How to Write a Novel in 14 Easy Steps (Even If You’re a Beginner)

Share this post!

If you’re thinking about writing a novel, congratulations! It’s a huge undertaking, but it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience.

In this article, I’ll will outline 14 steps to writing a novel that will help you take your creative writing to the next level and start writing a well-written and enjoyable novel. I’ll also provide some tips for writers who may be struggling with their work.

As a published author myself (of a gothic horror-western novel), I know how hard it is to keep going and actually finish your novel.

But, I also know how amazing it feels to have it completed, published, and to see it in bookstores and on Amazon!

So, if you’re ready to start writing your masterpiece, keep reading!

How to Write a Novel

Let’s go through the 14 steps you need to follow in order to write your first novel!

1: Set Your Intentions

If you’ve ever dreamed of writing your first novel, it is time to start making it a reality! While there’s no one right way to write a book, there are some things you can do to set the stage for persistence and success.

First, you should anchor yourself with clear, heartfelt intentions before you start writing. Think about the following:

• Have a General Idea of the Story: Think critically about the kind of story you want to tell. Is it a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming romance, or perhaps a fantastical adventure? Your story might be a way to explore your own personal experiences, societal issues, or purely imaginative worlds. Understand the ‘why’ behind your story – you’ll need this to stay motivated as you write!
• Identify Your Audience: Are you writing this story for yourself, or is there a specific audience you wish to read your work? Knowing your audience helps you write directly for them, whether to provide solace, evoke emotions, or simply entertain.
• Define Your Purpose: Are you aiming to educate with your words, or is entertainment your prime focus? Your purpose will shape the story, influencing its tone, pace, and structure.
• Decide on the Book’s Destiny: Envision the final destination of your novel. Is it a personal keepsake, a gift to someone special, or a book you want to see gracing bookstore shelves?
• Monetize or Not: Understand if your writing journey also carries aspirations of financial gains or if the joy of seeing your name in print is the only reward you need!

Once your intentions are clear, write them down with a pen and paper (or your trusty keyboard or laptop). This written commitment can serve as motivation during moments of writer’s block or self-doubt.

Now, let’s get practical!

• Carve Out Writing Time: Life is bustling with responsibilities, but your story deserves a dedicated slot in your schedule. Identify realistic time pockets for uninterrupted writing and honor them as appointments with your novel.
• Accountability is Key: Establishing accountability mechanisms, like setting word count goals or having check-ins with a writing buddy, can keep your writing journey on track.
• Embrace the Journey: Remember, writing a novel is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be moments of exhilaration and periods of stagnation. Be gentle with yourself, celebrate every milestone, and remember why you started in the first place.

2: Research Your Genre

Whether you’re looking to write the next great American novel or just trying to develop a new story idea, researching different genres can be a great way to get started. But where do you begin? Here are a few tips for researching fiction writing genres:

Start with Your Favorites – take a look at some of your favorite novels and see what genre they belong to. Whether science fiction, crime, horror, fantasy, romance, historical fiction, young adult, or any number of other genres, this can help you get a sense of what kinds of stories you like and what you might be interested in writing.

Once you’ve narrowed down a few genres that you really love, it’s time to start doing some research.

Immerse Yourself in Your Chosen Genre – the best way to learn about a genre is to read as many stories from that genre as you can! Not only will this give you a better understanding of the conventions and expectations, but it will also give you some novel ideas for your own story.

Reading isn’t the only way to research, though. You can also watch movies and TV shows, listen to podcasts, or even play video games that belong to the genre you’re interested in. Just make sure you’re taking in a variety of sources so that you can get a well-rounded view of the genre.

Don’t be Afraid to Experiment – there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to writing a novel! So if you have a novel idea for a story that doesn’t quite fit into any one genre, go for it!

Write a Story From Your Heart – the most important thing is that you’re writing a story that you’re passionate about. This will help you through the tough days where you’re feeling uninspired and blocked, and it takes all your willpower and discipline just to push through and keep writing. And no matter the genre, be sure to make it grounded in real life or real emotions to connect with your audience.

3: Nail Down a Story Idea

Story ideas are like the seeds of a story.

Just as a gardener decides what kind of plant they want to grow before planting a seed, a writer must decide what story they want to write before they can begin.

This decision is crucial because it will determine everything from the characters to the plot and setting. So, take some time to brainstorm story ideas! You can also learn more about using AI to help you brainstorm ideas.

