Let's start with a little heart-to-heart... I'm a novel hoarder. There, I've said it. For the past six years, I've been sitting on a plot so juicy, it could make a ripe watermelon look dry. But the thought of actually penning down a novel? It's like being asked to perform a solo at the Met when you've only ever sung in the shower.
Then, my best friend, the one who knows all my secrets and still chooses to hang out with me, reminded me of my story. The one about the young woman on a bus in Rio de Janeiro. The one I'd told her about six years ago. And she remembered it! That's when I realized, maybe I'm not the only one who thinks it's a good story. Maybe, just maybe, I should start writing that novel.
The Spark of Desire: It's More Than Just a Flicker
Embarking on the journey of novel writing is like setting off on a quest for the Holy Grail. The first step? Igniting the spark of longing. This doesn't involve any books, paper, or pencils. It doesn't even involve talking to another living soul. It's all about thought and listening to your gut.
Writing a book is like running a marathon. Not every idea has what it takes to go the distance. You need an idea that can dig its way into your writer's marrow, make you fall in love with it, and make you want to get up in the middle of the night just to write down a sentence. That's the birth of an obsession, and that's what you need to fill your writer's gas tank.
The Litmus Test: It's Not Your Average Experiment
Next up on our novel-writing journey is the litmus test. This isn't your high school chemistry experiment. This is the real deal. You need a protagonist with a goal, a conflict with high stakes, a concept with a "kicker", and a theme with heart. These are the four key ingredients that will give your novel "legs".
Think of it as the secret recipe to your novel's success. Without these ingredients, your novel is like a cake without flour. It just won't rise to the occasion. So, make sure your idea ticks all these boxes before you start writing.
Spinning Straw into Gold: No Rumpelstiltskin Required
Remember, writing is rewriting. Don't let potential brilliance be stillborn because of worry. Get those fingers moving and spin your straw into gold. Write the first draft for yourself, revise in the second, and polish in the third.
This is where the magic happens. This is where you transform your rough draft into a masterpiece. So, don't be afraid to make mistakes in your first draft. It's all part of the process. And remember, even the most seasoned writers have to rewrite their work. It's part of the job description.
The Hunt for Focus
Your idea needs to be enriched and enlarged to work for a full novel. Ask yourself about the focus of the story. Plan your character's darkest moment and work backwards and forwards on the plot until you know a dozen or so major plot points.
This is like the blueprint of your novel. It's the map that will guide you through the treacherous waters of novel writing. So, take your time with this step. Make sure your plot points are solid before you start writing. Remember, a good foundation is key to building a great novel.
Plotting Your Course
Finally, you need to nail your plot. Create a step outline and then expand it to a running plot outline. Write down what you see happening in each scene of your step outline.
This is your novel's GPS. It's the guide that will help you navigate through the twists and turns of your plot. So, don't skimp on this step. Take your time and make sure your plot is as tight as a drum. Remember, a well-plotted novel is a joy to read.
The Importance of Saving Your Ideas
And one last thing, save your ideas in multiple ways. Trust me, you don't want to be the person who loses their plot outline because they didn't back up their files. Email them to yourself, save them on Google Drive, and always, always back up your files.
This is like the insurance policy for your novel. It's the safety net that will catch you if your computer decides to take a permanent vacation. So, don't take any chances. Save your work in multiple places. You'll thank yourself later.
In the immortal words of Ernest Hemingway, "There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed."
And that, my friends, is the end of our wild ride through the thrilling world of novel writing. I hope you had as much fun as I did. And remember, the next time you find yourself standing on the edge of the cliff, take the leap. You might just find that you can fly.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I've been hoarding this one for far too long...