How to Write a Novel (or Novella)

Okay, so I’ve decided to tackle a big subject in the most basic of ways. This blog is by no means an instruction manual, but I do remember very clearly what it was like to have this idea in my head and to sit down and decide that I was going to write a book. Quite frankly, I’m going through this process again as I start a new novella. I’ve got the idea but what next? Here is my take on the process.

1)      Idea Formation. Think of an artist chiseling out a statue or an ice sculpture. By now you’ve either heard of the plotters or the pansters. One group plots and another group doesn’t. Neither is bad, just different. Some writers need to organize every detail beforehand, while others need to get to know their characters and story as they go along. Some start by writing a blurb or synopsis in order to chart out how their story will go.

2)      Write. For many authors, this will be the easiest part of the process. Nothing needs to be perfect now, you just let the words (in however combination they come) flow out of you. You’re telling your story in the simplest way possible, the bare bones.

3)      Rewrite. This portion of the process is the longest and most involved. I usually divide it up into the following sections:

1. Revise and Embellish. This is pretty much you reading your work over and adding in the details (description, grammar, flow, rhythm, etc.)
2. Review and Critique. A scary step. Take that manuscript and have someone else read it (always a good practice but even more so for beginners). Let them tear it to shreds and accept the fact that this step might require you to make some big changes.  Also, make sure you evaluate the suggestions based on the story you want to tell. Not all changes are necessary or warranted.
3. Repeat steps (a) and (b) until you are happy with your manuscript.

So I made this pretty simple but if you’ve ever tried writing before, you’ll realize the task is far from simple. Still, the deeper you get into writing, the more you learn and the more complicated it can all seem. Sometimes it is best to take a step back and look at it in a more simplistic way; otherwise, you’ll overwhelm yourself and find yourself stuck. Good luck to you and happy writing this week!