Once you have decided on your novel idea, you can begin to flesh it out and bring it to life. You know you’re on the right track if you can distill your idea into a single sentence. So, take time to decide on the story and build the world you want to write.

What kind of story are you longing to tell? What kind of world do you want to create? Let your imagination run wild and see where it takes you. The possibilities are endless!

If you’re feeling blocked about finding story ideas, this is one area that an AI story generator can really help you with. While artificial intelligence programs are terrible at writing whole stories, I’ve found that they are great at helping with story ideas.

You can tell a program like Sudowrite some facts about the character you want to write, or the setting, or a sticky plot point, and the AI program can give you a list of ideas that you, the human writer, can take a look at and find inspiration in!

If you need some quick, easy ideas – check out this huge list of fiction story ideas. It’s organized into story genres (like sci-fi, adventure, romance, and horror), so you can find something interesting easily!

4: Read and Watch Your Genre

If you want to write a novel, it can be helpful to read novels and watch films that are similar to the one you want to write. This will give you a better understanding of the genre, what readers or viewers expect, and how you can put a unique spin on a tried-and-true premise that others have already used.

For example, if you want to write a fantasy novel, reading a variety of fantasy novels will help you understand the tropes and clichés often used in the genre. You can then decide whether you want to avoid these methods or use them in a new and innovative way.

Similarly, watching films (or reading screenplays) can give you a feel for what works visually well in a particular genre. By studying the work of others, it can help you develop your own novel writing style.

5: Create Relatable Characters

Most great stories are character-driven. Creating realistic characters isn’t just about choosing a name or deciding on their physical attributes. It’s about breathing life into them, making them as real to your readers as their own friends and family.

Let’s chat about how to make your characters not just exist, but live and breathe in your story. Here are some things to think about when you are planning out your main characters:

• What Drives Them? Think about what they want and why. Their goals should be as varied and relatable as our own. This could be trying to save money for a down payment on a house or struggling to find a job after being laid off.
• They’re Only Human: Remember, everyone has flaws. Your characters (both the good guys and the bad guys!) should, too! It makes them more believable and gives them room to grow. This will give them transformational character arcs when they struggle to overcome those same flaws in pursuing their goals.
• A Walk Down Memory Lane: A character’s past influences their present. Let their history shape them, adding depth and complexity to their personality.
• Something Special: Give them something that makes them stand out, but keep it real. This could mean making them brave in the face of adversity or giving them a unique talent or skill. Whatever it is, make sure your main character is someone readers will want to follow on their journey.
• Keep it Real: Ensure their dialogues and thoughts are genuine, reflecting their background and beliefs.
• Friends and Foes: Explore their relationships. How they interact with others will reveal new aspects of their character and create dynamic story arcs.

Remember, your main characters are the vessels through which your readers will navigate the world you’ve created. They are the voices that tell your story, the hearts in which your readers find a connection, and the souls that carry your narrative forward.

6: What’s the Conflict?

One of the most important aspects of any story is conflict. Without conflict, there is no story. Conflict drives the plot forward and propels the characters toward their goals. It’s what nudges your characters out of their comfort zones, making them dance, stumble, grow, and evolve in fascinating ways. It’s the hurdles they have to leap over, the dilemmas they navigate, and the choices they make, all while we cheer (or cringe) from the sidelines.

But how do you know what conflict to include in your story? And how can you be sure that your chosen conflict is interesting and complex enough to sustain a whole novel?

There are many different types of conflict that you can use in your stories. The most important thing is to choose a conflict that will allow you to develop your characters and explore the themes of your story. Here are a few writing tips to help you choose the right central conflict for your story:

Getting to Know Your Characters

• Motivations and Desires: What lights a fire under your characters? Understanding what they want, whether it’s saving the world or just finding a perfect cup of coffee, is key.
• Fears and Weaknesses: Knowing what makes your characters’ knees wobble in fear helps in writing conflicts that challenge them personally, making their journey one we’re invested in.

Choosing Your Battle…or Battles

• Character Growth: Pick conflicts that don’t just make your characters sweat but also evolve. It’s all about those transformative moments that shift their worldview and alter their path.
• Avoiding the Predictable: Steer clear of overcooked conflicts. You know, the ones we’ve seen a million times. Surprise your readers with fresh, unexpected challenges that keep those pages turning.

