How to Write a Novel

To write fiction you need to be organized. This can be done on a computer in a way similar to using a loose-leaf notebook with labeled dividers.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• A PC running Windows.
• Knowledge of how to use it.

1. New folder. Open a new folder in My Documents and label it Project 1.
2. 5 documents. Open five new documents in that folder. Label them Ideas, Research, Characters, Settings, and Plots.
3. Binoculars button. Put a Contents (of the section headings) at the top each document to allow jumping to those sections with Find, the button with the binoculars icon.
4. The find program. Start thinking. What might the hero in the story be trying to do?

Tips & Warnings

• Write down ideas; then pick the best one.
• Tell about the characters and setting only as needed while telling the plot.
• Long-winded descriptions of characters and settings are like the curtain of the stage going up and then nothing happening.