How to Write a Novel

We all know there is a Pulitzer-prize author inside each of us, the question is how to bring it out. A little imagination helps, but is not required for this exercise.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Paper
• Pencil
• Word processor
• Parchment
• Ink
• Whatever can be used to put words to paper

1. Write, write, and write some more. One cannot make a novel if one does not write. Write something every day. Keep a journal. Write a few sentences. Write about an interesting plant or something that happened at work. It doesn't matter what you write, just write.
2. Learn new things. Don't be afraid to ask a myriad of questions. Be curious about everything and everyone. It is said that authors must write what they know. If an author knows little to nothing about its subject, there is little to nothing he or she can write.
3. (Optional. Those writing nonfiction can use this step as well, but it is optional.)
   Take a scenario you are in or have been in and think of a different outcome. Imagine what would happen in an alternate world.
   Write down dreams you had the night before. Find ways to characterize people in your life into your story.
   Try to describe everyday things in different ways.
4. Get to know your subject. If you are writing a nonfiction book, do as much research as you can, then do more. By the time you are done with the research, you should be an expert on it, or don't write about it. If you are writing fiction, know the world your characters are in and know your characters better than you know yourself. Understand what makes them tick and why.
5. Use a sounding board. If you get stuck, talk the story out with somebody. There are reasons a person gets stuck, and usually it is because something is not making sense or something is not right in the writing. Talk it out, see where it goes.
6. Write, rewrite, write some more.
   Is there a theme here? Write your story until your story is finished, make sure you have done all that is possible for you, then send it to an editor.

Tips & Warnings

• The biggest hurdle to writing a novel is addressed in step one. Putting something on paper is sometimes the hardest thing to do, so getting used to writing something daily is a big step in the right direction. Who knows? Maybe something you write in the daily journaling will launch your first or next book.
• This article does not guarantee you will finish a novel, nor does it say that you will get a publisher, but if you follow the steps, you will definitely be closer than you were before.