Writing Original and Engaging Conflicts

• Fresh Takes on Classic Themes: Even classic conflicts can feel new when spun the right way. It’s all about your characters’ unique reactions and choices in these scenarios. Try to create original conflicts that will surprise and engage your readers.
• Layered Conflicts: Mix and match different types of conflicts – internal, external, interpersonal, and so on. Try to create a rich, multi-dimensional story that explores various facets of your characters’ lives and personalities.

Zooming Out to Universal Truths

Lastly, while your characters are navigating through the stormy seas of conflict, let’s not forget about the bigger picture. Your story can touch on broader themes and universal truths that make it relatable and resonant.

Whether it’s the enduring spirit of friendship, the struggle for identity, or the timeless battle between good and evil, embedding larger themes can elevate your story from being not just read but remembered and cherished.

7: Outline Your Plot

One of the most important things you can do to make the novel-writing process easier is to outline your story plot. This will act as a writing roadmap and help you organize your thoughts and ensure that your story has a clear beginning, middle, and end.

A common way to structure a novel is using the three-act story structure to identify key moments.

In this format, the first act is used to introduce the main characters, especially the protagonist and antagonist, and establish the setting. The second act focuses on the conflict and rising action, while the third act is devoted to the story’s climax, the falling action, and the resolution.

By outlining your novel using this structure, you can ensure that your story is well-paced and easy for readers to enjoy.

If you’re struggling to get your story outline down on paper, you might consider using book writing software, such as Scrivener or ProWriting Aid. Many available online can be a great way to help you organize your thoughts and map out your plot through an outline or visual representation.

Most writing software will allow you to create characters, locations, and scenes and then arrange them in a way that makes sense for your story. You can also use the software to keep track of your progress, set deadlines, and share your work with others.

Make sure to use effective grammar-checking software while writing your novel. These programs, such as Grammarly and Quillbot, will check your novel for spelling and punctuation errors, sentences written in the passive voice, and even vocabulary choices.

8: POV and Narrative Distance

Point of View

Point of view (POV) is one of the most important choices you’ll make while writing a novel. It’s also one of the first. Why? Because different points of view will shape everything else about your novel, from the structure to the voice.

There are three main points of view: first person, second person, and third person. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

The first-person point of view is when the narrator is a character in the story, and we see things from their perspective. The advantage of this point of view is that it’s very intimate. We see things exactly as the character sees them and get to know them very well.

The disadvantage is that we can only see things from one character’s perspective, so the story’s scope is limited.

The second person point of view is when the narrator addresses the reader directly as if they are a character in the story. The advantage of this point of view is that it’s very involved; the reader feels like they are part of the story. The disadvantage is that it can be jarring if not done well, and it’s not always easy to pull off.

The third-person point of view is when the narrator is not a character in the story, and we see things from an outside perspective.

The advantage of this point of view is that it’s very flexible; we can see things from multiple characters’ perspectives and get a lot of information about the fictional world.

The disadvantage is that it can be less intimate than the first-person perspective, and it can be more challenging to keep track of who is doing what.

So, which point of view should you choose? It depends on your story and the effect you want to create! There’s no right or wrong answer; it’s all about what works best for your story.

Narrative Distance

One of the next decisions you’ll need to make when writing a novel is deciding on the narrative distance. This refers to how close or far the narrator is from the story.

For example, if you’re writing in the first person, the narrator is right in the middle of the action and can share their thoughts and feelings with the reader. On the other hand, if you write in the third person limited, the narrator is still quite close to the action but can only share what one character is thinking and feeling.

The further away the narrator is, the more objective they can be. If you want to write a novel with a lot of suspense, keeping the distance between the narrator and the characters might be your best bet.

In the end, it’s up to you to decide what will work best for your story. So, take some time to experiment and see what feels right.

9: Write a Strong Opening

Every good story starts with a strong opening. Just like how a movie trailer grabs your attention and leaves you wanting more, the opening of a story should give readers a taste of what’s to come.

But how do you write a strong opening that will hook your readers? Here are a few novel writing tips to get you started:

• Start with action. Whether it’s a character on the run or someone getting caught in the rain, starting your story with action will instantly grab your reader’s attention.

• Write in short, punchy sentences. Long, drawn-out sentences can be tedious, so keep your writing tight and to the point. Make every word count.

• Use strong verbs. Action verbs like “raced,” “darted,” and “flew” – as opposed to “ran” – will add excitement to your writing and make your story more engaging.

