How To Write Novels: The Basics

Can you learn how to write novels, or does is require a bachelor's degree? The essence of this question is about skill and ability. Arguably, writing is a skill, but the quality of your work will depend to some extent on ability.

Here are some guidelines to help you make a start writing books. Many authors will say that going on creative writing courses is essential. I started without any formal training, and perhaps it shows in my work. I assume that you are not using novel writing software for the task.

Know The Competition

Read widely - you need to read the competition, particularly the top selling authors. This is a good place to begin learning how to write novels, because you see what sells (but remember that good marketing can sell poor quality work).

Plan The Story (Or Not)

Successful authors do start out with a plan for the book: start, middle and end, with the plan pinned up on a wall. I just can't write books this way. For me, writing a book should be a journey of discovery for me as well as the reader. Find which method works for you.

How To Write Novels - Just Do It

It will surely make you think about 'point of view' (POV). Who is speaking in the story you are writing - that is, whose point of view is it? There are many technicalviewpoints, but the rule is - decide your POV and stick to it, ensuring your writing is consistent.

A Plot Develops

Don't worry if you don't have a plot. It will come. Imagine your main character (MC), and start describing him. Then, describe a typical day. Where is the MC - maybe at a beach you know well? Many authors set their stories in their home town. Put your MC there.

The act of setting the words down should engage your brain and your creative side.

Draw on your experiences whenever you can. People write best about what they know well, and nothing beats experience. Research topics you don't know well, making notes as you go along.

Structure: Threads

Write a thread about your MC, and develop threads about characters who come into the MC's thread. Then, when the story is more than half-way written, start combining these threads together forming chapters. I need to work with threads - less structured, but allows much more flexible thinking, for me. As you write, break your threads up into scenes , for example - action seqences, character description and some background narrative.

If you get stuck on a particular thread, then work on another whilst giving your subconscious time to work on the other. That way, you keep up your output.

Grammar And Punctuation

If you are weak in these areas, don't worry, a proofreader can correct them. Writing books is about much more than grammar if you have a good story to tell. If you really are blow par in this respect then it would be best to engage a professional proof editor before you attempt to submit a manuscript to an agent or publisher.

Finally

Just do it. Write the first word, then the sentence and so on. Don't be too ambitious with your early goals. Write your first hundred words. Review them, then write your next hundred words. As you write, ideas should spark - note them on a pad, for inclusion later. Join a writers' forum, and meet other authors - there are thousands of people learning how to write novels, and exchanging ideas. It is a great way of learning the craft.