Everyone has a story to tell. Writing a novel can be a difficult but rewarding experience. And who knows what else? You could be the best-selling author next summer. Starting Over

Writing a novel is something that many people want to do but never get around to starting, let alone finishing.

Sitting in front of a blank screen can cause ideas to evaporate, so get yourself a notebook or journal and start jotting down some ideas. They don't have to be organised to begin with; all you need to do is jot down some broad themes, plot lines, and characters.

Committing to your novel is the most effective way to make it a reality.

In theory, you can write a novel "on the fly," but you're more likely to progress more effectively if you can establish some sort of routine.

Writing every day, even if only for 15 or 30 minutes, will help you move your main ideas forward. Having a dedicated writing space can help you get into the flow when you sit down to write.

Consider the type of novel your story will be - does it fit into a specific genre or does it cross over into several?

Creating a basic storyline before you begin writing your actual book will allow you to plan out plot lines, twists, and other elements that you can incorporate along the way. Some writers choose not to do this, but knowing where the story is going can also serve as a motivator. Attempt to complete your first draught within a year.

Before you begin writing, consider the style in which you will write. Is it in the first or third person? Choose your editorial styles and stick to them; for example, will you use double or single speech marks?

Writing a blurb, similar to what you'd find on the back of a book, can help you stay focused and motivated when things get tough. Remember that you will not always feel like writing, so don't be too hard on yourself.

Some writers plot their stories from beginning to end so that they can easily construct scenes.

Setting up a blog can also be beneficial, both as a journal and as a way to build an audience while your novel is being written.

Making a note of it

Don't spend too much time describing the setting of your story. Most readers nowadays want to dive right into the story. In fact, before writing a word about the larger scenario, you might want to consider jumping right into the action. A thrilling first chapter will hook the reader right away.

The Instigating Incident

Almost every novel includes a pivotal scene on which the rest of the story hinges, such as the moment a body is discovered in a crime novel. Don't get too caught up in the fine details when you first start, but keep in mind that its impact will reverberate throughout the rest of the book.

You might also have some ideas for key moments in your novel. Make sure they contribute to the plot and aren't just there because you like them. If you've planned your novel from beginning to end, these key moments can all fit together as pieces of a larger puzzle. These will serve as stepping stones for your novel's progression.

Characterization

If this is your first novel, avoid including too many characters. It could end up confusing both you and the reader. Keeping it simple is the best way to get started on your first try. You'll need a few key characters who will grow and change as the novel progresses. Consider their principles: are they tested when confronted with conflict?

The Battle

Many novels are propelled forward by conflict, which usually pits the main character against another protagonist or a situation. If your novel includes settings that you are unfamiliar with, do your research first. Some writers write about what they know best because it provides them with an intimate knowledge of the world they're writing about.

The goal of your novel is for your main character to resolve this conflict in some way.

Dialogue

The dialogue between your characters should help to develop your character or story. Don't have your characters talk about nothing for long stretches of time. Your reader will become disinterested. Dialogue can also help your story progress. For example, one character may have information that they inadvertently pass on to another.

How to keep the reader interested

A good plot frequently includes intrigue and mystery. The reader will want to know the answers to their questions, and if your story is good enough, they will want to keep reading to find those answers.

There is also a technique you can use at the end of each chapter to entice your reader to continue reading. The best way to accomplish this is to include a cliffhanger at the end of each chapter. Create a suspenseful situation that will leave your reader wondering, 'What happens next?'

The Conclusion

Your book's conclusion should resolve the main conflict of your story. There is no need for a 'Hollywood' ending, but unless you intend to produce a sequel, you should have tied up all loose ends.

You can leave the reader on a cliffhanger, but this risks not providing the satisfying conclusion that your reader was probably hoping for.

It's being polished.

After you've finished your first draught, you'll need to edit it. As you tidy and reshape many of your chapters, your novel may go through several redrafts.

Once you've completed what you consider to be the "final version," put it away and don't look at it for a few weeks, if not months. Then read it again as if you were reading it for the first time. Does the plot make sense? Are the characters developed sufficiently? Do they change throughout the novel? If you find yourself skipping chunks of your work, it's a safe bet that your readers will do the same.

Editing can be time-consuming, but it will be worthwhile.

If you are editing the book yourself, don't be afraid to cut anything that appears superfluous to the plot. Once you're satisfied with your revisions, start showing your story to a few people.

Feedback, both positive and negative, is essential; however, don't take criticism too personally. Make a note of everything said, and don't be afraid to seek a second opinion if you're not convinced.

If you want to publish your novel, you have two options: find a publisher who will take it on, or publish it yourself. If this is your first novel, it's always best to approach publishers with a completed manuscript.

If you prefer to self-publish, you can do so in print or ebook format through a variety of platforms. Amazon has its own self-publishing service called KDP (through which you can also sell your books and ebooks), but there are other options, such as Lulu, allbookpromotion and Blurb, that can print a print run for you.