How to Write a Novel: 11 Steps to Help You Start Writing

How to Write a Novel: 11 Steps to Help You Start Writing

Want to learn how to write a novel?

Writing a novel can be an exciting journey, but it’s common for first-time writers to struggle with staying on track.

If you can break the process into practical steps, the task becomes easier.

Everyone has their own way of writing, so some methods may work better for some than others. But these straightforward steps can help anyone get started.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the main stages of writing a novel, breaking them down into three parts: before, during, and after you write your manuscript.

How to start writing a novel in 11 simple but important steps

Here’s a simple guide to help you plan your novel. Whether you’re a first-time writer or someone struggling to organize your ideas, these steps will make it easier to get started.

1. Read books in your chosen genre as a writer

Before you start writing, it's important to get to know the genre you want to write in. Reading books in that genre will help you understand what works and what doesn’t.

Think about the books you admire or wish you had written. What genre are they? Read these books and take notes on what you like and don’t like. Pay attention to how the authors set up their scenes and build tension.

As writer Thomas Heerma van Voss suggests, "Read as much and as widely as possible." He also recommends new writers not to worry about copying others at first. In fact, one well-known writer started by copying stories to learn how to write.

By reading in your genre, you’ll get a better idea of what makes a story work and start to develop your own style.

2. Brainstorm as much as you can

When you decide to write a novel, you probably already have a story idea or even a theme in mind. Whether it’s a fully developed world or just a basic sentence to get started, there are a couple of things to consider.

First, choose a world you’ll enjoy spending a lot of time in. Remember, your novel will take readers into a specific world, and you’ll be there for weeks, months, or even years as the writer. You’ll want a setting and time period that excites you and keeps you engaged.

If you have more than one setting in mind, that’s perfectly fine. Just make sure not to overwhelm your readers or yourself with too many locations. Sometimes, keeping it simple works best.

If you’re unsure about what to write, a writing prompt generator can help jumpstart your creativity. These prompts can be great when you’re dealing with writer’s block or need a little push to get your ideas flowing.

For those moments when you need more depth or details in your scenes, Fueon’s online essay expander tool can assist you by expanding on your plot, emotions, and writing style.

3. Select the right tools

After setting up your writing space, the next step is to choose the tools you’ll need. You’ll want the basics, like notebooks, pens, and your computer, but there are other tools that can make the process easier.

While many people use Microsoft Word, it might not be the best choice for writing a novel. Word has its benefits, but it can feel a bit clunky and isn’t ideal for detailed work.

Instead, you might want to try Fueon’s writing tools. They’re simple, smart, and organized. With the AI paragraph extender, you can expand your plot with just one click and generate content that fits your story. You can also generate story scripts using its advanced AI.

For fiction writers, an AI poem generator can be really helpful. It’s a tool many novelists use to add creativity to their writing.

You should also use tools that check grammar and readability. These free tools help catch mistakes and improve your writing, which can be especially useful when you’re just starting out and things might feel overwhelming.

4. Create an outline

Outlining is a key part of the writing process, though how you approach it is up to you.

Some writers prefer to outline everything in detail, making sure each plot point is planned out. Others like to keep their outlines brief and flexible, so they can adjust them as they write. There are also plenty of writers who skip outlining altogether and jump right into writing. Whatever works best for you is the right approach. Don’t worry about what others say—there’s no one-size-fits-all rule.

While outlining isn’t mandatory, it can be helpful, especially if you’re aiming for big goals, like getting your novel on the New York Times bestseller list. 

To make the process easier, you can create outlines with an outline-generating tool. This tool allows you to structure your ideas into sections or chapters, which you can adjust as your story develops. It’s a great way to stay organized and focused without feeling locked into a rigid plan.

5. Finalize character details

A great story won’t connect with readers unless they care about the characters. Your characters should be more than just part of the story—they need to have emotions and motivations that move the plot forward.

Here’s how to create characters readers will love:

1. Give them strengths and weaknesses that change as the story goes on.
2. Make their goals clear. What do they want, and what will they do to get it?
3. Put them in tough situations where their emotions are tested. This makes them feel real and relatable.
4. Show their personality through their actions and choices. Every decision they make should tell us something about who they are.

A good story balances plot and character. Your plot should challenge your characters, helping them grow, while their choices should shape the story in important ways. This balance keeps the story moving and keeps readers hooked.

