	Article Directory		Article Submission Service		Article Marketing Blog		Publishers		Member Log In

Article Directory :: Writing & Speaking Articles

Learning How To Write Novels

By James Marinero

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 10Feb2012
Word count: 1023
Viewed: 39 time(s)

Get Free Content For Your Site

Can you learn how to write novels, or does it require a special gift? The essence of this question is about skill versus ability - skills can be learned, abilities are innate. Arguably, writing is a skill. However, the quality of what you write will depend to some extent on ability (and persistence).

Here are some guidelines to help you along the way writing books. Many writers will say that going on creative writing courses is essential. Maybe. I started without any formal training, and perhaps it shows in my work. This assumes that you are not using novel writing software for the task.

Know The Competition

Read widely in your genre - you need to read the competition, particularly the best selling authors. This is a good place to begin learning how to write novels, because you see what sells (but remember that good marketing can sell poor quality work).

Plan The Story In Advance (Or Not)

Many successful writers do start out with a plan for a book: start, middle and end, charted on a whiteboard. I just can't write books this way. I like writing a work of fiction to be a journey of discovery for me as well as the reader. Find which method works for you.

How To Write Novels - Just Do It

It will force you to think about 'point of view' (POV). Who is speaking in the story you are writing - that is, whose point of view is it? There are many technical perspectives here, but the rule is simple: decide your POV and stick to it, ensuring your writing is consistent.

A Plot Will Emerge

Don't worry if you don't have a plot. It will come. Imagine your main character (MC), and start describing him. Then, describe a typical day. Where is the MC - is there a place you know well? Many novelists set their stories in their home town. Put your MC there. Then inject randomness to that day - maybe they witnessed an accident. What was the story behind that event? Or, take a news story, and think about how it got to you - did it come from a reporter in Afghanistan or Paris?. Write about the story itself.

The act of writing will engage your brain and your creative side.

The school of life is a wonderful teacher, so draw on your experiences whenever you can. People write best about what they know. Research thoroughly those areas you don't know well, making notes as you go along.

Show And Tell

This just means that many writers tell the bulk of the story using dialogue between characters ('showing') in preference to a plain narrative ('telling'), which can be boring unless the author is highly skilled.

Grammar And Punctuation

If you feel you are shaky in these areas, don't worry, an editor can fix them. Writing books is about much more than this if you have a good story. If you are really poor in this respect then it would be best to hire an editor before you attempt to submit a manuscript to a prospective publisher or agent.

Finally

The main 'rule' is - just do it. Write the first word, then the sentence and so on. Be modest with your early goals. Write your first hundred words. Review them, then write your next hundred words. As you write, ideas should spark - capture them on a separate ideas page, for inclusion later. Join a writers' forum, and talk to others - there are thousands of people learning how to write novels, and exchanging ideas. It is a great way of learning the craft.

James writes spy novels and thrillers, and non-fiction too. Get more guidance on how to write novels at his web site and discover other pointers to writing books and developing stories. There's always more to learn!

EasyPublish™ this article - publishers click here