| When you begin to write a novel, you may | | | | Write down everything you can think of about |
| already have something in mind. Maybe you've | | | | this character. You can always go back and |
| had a story in your head for months or years, | | | | change things once you begin writing. This is just |
| just waiting to get out. Or maybe there's a | | | | to give you an idea of who this "person" is. |
| certain character you've been creating over time, | | | | 3. Once you have your main character, you can |
| and you'd like to create a story around him or | | | | begin to define your secondary characters. Decide |
| her. Maybe you have nothing in mind, and have | | | | what their relationship will be to the main |
| just always wanted to write a novel. Well, here's | | | | character, and write down everything you can |
| your chance! | | | | about them. Again, you can always go back and |
| There are two types of novels: story driven and | | | | change things later. |
| character driven. Story driven novels happen | | | | 4. After you've come up with a few characters, |
| when you have a specific story you'd like to tell, | | | | you may be starting to have ideas of what will |
| and you let the plot set the pace of the novel | | | | happen to these characters. At the very least, |
| and define the characters. Character driven novels | | | | you must have an idea of the type of novel this |
| are the opposite - you begin with a character or | | | | will be. Will it be love story? A mystery? A thriller? |
| several characters, and you build the story around | | | | All you have to do now is start writing, and let |
| them, based on how you feel they would act or | | | | the characters guide the story. The better you |
| behave. | | | | get to know your characters, the more you'll |
| In either case, I believe it is important to get to | | | | realize that the story is already there, you're just |
| know your characters very well. | | | | writing it down. |
| If you don't know how to begin and have no | | | | 5. Remember to be true to your characters. If |
| ideas for a story or characters, here's the easiest | | | | your main character is scared of the dark, you |
| way to start: | | | | wouldn't have her going outside at midnight to |
| 1. Decide WHO you want your story to be about, | | | | investigate a noise she heard. Your readers will |
| rather than WHAT you want it to be about. | | | | pick up on this, and you will lose credibility with |
| 2. Begin to define your character - what does he | | | | them. |
| or she look like? How does he or she speak? | | | | Happy writing! |
| What does he or she like? What is his/her name? | | | | |