So you love creative writing and you have an idea for a novel – but where do you begin?
Here Are Some Tips to Get You started!
1. Map out your story.
Begin by doing this in a general way. What is the ‘status quo’ for your characters before the story begins? What is the climactic event of the story? How is the character changed by the end of the novel?
2. Identify key elements of the novel
What is the ‘inciting incident’ that sets story in motion? Look for rising and falling action in the story. Will the reader be gripped throughout? Why? Every writer has their own method for planning. Some plan every detail of the novel before they begin to write, in order to avoid major rewrites. Others just write – knowing they will likely have a big restructuring job on their hands when they write the second or third draft. What kind of writer are you?
To learn how best to structure a plot, check out our asynchronous writing program here: www.centauriwriters.com
3. Decide who should tell your story – and how it should be told
Do you want to write in the present tense? In the first person? Do you have an omniscient narrator? Making these kind of decisions before you begin your first draft will save you a lot of rewriting later!
4. Research: do you know everything you need to know to write your novel?
Frontloading your project with research will give your novel the voice of authority – and you can continue with your research process as you write.
5. Who are you writing for, and how will this impact the way your story is told?
Make sure you know the accepted word count for your novel before you begin to write – and any conventions relevant to your genre. After all, you want a publisher to pick up your novel after all your work!
6. Decide where to enter your story.
Most writers unintentionally write their way towards their story. Characters may wake up, go through their daily routine, meet people, do things… all while the reader is waiting for the story to begin. When I help edit a writer’s novel, the first question I ask myself is: where does the story really begin?
How much you plan is always a matter of personal preference – but structuring isn’t. Remember that if you start to write before you have a clear idea of your story, you’ll need to make major structural changes once you complete your first draft. If that feels arduous, always plan in detail before you start to write!
Then, find yourself a support network of fellow writers, and begin to write your novel!
For details of our adult creative writing classes, go to https://www.centauriarts.com/academy/toronto/creative-writing-workshops-for-adults/
For our creative writing retreats, click here: https://www.centauriarts.com/retreats/
If you come unstuck, check out our private consultations. And when you are ready to find an editor, reach out to us for support:
https://centauriwriters.com/editing-services/