• Introduce your characters quickly. Readers need to know who they’re rooting for (or against), so introduce your central characters early on in the story.

• Set the scene. Describing the setting in rich detail will help transport readers into your story world and make them feel right there with your characters.

• Use all five senses. What characters see and hear is just as important as the other senses, including what they feel, taste, and smell. But also consider what they think, remember, and dream about.

10: Story Structure and Pacing

Good pacing is essential to keeping readers engaged in your story. But what exactly is pacing, and how can you create a well-paced story?

Understanding Pacing

Think of pacing as the heartbeat of your story. It’s the tempo that moves your narrative along, ensuring that your readers are always enveloped by the right emotion at the right time. It’s about knowing when to sprint through action and when to meander through a gentle scene, allowing readers to catch their breath.

The writing process is often compared to a journey, for good reason. Just as a journey has a beginning, middle, and end, so too does a story. And just as a journey has its ups and downs, so does a story.

The Three Pillars of Your Story: Beginning, Middle, and End

• The Beginning: This is where we meet your characters and enter their world. It’s about laying down the breadcrumbs that will entice your readers to follow along. Introduce them to the world you’ve built, give them a peek into who your characters are, and hint at the adventures to come.
• The Middle: Ah, the thick of the action! This is where your characters grapple with their challenges, face their fears, and perhaps stumble and pick themselves back up. It’s the meat of the story where tensions rise, relationships evolve, and stakes get higher.
• The End: The grand finale where all the threads of your story are woven into a satisfying tapestry. It’s about resolution, answering the lingering questions, and leaving a little something for them to ponder.

The Emotional Arc

Remember, your story isn’t just an assembly of events. It’s an emotional journey where your readers laugh, cry, hope, and despair along with your characters. Ensuring that the emotional arc is in harmony with your pacing and structure will make the journey memorable.

And voila! With a well-structured, perfectly paced story, you’re not just telling a tale – you’re enchanting your readers, inviting them to lose themselves in the worlds you’ve created.

11: Write Natural Dialogue

Writing dialogue that sounds natural is hard! After all, real people don’t always speak in complete sentences or use perfect grammar. To make dialogue sound more natural, consider adding some of the following elements:

• False starts: Have your characters start to say something, then stop and change their minds. This happens all the time in real life, but it’s often left out of written dialogue.

• Unfinished thoughts: Along the same lines, other characters might occasionally finish their thoughts with phrases like “Anyway…” or “What I mean is…” This helps to create a more conversational flow.

• Interruptions: Another way to add realism is to have characters interrupt each other from time to time. Just make sure it feels natural and isn’t used too often.

• Slang: Depending on where your characters are from and/or their educational backgrounds, they may use slang, which might be oriented toward cultural norms, time period, specific groups, or specialized training. Research it to do it right, and don’t rely on stereotypes or clichés as you may offend or alienate segments of your audience.

By using these techniques, you can make your dialogue sound more natural and realistic. Remember to keep things balanced – too much of any element can quickly become distracting or annoying!

12: Complete Your First Draft

The first step in writing a great essay is to complete the first draft. This draft will help you get your thoughts down on paper and organize them into a coherent argument.

Once you’ve completed the first draft of your writing, getting feedback is essential. It’s easy to start second-guessing yourself, so feedback can help you identify areas that need improvement and can also give you a sense of how well your writing is coming across to others.

The best way to get feedback is to share your writing with a trusted friend or family member, especially if it is someone with some writing or editing experience. For those farther along in the process or more confident with their early drafts, a writing coach or coverage service may also be a good option.

Regardless of who you turn to with your work, ask them to be honest with you and to tell you what they thought of your writing. If they have any suggestions for improvement, take them into consideration.

Remember, feedback is meant to help you improve your writing, so don’t be afraid to take it to heart. And don’t worry about word count at this stage, as it will adjust in the rewrite process.

13: Edit and Create Your 2nd Draft

The Novel Writing Process

The writing process is a journey, and each new draft brings you one step closer to your final destination.

The first draft is all about getting your ideas down on paper (or screen). It’s a chance to let your creativity flow and explore the possibilities of your story.

You start to shape your story in the second draft, adding detail and nuance. This is also a good time to tighten the writing, cutting unnecessary words or phrases.

The third draft is generally considered the “polish” draft, where you fine-tune your writing and ensure everything is correct.

