How Do You Write A Novel?

Everyone seems to want to write a novel these days, and everyone thinks they can … until they try. Writing a novel is an extraordinary art form that takes discipline, creativity, hard work, persistence and courage. If you’ve always wanted to write a novel, chances are you’ll be able to do it - but if you are just giving it a go for a bit of fun, maybe try something else. It’s not for the faint hearted! Novel writing is not only about utilizing the amazing creativity and imagination of the right brain, but harnessing the logic of the left brain so that the story can come together in a intensely readable way. How do you do that? You plan! You set up all the elements of your book; themes, genres, characters, locations, moments and story arcs, and then you decide what your chapters will be and what journey the character will take - from beginning to end. Outlines scare writers, but it’s always good to remember that they guide you through and educate you on what the real story should be … basically, that they can change. But without an outline, you will just get lost. Plan that book and see your mind open up with possibilities for your story - it seems counterintuitive but try it … you won’t regret it.