Important Things To Consider When Writing A Novel
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Many of us dream of one day writing a novel. However, writing a successful book can be more complicated than many realize. It takes time and effort to write, but you need to ensure that it attracts and grips readers. Below are just some of the considerations that are important to make before you start writing a novel to increase your chance of it being a success.
Have I got a great story?
The most crucial aspect of any novel is the story itself. You'll need to spend time planning out your story in detail beforehand. You want your story to be unique and unpredictable. It also needs to have a great pace - don’t put all the most exciting parts at the beginning or the end. It could also be essential to iron out any plot holes. Once you’ve planned out your story, spend time questioning the decisions of every character and event to make sure that they make sense.
Is it long enough for a novel?
To be classed as a novel, a story must be over 40,000 words. Anything less than 40,000 words is a novella. Some publishers only publish books, but many do publish novellas (and self-publishing is always a route too). Novellas are pretty popular in ebook stores because of their short length (just be wary that the likes of Amazon do have a minimum 2,500-word policy). You don’t need to pad out your story if you think it can be told in fewer words.
How can I make my characters enjoyable?
Characters need to have depth to make them attractive. Beyond their physical appearance, you need to consider their personality traits - including their strengths and weaknesses. It would be best to consider backstories and goals for every essential character. It is also common for great characters to change attitudes or beliefs throughout the story. This is known as a character arc. However, an arc is only sometimes necessary - static characters can be just as compelling, providing that they are complex and unique.
Which point of view should I use?
Most novels are written from a third-person point of view. This allows you to delve into multiple characters' perspectives and adopt a more neutral standpoint. A first point of view must be told from a single character's limited perspective. This can be a fun chance to delve into their thoughts more profoundly and adapt their tone of voice, but it can be more challenging. A third-person limited point of view is a compromise between the two - the story revolves around one character's perspective. Still, you can tell it in your voice and break away from their perspective if necessary. The second-person point of view is much less common and typically reserved only for gamebooks.
How will I stay motivated to write?
Many people never finish a novel because they either a) get writer’s block, b) keep doubting themselves, or c) prioritize other life commitments and have no time to write. It’s important that you schedule time each week to write. This doesn’t have to be every day, but ideally, it should be multiple times per week at times when you feel more creative. Focusing on creating a finished rough draft that you can then tweak after rather than trying to perfect each chapter. Meanwhile, surround yourself with inspiration (including other books and new experiences) to help you beat writer’s block. You could even explore how international authors like J.D. Barker approach their writing process, offering a fresh perspective that could motivate you to keep pushing through.
How will I publish my book?
You can either approach a publishing company to publish your book for you or self-publish your book. Self-publishing is cheaper, and you can enjoy a more significant share of the revenue. However, it’s also more work as you must fully promote the book. This post on how to publish a book explains more.
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