By the time you reach the fourth draft, you should have a finished product you’re proud of. Don’t be afraid to put in the work – each successive draft will bring you one step closer to your goal.

Help with Story Editing

Book writing software can be a great help when it comes to editing your novel. Not only can it help you keep track of your characters and plot, but it can also provide valuable feedback on your writing.

For example, many book writing software programs include a built-in grammar and tone checker that can help you identify and correct errors in your text. In addition, most programs also offer a spell checker, which can be invaluable for catching typos and other mistakes.

Book writing software can also help you organize your thoughts and ideas, making editing your work easier. By taking advantage of all that book writing software has to offer, you can make the editing process much easier and more efficient.

Alternatively, a professional editor, story coach, or coverage service can be a great asset when editing a novel. Their honest feedback can help to identify potential problems, such as plot holes or incohesive character development. They can also suggest solutions that will make the story stronger.

In addition, a professional can offer valuable insights into the novel’s marketability and how to make it more appealing to agents and publishers. However, finding an editor who is a good fit for the project is vital. Otherwise, their suggestions may not align with the author’s vision for the story.

When choosing an editor, it is essential to consider their experience, style, and approach to ensure they are the right fit for the job.

14: Learn About Publishing

The publishing process can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re looking to publish a novel or a collection of short stories or poems, you can follow a few basic steps to make the process as smooth as possible.

First, it’s essential to choose the right publisher. There are many different types of publishers, so it’s essential to do your research and find one that’s a good fit for your work in terms of style, genre, target audience, and subject matter.

Once you’ve found a publisher you’re happy with, the next step is to prepare your manuscript. This means making sure it’s formatted correctly and polishing it until it’s the best it can be.

After your manuscript is ready, the next step is to submit it, along with a good query letter, to the publisher. They will then review it and decide whether or not to publish it. If they decide to publish your work, the next step is to go through the editing and production process.

Remember, not all publishers have open calls for manuscripts, while others will only accept new work through referrals from an industry peer, such as a literary agent or manager, so it’s a good idea to check before you submit!

Another alternative is self-publishing, wherein you pay for the production and editing of your completed novel. Self-publishing is more costly than the traditional route, but you control the major elements to your satisfaction, and some authors have found success with it. Don’t be afraid to spend time figuring out which route is suitable for you.

Whether you’re aiming for a New York Times bestseller or a personalized manuscript, publishing can be a lengthy process, but it’s worth it to see your work in print!

Writer’s Block

A common downside to any writing process is the dreaded “writer’s block” – the condition of being unable to think of what to write or how to proceed with writing. There is no cure for this condition, but many successful novelists have developed ways to manage or overcome it.

One method is to create a detailed outline of the important moments of the whole story, which will act as a roadmap between those key moments and minimize the doubt about what happens next. But even a professional writer may choose to write without an outline, hoping to discover the novel’s plot points along with their characters.

Some people will force themselves to stare at the blank page until an idea comes to them. Others will take on an unrelated task to clear their minds from the pressure of not having the words at their immediate disposal. Yet others opt for exercise or other strenuous physical activity to both clear their minds and get the blood flowing (this one is my favorite!). Yet others will meditate for a short period of time or take a coffee or lunch break to gather their thoughts.

And there are those who will jump straight in and write whatever comes to mind, no matter how irrelevant or absurd, simply in the hopes that the exercise of doing so will trigger the right ideas and words to materialize. Or, they will aim for a specific word count in their writing sessions, regardless of initial quality.

You could even try taking some writing courses, as these can help you find new ideas and connect you with other writers who might be going through the same thing in their own life!

Just remember, what works for one writer may not work for another, so novel writing depends on a process of trial and error. Try out different methods for yourself and see what works for you!

Note: This video was created using Synthesia, a fantastic AI video generator that creates AI digital avatars for your videos!

Final Thoughts

Novel writing is an art form that takes a lot of time and practice to perfect. But with the right tools, you can write a novel that you can be proud of. I know that writing and publishing my novels and screenplays continues to be a source of pride and joy for me!

I hope these tips have given you a good starting point for your next novel-writing endeavor!

Common Questions (FAQs)

Looking for more help with writing your novel? Check out these other articles:

Should I Write a Book or a Screenplay or a Stageplay?

What are the 7 Elements of a Story? [Essentials to Include!]

The Best Gifts for Writers (Thoughtful and Appreciated!)

You Know You’re a Writer When… These 10 Struggles Are Way Too Real!

Share this post!