How to Write a Novel - My Method

I just finished the first draft of the first novel I’ve ever finished a couple of weeks ago (I’ve started many before, but either stopped after a few weeks, or changed formats - screenplays are generally more my style). I’m now starting on the revision process. I thought I would share how I go about writing things, which is drastically different than the way that most writers do things.

I usually start with an idea. Something that won’t get out of my head. A character usually follows shortly after. I’ll then spend a few weeks planning. This novel is speculative fiction, fantasy to be more specific. So, I planned out my whole world, drew a fairly detailed map, and then did an outline for the entire story in one night.

On a Friday I started writing. On Tuesday I was done with my first draft, about 45,000 words. I maintained a fairly normal life throughout those five days, and still managed almost 10,000 words per day. The story just would not get out of my head. I tried doing other things, but my characters kept nagging me to keep writing. So I did. I skimmed over some parts, mostly descriptions, planning on adding them in during the revisions. I just needed to get the thing out of my head.

This is how I write everything. In school, I always did reports and papers the night before they were due, no matter how much time we were supposed to devote to them. And, I always got As. If I had failed, I might have changed my methods, but since I didn’t, that is the way that I write most effectively - in as little time as possible.

I wrote my first screenplay in four days, with no revisions. I then submitted to an online peer-review site, and got pretty good reviews - only minor changes were recommended. I never bothered submitting to any production companies, but I’m tempted to pull it back out and work on it some more and then submit.

I’m currently working on two other novels, and a flash fiction piece. I may change one of the novels to a screenplay, but haven’t decided yet.

Here are my tips for writing my way, whether you are a first-time novelist or a seasoned pro:

1. Buy a laptop. This way you can write anywhere. I wrote in the car on the way to the movies one day. I use a Macbook and Scrivener software, but pretty much any laptop will work.
2. Cast your novel. This helps with characterization. Pick actors and actresses for each of your major characters. It makes it much easier to write character descriptions and make your characters more life-like.
3. Use maps. If you’re writing speculative fiction, create a map for your world. If you’re writing something based in the real world, either use a map or create a fake one to keep your locations straight. If the bakery is next to the grocery store one day and then behind the library the next, it’s going to confuse people.
4. Outline. Create a scene-by-scene outline of what is happening in your novel. I change mine throughout writing, but at least it gives me an idea of where I’m going and where I’ve been.
5. Write your beginning and ending first. When you have an outline, you can do this. Without the outline it’s much harder. If you’ve got your ending done, you know exactly where you need to end up. It makes it much easier to get somewhere if you know your destination.

Feel free to share any additional tips you have or your own writing methods below!

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!