Writing your first novel is nothing less than a exciting adventure to embark on; it seems daunting yet exhilarating. It excites you to breathe life into the creative machinations of your mind by putting it on paper. It is a craft that gets your heart going yet fill you with worry, and have you questioning every passing word or sentence. Several published authors have spent months and years perfecting the process of creating their first novel – and it is understandably so!
The key to stepping your ante in the novel writing phase is formulating a plan. Like organizations create strategies before launching a new product, authors create their strategies to proceed with structuring a novel. Granting a formal structure to your plan allows you to be focused, offer clarity, and fill any gaps that may go unfulfilled.
To begin your novel writing journey, here are 10 tips to fall into your writer mode:
Plotting a Novel Idea
The initial step prompting you to jump into writing a book is an eclectic idea which gains precedence in your mind. These can be cues taken from your actual life or within the creative portions of your mind. The idea is to connect the absurd limits of your imagination with the mundaneness of reality and build a bestselling story.
Storyboard Your First Novel
Storyboarding your ideas seem the most effective in setting your narrative, effectively visualizing your sections of the book or characters, and connecting different elements within a book. This is particularly true for fiction writing. A typical storyboard will allow you to organize your narrative, effectively directs you to points of suspense, and sets in motion a much smoother process of writing than a bumpy one without a storyboard. When all your ideas and time of introducing elements are mapped out, it will make the writing easier and less time-consuming.
Research is The Key to Structuring a Novel
To grant structure, objectivity, and an element of mystique, any great plot demands 3 things – research, research, and research. One of your primary writing resources is the plethora of information awarded through extensive research. Research allows the reader to have a glimpse into creating active associations with history, actual events, or any symbolism.
Work on Character Development for the First Novel
Before you start writing a book, it is important to ponder upon and sketch character profiles to ascertain their roles in the narrative. This will allow you to build the story more vividly. Each character needs to serve some purpose within the story. Character profiling can help to build dialogue sequence, develop their auras, and build a certain perception for the readers.
Establish a Routine to Write Book
The key to maintaining consistency in writing a book is establishing a routine. Routines help to clear away any mental cobwebs which may creep up when there are dismal delays between writing conflicts or different scenes. Your creative juices are being used in the process of creating your novel, helping your mind to connect the dots. However, pushing yourself too much and not taking much-needed breaks can result in burnout and mental and emotional pressures and insecurities.
Editing and Rewriting in Novel Writing!
Editing and rewriting are the heart and soul of novel writing. It might not be the most desirable point in the steps to publish a book yet it may allow you to look at your writing from the reader’s point of view.
Whip a Striking Ending in the First Novel!
Be it a cliff-hanger or killing off your main character, the ending needs to be striking enough to maintain a stronghold in the reader’s mind. The progression towards the climax needs to be smooth, not rushed, and well-developed to grab the reader’s attention. Books belonging to any genre should end on a proper note which gives the reader a proper closure upon finishing the book. It should grant the novel some logic and structure which resonates with the reader.
Gather your Writing Resources for Novel Writing
Gathering your writing tools is crucial to entering the writer’s mode. Either you’re a pen and paper person or someone who likes to type away; it needs to be ensured that writing is not a frustrating process but a pleasant one with the right tools in hand. Most of the writers primarily use tools like Microsoft Word or Google Docs. However, online writing software like Scrivener and Focus Writer is also prominently used. Lastly, creating a writing corner that is without any distractions or humdrum is perfect to continue typing away your ideas.
Set Daily Milestones for Novel Writing
Setting realistic goals and milestones helps you centre yourself, and take you out of the dilemma of writing too little for the day. These realistic goals allow you to accommodate all of your tasks, including writing. Writing should be a fun activity, not taxing. These goals will motivate you, provide a proper schedule, and help avoid being guilt-tripped over the pace of your novel.
Lastly, Achieve the Objective of the Published Book!
Getting a published book is the most thrilling phase, it allows your readers to have a glimpse into your mind. There are two main types of publishing that writers often pursue; through a publishing house or self-publishing. In the case of self-publishing, the writer is responsible for handling the specifics, from the cover design to printing to marketing. In the case of mainstream publishing, publishing houses take responsibility for these specifics. They screen your manuscript and, if they find your novel has potential, you are on your way to entering the “world of the published.”
These are some of the tips to start your first novel. Meanwhile, for some inspiration, follow up on these exciting reads to have you intrigued!
Wake Up and Open Your Eyes
By Karim Abdulaziz Hasan
Yasmin is a young girl with big ideas. She tries to search for meanings within her mundane life and travel through the highs and lows of her inner emotions. She tries to find the connection between her reality and her dream world; trying to break apart from the monotony of her life until the alarm rings. To read this novel, click here.
New York Underground
By Mohamed Abdul El-Bahrawy
New York Underground is a collection of short stories, combining elements of undergoing the dilemmas of human emotions and realizing the truths while reconciling with life. These are depictions of the struggles that the author went through – and the readers can relate to. There are transitions from reality bites to the creative limits of one’s vivid imaginations. To read this novel, click here.
Dead Uprising
By Faisal Khalaf Almukhlifi
In the age of war, Nabil, in his child-like innocence, questions the notions of war. In this story of greed and hate, Nabil navigates through the deeper constructs of human actions that contribute to humanity’s annihilation. To read this novel, click here.
The Kingdom of the Forehead
By Abdulla Hassan Al-Farsi
Set in the fantasy genre, Diaa sees her son, Salem, fight the battle with shadows after being captured in their dark world. Even after returning from it, Salem knows that the battle between the light and the dark has still not ended and may likely continue. Delve into the story of Salem’s fight against the darkness threatening to claim his world. To read this novel, click here.
Joy Series
By Soumaya Fadli
The Joy series by Soumaya Fadli paves the way for 12 different stories which are intertwined with the events that have taken place in reality. It narrates the challenges faced by powerful and dynamic personalities in attaining their goals. Curated for children, these stories aim to exemplify the idea of salvation through adherence to the principles of morality and social principles. To read this novel, click here.
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