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	How to Write a Novel--Getting Started
	by Susan Molthop

Revised August 3, 2007

No two writers start their novels the same way. Agatha Christie wrote hers in her head and never put pencil to paper until she had the whole thing finished.

Susan Wittig Albert starts with a title, based on an herb, then works out the plot and fills in the details.

Margaret Mitchell wrote GWTW backwards--she wrote the ending first.

So, the burning question is: Where should YOU start?

The simple answer is like seating the 500 lb. gorilla: Anywhere you want to. The following are just random ideas to get you going. Take them or leave them. Rearrange them to suit yourself. The writing process should be uniquely your own.

Write down everything you already know about this novel--plot ideas, character histories, scenes--it doesn't matter what these elements are, you just want to record them before they get lost.

Get organized. Like it or not, a novel must have form. Some authors organize first, then follow their plan. Others write the whole first draft, then go back and organize it later. Sometimes a combination works best-- write while you're inspired--if you get into trouble, quit and start organizing.

Here are some tips on organizing:

Write a description of your novel in one sentence.

Imagine yourself telling strangers about your book. You don't want to ramble on--you just want to get them interested, so they'll buy the book. If you can't do this, it could mean that you need to rethink your story idea. It may be either too broad or not well-defined.

Write down your basic theme, moral, objective.

What are you trying to prove by writing this novel? What is your point? It may be as simple as "good triumphs over evil" or "nice guys finish last," but you must keep this concept in mind as you write, revise, etc., so the whole thing will stay true to its purpose--whatever it may be.

Write a synopsis

This is just a couple of pages that reads like a child telling a story. It may not start with "Once upon a time" or end with "happily ever after," but the style is simply the chain of events that covers the action of your novel.

Write an outline

This is more detailed than a synopsis. It should cover a chapter-by-chapter progression of what happens to everyone, how they react, and where they go from here. The outline goes much deeper than the synopsis and deals with character and story development.

Your outline doesn't have to look like the formal ones you did in school, with Roman numerals. You can use a simple numbering system, dividing your novel into sections, chapters, and scenes. Imagine yourself as the director of a play, explaining each scene or character to the cast at rehearsal. These "behind-the-scenes" explanations are what make a good outline.

If you don't like the restrictions of outlining, you might try mind mapping. It's a free-form exercise that can help you think through your story elements. One option is to start with mind mapping, then turn your mind map into an outline. Here is everything you need to know about mind mapping, from Buzan.

None of these organizing ideas should take the place of writing. If you can sit down and write a whole novel without taking a breath, GO FOR IT! If you wind up with more than 100,000 words, however, better back up and get organized!

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