hacking her computer? Will they get there in time?

E.g Sally meets John in a café in London, he is going to give her the details of the man to contact, it is raining outside. John hands the file to Sally, as she thanks and hugs him Sally’s husband walks by outside. Sally sees him but is not sure if he has seen her. She runs out after him but cannot see him because of the rain and umbrellas.

5) Write in small chunks

Thinking of a 100,000 word novel can be overwhelming; you have your outline so build your novel a step at a time. Start filling in the gaps and completing individual scenes; not necessarily in scene order. Set small targets and watch your novel grow.

Do not edit whilst writing your first draf.t If you struggle with a scene just make some notes in red and move on, you can come back to this scene later. If partway through you decide you need to add an additional character to an earlier scene then just make a note of it in big red letters. You are aiming to get to the end and finish your first draft. Write every day, 10 minutes a day is fine, an hour is better.

When you have got to the end, write The End.

Happy writing