You've got an idea, and you want to turn it
into a novel. How do you begin? First, determine the storyline – is your idea
interesting enough to hold a reader’s attention for sixty thousand words and
more? Coming
up with an idea is the easy part; writing it down convincingly is what takes
time and skill.
Next you’ll need to determine what kind of story are you
writing? In what genre, or category does your story will fit into – mystery,
romance, young adult, science fiction, fantasy, and so on. If you read a particular
genre, then you might naturally choose to write your story in that genre since
you will already be familiar with its form and elements. Go through your favorite novels and get a
sense of why they are your favorite books.
Then decide where (and when) your story will take place. In
the old west? On a distant planet? in the far future? In Boise
Next your book must have a beginning, middle, and an end.
What’s one good way to do that? You outline. Either in your head or best on
paper, map your idea out. This doesn't have to be the formal outline you
learned in high school, or even a very detailed map. You're the only one who
will ever see it. But if you’re not sure where you’re
going having a rough plan will take you far.
There are several reasons why you may want to consider an outline:
· It gives you a
starting point to start writing.
· You know roughly what
you have to write next. Writer’s block isn’t as common.
· You can avoid writing
yourself into a dead end. Your scenes flow better.
· You can set up your
ending because you know what’s coming.
Some writers, called “pantsters”
(they write spontaneously by the seat of their pants), resist outlines because
they think outlining stifles their creativity. Other writers do make an
outline, but only after a lot of freeform brainstorming. Then, there are some writers who do the
outlining and detailed planning and then choose not to look at their notes a
lot while they're actually writing. If you outline, it's important to remember
that your outline is a guide to help you. There are no format rules. It’s to be
followed as long as it serves your story.
So what do you think about while outlining? Decide how you
will start your story. Decide what events will take place in the story. Visualize the scenes that will move your
story along Remember, fiction entertains. Even when you're conveying a
message, you've got to make it interesting.
What makes a book interesting? Its characters. You have to
have a good idea of your character's personality so you can make how he or she
responds and acts in scenes seem realistic to readers. Know your characters.
Your characters will react to events in the story based on their personality
and background. Developing a personality and background for your character is
called a character sketch. Also, be able to “see” them. Describe what they look
like. One tip you may find helpful is to go through magazines or newspapers and
cut out pictures of people who will be your character’s face. This might help
keep them real in your mind.
Strong
characters start at the beginning and “move” toward the end. If they don't move
– emotionally and/or physically -- then you've got a tale, not a story.
Conversely, if a writer allows the characters to wander all over the place
without keeping an eye on the finish, you’ve got a story that lacks focus. Outlining is one way to keep you focused.
The most important thing to remember is: don’t be afraid to
start. It doesn't have to be a perfect
first draft, or even a second or third draft.
Just write your
novel.
R.
Franklin James was born and raised in the San Francisco East Bay Area. She
graduated from the University of California at Berkeley
and completed the masters program in Public Policy at California State University East Bay
She and her husband live in northern California
with their English Springer Spaniel, Bailey.
|
