The Nigerian Mvies

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Monday 31 December 2012

Getting Started To Write Your Novel

By Doris Madden


If you are like lots of people, you have a desire to write your novel. Almost everyone has a story they want to tell. It is hard to get started, though, partly because of fear of failure or the unknown, and partly because of procrastination. But, knowing certain steps to follow to get started can overcome those drawbacks. Following these steps can help you get off the ground and get writing.

There should be a message to tell for all good stories. The author has something they want to share, some idea. It may be a message about love, or about getting found out when you do wrong. There is a limited number of messages available. Determine what your message is and make sure every step of the plot helps make that statement.

Good plotting is an aspect of a good story. Plotting is not what the story is about, it is what happens throughout the story. The plot should be outlined, with ups and downs, or fast and slow progression. When an intense moment in the plot is resolved, there should follow a slow, less intense moment. This keeps the reader interested, but not so intense as to be stressful.

A novel is usually written much as a three act play is done. The first act is about one-fourth of the length, the second act about one-half the length, and the third act another one-fourth. This means that most of the action is in the second act. A lot of writers like to outline this part at least, even if they are not an one who writes by an outline.

Setting is another important aspect in planning a story. Setting is not just the place, it is also about time. Make the setting as authentic as you possibly can. If you don't want to use a real location, find an area or two and use elements from those to make the location seem authentic. If your novel requires a fantasy world, make it at least believable.

In addition to plot, another important part of a successful tale is characterization. The protagonist is the main character and should be a likable person. They should have a fault as well so as to seem more realistic. The antagonist is the opposite of the protagonist, attempting to prevent them from getting their goals. However, they should not be totally negative, but have some positive traits as well.

In order for the story to get written, you must start writing. Just thinking about it and not doing it won't get it done. Commit to a set schedule and follow it. If you can't write every day, at least commit to a set time or amount. Daily writing is best. Some people commit to a particular number of words or pages, and other commit to a set amount of time. Just be consistent, whichever is chosen.

When you write your novel, remember that it is a rough draft only in the beginning. Just get the words out, and revise and edit later. You can't revise it if it doesn't get done. Look at is as a work in progress.




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