How to write a novel: Tips and advice

Here are some tips and advice on how to write a novel, based on my experience studying novel writing.

Growing up, I always loved storytelling. I would come up with story ideas and stage plays in the hope that one day I would be brave enough to write an entire novel.

If you've read a few of my blog posts before, you'll know that I am, in fact, writing my own novel. It's been a dream to be able to say I've written a whole manuscript, and I'm so close to doing so.

With my personal experience and what I've learnt from my Creative Writing studies, I thought I'd share some tips on how to write a novel.

Novel-writing can be quite daunting. It's no small feat, and it requires you to have the courage and resilience to keep on writing.

But below are some tips that I think could help make writing a novel easier.

Know your genre

First things first, when writing a novel, it's likely that you favour a particular genre. Whether that's romance, thriller or fantasy, etc.

Make sure you know what type of story you're going to write. For each genre, there are typical elements that define them, such as a happy ever after for romance or a whodunnit problem for crime.

Knowing what genre you're writing, and what your sub-genres are, will help make writing your novel easier. You'll know some of the conventions to include, but also ones that you could subvert to surprise the reader.

Flesh out your characters

There's often the question of what comes first in writing: plot or characters.

It doesn't matter too much what you create first, but the thing that makes each story different is the characters. Every character in a book has to be unique, and that's what sets one book apart from the other.

So, before you start writing your novel, make sure you know your characters. Understand them as people, know what their lives are like and what the key bits of information about them are.

That way, when you come to writing your novel, it'll be easier to write about them.

You can't edit a blank page

Don't write a chapter and then edit it. Keep the editing until you've got a first draft.

This tip I actually struggled with at the start of my novel. I'd write a few chapters, but always go back and change small things.

However, I've learnt that you can't edit a blank page. If you edit as you go, the likelihood is that it'll take longer to finish your novel and you might not actually finish it.

Try and write as much of your novel as you can before you start editing. That way, you will have the bare bones of the story down in a draft and can then edit the whole thing more smoothly.

Believe in yourself

Writing a novel isn't an easy task. It requires resilience, confidence and courage.

Sometimes you might have writer's block. Or you simply might not have enough time to write as much as you'd like.

However, by believing in yourself, you will get to the end. Having self-confidence and the drive to complete your novel will help you in getting the words on the page.

If you don't feel like writing one day, that's okay. Don't force yourself to try and write if you're not in the mood. But when the inspiration sparks, sit down and write away.

But always believe you can do it. Because you can.

Small milestones work

Novels are typically around 400 pages long and over 80,000 words. It is a huge feat to craft a story and write it well in a way that you're proud of and not burnt out from.

One thing I've found to help with this is by creating small milestones. If you know roughly where your story ends, or how many words you'd like to reach, don't try and complete huge chunks at a time.

Instead, set yourself small goals, whether that's word counts, chapters, or story beats. When you've written 2000 words for a chapter, celebrate it. When you reach Chapter 5, celebrate it.

Nothing is too small to celebrate when you're writing a novel.

Find fellow writers

Novel-writing is a lonely project. Often, you'll find yourself sitting in front of your computer or your notebook, writing by yourself. Unless it's a collaboration project — like Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben's latest novel — writing a book can be quite isolating.

However, if you find friends who are writers or understand the process of writing a book, that can be a huge help.

You'll have someone you can bounce ideas off. You can brainstorm with them and ask for their opinions. And more importantly, they can be your first beta-readers when you have a full draft.

Whether it's a trusted friend, an unbiased family member, or a fellow writer, find someone you can trust to help and make the process less lonely.

Now, these are tips that I've found to help from my personal experience. They might work for you, or they might not.

But the main takeaway I've learnt from writing my own novel is to enjoy it.

If you enjoy the story you're writing and are invested in the characters' lives, then it will make the process of going from Chapter 1 to 'The End' much more fun for you.

I hope these tips can help any budding writers. If you have tips of your own, feel free to leave them in the comments below.

Until next time...