Novel Writing Tips: 5 Essential Tips to Help You Write Your Novel
- Aug 4
- 6 min read
So, you are on the ambitious venture of bringing the story living rent-free in your head to life, kudos to that. Sometimes, penning it all down can be as dreadful as it is exciting. You have a whole story simmering inside you, demanding to be told, but the sheer idea of it can be overwhelming. But do not sweat it, almost every author, debuting or bestseller, has spent hours staring at a blank screen. Trust us, you are not alone; we’ve all been there. The holy grail is to just begin and keep going till the finish line is within your reach. Here’s a roadmap for turning your best ideas into beloved creations.
Table of Contents
Start With What You Have
You know what is the mantra for writing a novel? As simple as it may sound, it is to start with whatever you have. It does not have to be something groundbreaking. It could be a character that has left an imprint on your mind that even time cannot erase, a phrase that keeps you up at three in the morning, or a scene that you cannot stop imagining. Do not go on pressuring yourself to have it all figured out. Robert Frost said that he never really knew how his poems would end, he just went with the flow and figured it out on the way. Nurture that spirit, hold on to it, and ask yourself: what value does it hold for you? The more authentic, the better. Remember, the best novels are not about the most dramatic plot lines but about the truth you are aching to share, even if you do not know how it is going to end.
The Character Chaos
Ever wondered what the heartbeat of any novel is? Hands down, it’s got to be the characters. Without interesting characters, even the most enchanting tales will fall flat - what a shame that would be. But here’s the exciting part: you are the artisan here, so paint the best possible image you can. Give your characters history that haunts them in the middle of the night, little quirks that make them unforgettable, and passion that could move mountains. Ask yourself, what is the one thing they would sell their soul for, and what catastrophe awaits if they fail to achieve it? The more real and intense your characters feel to you, the more engaging they will be to your readers. And trust us, well-crafted characters will take your stories to places you could not imagine in your wildest dreams.
The Plot Hole
If your characters are the heartbeat of your tale, then the plot is nothing short of its spine. It holds your story together, fragment by fragment, and acts as the engine powering this rollercoaster your readers are on. Do not mistake it for a series of perfect events strung together, in reality, it is the chain of causes and effects that drives your whole story forward. Bring in all the twists and revelations you can dream of, but do not go overboard. Remember, every scene should feel as if it has earned its place. If it’s not adding, it’s subtracting. Think of your plot as a road trip, you may not know every turn or detour, but the destination is etched in your mind like the back of your hand.
Embrace The Block
You’re past the excitement of the beginning, ridden the thrill of the plot, and now you stand face to face with the messy middle, unsure of where to go. Hold on. Breathe in, breathe out. The ending may feel far away, but that doesn’t mean it’s not there, hidden somewhere behind the cloudy mist of writer’s block. Trust the process and keep walking, even if the excitement has faded a little. Try adding in some conflict and tension. This is what will keep both you and your readers hooked; this is where your characters will earn their ending. So even if it feels daunting, stick with it.
Dissect Like a Surgeon
It would be unfair to expect your first draft to be as good as the story you imagined in your head. In truth, first drafts are never the final word, their sole purpose is to give you a rough sketch of your vision. Revision is where you truly become sure of your work - as you refine the pacing, fill in the loopholes, and rewrite the parts that don’t feel quite right. Think of it as sculpting, you chisel away, bit by bit, to reveal that magnificent statue hidden within the stone. Remember, even your favorite novels have been rewritten several times. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed; it means you care about and respect your story enough to walk that extra mile.
Writing a novel is never a walk in the park. It’s a long journey where some days the words flow like a river, and on others, climbing a cliff might seem easier. The goal is to show up on both kinds of days, especially on the latter. From the zeal of the beginning to the moment you write - “The End,” each step is a victory in itself. Trust the process, and let it shape you as much as it shapes your story, until both become something truly timeless.
Do you have an idea for a book but don’t know how to execute it into a finished manuscript?
You’re in the right place. Whether you are looking to workshop a single chapter, edit and polish a first draft, or need someone to ghostwrite your book, contact Rolling Authors on WhatsApp today and bring your manuscript to life.
Key Takeaways
All great novels begin with a simple idea, so do not overthink it before putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). Remember the following writing tips:
Novels are driven by compelling characters, so invest time in getting to know yours.
Make sure that your plot has clear cause and effect, i.e., all events link together logically and every scene serves a purpose.
Do not stress about writer's block. The best way to overcome it is to write regularly and consistently and to keep going even when the words do not seem to flow.
The most important thing to remember is that your first draft will not be perfect, and that is okay—in fact, it should not be perfect. Your job as a writer is to get your thoughts on the page and then polish your manuscript until it shines.
The fastest way to write a novel is simply to begin writing. Most people find that their best work emerges after multiple drafts and careful editing.
FAQs
1. How do I start writing a novel?
Begin writing your novel with your best idea, which could be a character, a particular scene, a line of dialogue, or simply a general sense of what the novel is about. You do not need to have everything figured out beforehand. In fact, many writers find that they cannot write at all if they try to plan too meticulously before the actual writing begins. Just begin writing, no matter what, and keep going, even when it is not easy.
2. What is the number one thing first-time novel writers get wrong?
Many first-time novel writers make the mistake of trying to write a perfect first draft. The most successful novel writers know that it is important to write a first draft, which is unlikely to be perfect. Most novel writers plan on having multiple drafts—ideally at least three or four—before submitting their manuscript for publication.
3. How many drafts does it take to write a novel?
It really depends on the writer. Some writers are able to write perfect first drafts while others may need to revise their work multiple times before they feel confident enough to submit their manuscript for publication. The truth is, there is no such thing as a perfect first draft. Most published novels have at least one (and often multiple) drafts following the first one, which underwent extensive editing and polishing in order to improve the structure, plotting, character development, pacing, language, and readability of the story.
The thing is - every successful best-selling novel was once just an idea. They had to be developed, fine-tuned, and taken all the way to completion, to be published and shared with the world. That's why Rolling Authors offers professional ghostwriting, developmental editing, manuscript reviews, and editorial assistance to help aspiring and established authors turn their ideas into finished novels.
So come on over to Rolling Authors and take the first step in bringing your own novel to life.
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