6. Ask yourself 'what if' questions

When you feel you've come up with a character who intrigues you, or a striking opening scenario or the vague shape of a story, interrogate your ideas with 'what if' questions.

For instance: There's a woman sitting alone in a restaurant looking sad - what if a man comes up to her and asks if he can join her at her table? - but what if she wants to be alone for a reason - what could that reason be? 

And how will the man react when she turns him down? What if he thinks he knows her from many years ago ...? 'What if' questions can take you on a journey that builds story and plot.

7. Choose the right point of view to tell your story

There are three points of view from which you can narrate your story:

• First person: A character narrates the story from their own perspective using “I” or “we”.
• Second person: The reader is drawn into the unfolding story using “you”.
• Third person: An external narrator tells the story using “they”, “she”, or “him”.

The first and third person points of view are most commonly used, while the second person point of view in a novel is limited to experimental works. Your third person narrator can follow one character closely, reveal multiple perspectives at once, or remain an impartial observer in the unfolding events.

You’ll have to choose a point of view that works best for your novel. Account for the plot details to be revealed to the reader, the characters that have access to them, and what you feel most comfortable with. After all, the point is to apply our tips for writing a novel to your own writing style.

8. Establish a central conflict and stakes

A good novel needs a central conflict. This conflict is what makes the story exciting and keeps readers interested. Without it, the story can feel slow and boring.

The conflict should matter to your characters, and there should be something at stake. What do your characters stand to lose or gain by resolving the conflict? The bigger the stakes, the more invested readers will be in the outcome.

As the story progresses, the conflict should grow stronger, with more challenges for the characters. In the end, resolving the conflict should feel rewarding, offering readers a satisfying conclusion to the story.

In short, a strong conflict with clear stakes keeps the reader hooked and drives the story forward.

9. Write a logline or synopsis

Now that you have your story idea, characters, and main conflict figured out, it’s time to sum everything up in a simple narrative. Every writer does this step in their own way, but it’s important to know what the heart of your story is.

This step is often called a pitch, logline, or hook. The goal is to capture your story in a few words—just a sentence or two. A hook writing tool can help you craft that catchy sentence to grab attention right from the start. You can even use it to refine or write thesis statements for a deeper understanding of your plot.

This short summary helps you stay focused on the main idea as you move forward with your novel. Plus, tools like an AI-powered dialogue generator can assist you in creating realistic character interactions, giving your narrative even more depth as you continue developing it.

Take a break after finishing your first draft, then revisit it for revision, rewriting, and redrafting.

10. Don’t write and edit at the same time

Monique Roffey gives great advice: "Write. Let your ideas flow. Take your time. Then step away, maybe take a walk, and let your words sit for a while."

Writing and editing are different tasks. Trying to do both at once can cause writer’s block. It's like trying to drive a car with the handbrake on. Just like a tennis player uses both hands differently, writers need to treat writing and editing as separate things. Writing is creative, while editing is more about fixing details.

So, focus on writing first. Don’t worry about grammar or spelling while you write. You can fix those things later. This helps you avoid stress and keeps your ideas flowing freely. Write without worrying, and edit when you're ready. You can improve the clarity of your content by using an AI text proofreader.

11. Establish a writing routine

Now that you’ve done your prep work — or at least as much as you think is necessary — it’s time to start writing your novel. Writing a full draft can be tough, but setting some clear goals before you begin can make the process easier.

Start by figuring out when and where you write best. Are you a morning person or do you prefer evenings? 

Do you write better at home or do you find a café or library more inspiring? 

Do you need complete silence, or does music help you focus? 

Are you someone who writes every day, or do you prefer to dedicate time on weekends?

It’s important to remember that everyone has their own writing style. Don’t let anyone tell you there’s only one way to write. Find what works for you. 

For example, crime writer Jo Nesbø spent a long time setting up the perfect writing room, only to find that he couldn’t write there and ended up working in a café instead.

Your routine may change as you go along. While having a consistent writing habit is helpful, it’s also okay to shake things up if things start to feel repetitive. Experiment and see what helps you keep going.

Final words

Writing a novel can be challenging, but with the right approach, it becomes an exciting and fulfilling journey. By following these steps—preparing, outlining, developing characters, and sticking to your routine—you’ll be well on your way to completing your novel. 

Remember, every writer has their own process, so be patient with yourself and find what works best for you. The most important thing is to keep writing, stay committed, and enjoy the creative journey. Good luck, and happy writing!