Want to know how to write a novel? Let me give you an example of how one author began one of his novels. He didn't stop to think of how to write. Novel writing comes easier to some than others but on this day he was "fretting too much over the opening sentence." He worked on it scrupulously, thinking that if he could only get the first sentence right, the rest of the book would come easy.
He goes on to relate, "That was a big mistake. Weeks went by with my staring at blank paper and getting nowhere. One day I decided to just start writing in the style of the Dick and Jane first grade readers. Simple little words, without bothering about style or polish-just to get the story on paper. I started writing, "There is a little town on a hill called Santa Vittoria. It is in Italy . The people in the town grow grapes and make wine. One day, not too long ago.." And so on. It worked fine. Soon I was writing like mad all day long. The pages began to pile up and I felt better." The author was Robert Crichton and his novel, The Secret of Santa Vittoria went on to not only become a best seller but also the inspiration for an Oscar nominated and Golden Globe winning motion picture.
You can find many books and articles on how to write a novel but it all comes down to the secret that Mr. Crichton discovered, just start writing. With that in mind we will still give you some tips on how to write your novel or at least the components that you will want to be mindful of. Your opening should include:
- Your main characters. Don't wait for a few chapters to introduce your main characters. At least foreshadow them.
- Your main characters must have some sort of conflict or stress they are undergoing. Let the action begin quickly.
- Your main characters antagonist. You want your readers to start to choose up sides.
- What's at stake? This should be revealed early on to build suspense and work towards your climax.
- The setting. Don't go on an on for pages about the setting though. Nothing stops a reader cold in his tracks then a lot of description and no action.
- Set your tone. Don't start out 'all melodramatic' and then switch to humorous.
- The ending should be foreshadowed. Give them a reason to read to the end.
We have given you enough to start your novel. This is what you need to get it going. There are plenty of resources available to help you with the rest but the important work has now commenced, the start!