Writing Novels

 

A novel is a long story that has a beginning, middle, and an end. Novels often start at about three hundred pages, but can be as long as over eight or nine hundred pages. While this may seem overwhelming, it can be done if you have a plan.

The first part of having a plan is to know what you're going to write about. A lot of novelists start with a character, group of characters, or an event that they want to write about.

Take a little time to write down one or two sentences that explain what you want your story to be about. This is called a log line or a brief synopsis. Your log line should include your main characters, what they're after, and what they have to lose if they get what they want or if they don't.

From your log line, you should be able to see the direction your story needs to take and how to flesh it out.

Write down:

· your main character's name

· his/her emotional (or internal) motivation

· external goals

· obstacles/conflict

· what you think your character should learn by the end of the story

After you've done this, find three or four other characters in your story and do the same thing for them. Ideally, one of these other characters should be your antagonist, or person who stands between your protagonist (main character) and what he/she wants.

Once you have your characters, their goals, and their obstacles, you can start outlining. Figure out how everyone's stories relates to everyone else's. Then, in your outline, write down each step the characters take to reach their goals, how they deal with their setbacks, and how their stories are resolved. Make sure your characters interact and have different internal motivations, even if their external goals are the same.

Finally, begin writing your story. Use your outline as a map to tell you where your characters are going, but use your imagination to fill in the blanks. Choose a setting that helps set the tone for your novel, and make sure your characters have their own voices. Use dialogue to help your characters interact with one another.

ACTIVITY

WRITE

Write the outline and first three pages of your novel. Be sure to include in your outline your characters, motivations, goals, obstacles, and resolutions.

Provide and receive constructive feedback.

If possible, read your story aloud to students who would be in the right age group for your target audience.