How to Write Your First Novel

The world is full of people who are well read, but few who actually have written that first novel. Everyone has at least one novel in them, and writing one that is novel requires tenacity, intelligence and heart. All are qualities even the 'illiterate' possess. Novels are fiction, but based on fact...You actually need to know more facts to write believable and 'real' fiction than to write a factual book.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Notepad, computer or typewriter
• Editor
• Printer
• A few (not too many) bucks
• Courage, intelligence and heart

How to Write Your First Novel

1. Think about what you want to say to the world, what you want to 'leave behind' when you die. Consider the worlds that you know about. Make a list of five things you value most, and five you hate most, and five you fear most. Think about a setting or a world you like that is historical (the Old West, the Roaring 20s, e.g.) or contemporary (modern...anywhere). Consider what kinds of books you like, but DON'T set out to imitate a specific author.
2. Construct a main character, keeping in mind that a main character is someone whose survival and/or most valued perspectives/opinions are tested by something they least expect (the 'villain', for instance). Give your main character a life goal (inner and outer) and a personality profile. Envision someone you know or a character in film who is most like this character. THEN build the character's enemy, friends and bystanders around this.
3. Write a statement about your story...It is about a _____ who tries to do ______ against _______ in order to ________. Then...WRITE. Do not be intimidated by what you think of the first line, or the second, or third. Write from the heart, and gut, and DO NOT STOP to edit as you go along or even to re-read it, until you have written the first THREE chapters at least (the Martin Scorcese rule). Remember also that MOST WRITERS KAYN'T SPELL.
4. Give your book to trusted friends and outside readers for opinion, but consider the source of the put downs AND compliments, and judge them for yourself. Seek out a skilled editor who will edit FOR rather than against your style of writing. Remember that so many great authors in the past have seldom made money or gotten recognition for their work in their lifetime but that they left behind books that changed the world, as will yours.

Tips & Warnings

• Be persistent, listen to your own inner drummer, and voice.
• Writing is an art that develops only with intense and continued effort.
• If it were easy, everyone would be doing it.
• Your own sense of inferiority is your worst enemy.
• Not everyone will like what you write.
• Writing is human effort, publishing and monetary returns/awards...is timing, often with no relationship to the quality of the work.