The Planner's Guide to Novel Writing

Do you want to write a novel? While it mayHere are some other pieces of the novel you
seem like something special, many people feel themight want to plan ahead of time:
same way. Unfortunately, few of them ever- A detailed timeline of the novel or of the main
actually achieve their goals. Just by coming to thischaracter's history.
article, with the hopes of writing a novel, you are- Pictures of how you imagine your characters to
already well ahead of those other dreamers.look like (don't be afraid to use celebrities.)
How do you ensure success? Take it seriously.- Floor plans of important settings, such as your
Novel writing is some tough business. It takes amain character's home, or of the villain's dungeon.
long time and the rewards are often limited in the- A list of questions that the reader will have as
end. To increase your chances of completing yourthey read. Questions are good! It's what keeps us
novel, you'll need to plan ahead. Here's how:reading. Be sure to write down when you present
Gather up necessary materials.the question and where in the novel you intend to
You're going to need a few things for your novelanswer it.
planning. While you can keep everything on yourThe more information you cultivate before you
computer, you can actually create moreofficially start writing your novel, the better.
motivation by printing it out. Because of this, youThe benefits of planning your novel.
should keep your information in any of theSome writers will tell you that they never plan
following:ahead, they just start writing. This may be fine
- A binder with loose leaf paper.for those with a lot of experience in novel writing,
- Sections in that binder for plot, characters,but may not be a good idea for someone new to
settings, and other aspects of your story.the field.
- 3 by 5 note cards.The major benefit to planning ahead is that you
- Spiral notebooks with perforated, detachablewill have a good idea of what should happen next.
paper.You'll avoid any major plot holes in your novel,
The bottom line is to keep organized. If you feeland your characters will be a lot deeper right
better organizing with note cards, choose thatfrom the get-go.
method. Just make sure that you can separateHere's some other benefits to planning before
them into different categories.novel writing:
Plan each aspect of your novel.- Writing the novel will go much faster. Outlines
Using your planning method, whether notebooksand notes help speed up the process.
or a binder, you should start planning out the- Your notes will help keep you on track.
various aspects of your novel. Every good novel- You'll have less chance of getting stuck with
has at least two characters, a major plot, at leastwriter's block.
one side plot, and at least one setting. Because ofIf you want to learn more about planning your
this, you'll want to work on these aspects of yournovel writing, check out How to Finish that Novel.
story.