BY KEVIN TANZA
If you ask the majority of people all over the world, I can assure you that one of their frustrated dreams is to be able to write a book. Whether it is fantasy or biographical, many people think that it is an easy task to implant the words or the general idea of a story on a sheet. Still, the truth is that it is not, and it requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and understanding of the craft.
But, even if it is a bit complicated to write, you can trust me when I say that it is not an impossible task. This is why, if you have trouble getting into it, I can help you.
STEP ONE
If you ask the majority of people all over the world, I can assure you that one of their frustrated dreams is to be able to write a book. Whether it is fantasy or biographical, many people think that it is an easy task to implant the words or the general idea of a story on a sheet. Still, the truth is that it is not, and it requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and understanding of the craft.
But, even if it is a bit complicated to write, you can trust me when I say that it is not an impossible task. This is why, if you have trouble getting into it, I can help you with ten steps to write a novel.
STEP TWO
Defining the main characters would be the next step. When the characters are created, you have to get in main things such as their lives, where they come from, how they got to the moment where they are, the other characters with whom they are usually related, among others. Knowing how to connect the story of the character with the plot of the story will be what will catch the reader.
STEP THREE
Define the plot of the story. It is really important to know exactly where the story is headed. Without a fixed course or a good evolution of events, it would be a sure failure as it would lead to the writer's greatest fear, which is apathy from their readers.
STEP FOUR
Focus on the main character. This character is the protagonist of the story. You must put all your imagination and determination because his or her development is not an easy task, which is something worth considering.
From knowing the mentality or attitude of the character, as well as the fact of how other characters influenced him, these are crucial moments to give life to the novel. A protagonist without much development or his or her own evolution will not be a praised character. Cases have been seen where the reader prefers a secondary character rather than the main character and the reality is that all of them should be interesting.
STEP FIVE
A beginning and an end are important parts of a novel. Usually, the beginning is what hooks the reader to continue reading, as well as how it ends, can define whether a story was good or bad.
The reader expects the character to achieve their mission compellingly and logically. An important fact is that you can write the beginning of the novel just after finishing it, since that way you have a better context of everything and thus propose how you want to catch the reader.
STEP SIX
Establish the narrator of the story. One of the points that can allow the reader to connect with the character is the way the story is told. Whether narrated in the first person or with a narrator external to the story, your point of view can alter the reader's experience. Additionally, keep in mind if the story will be told in the past, present, or future.
STEP SEVEN
Create a world that is possible for the reader. By this, I mean that it does not matter if your novel is fantasy, science fiction, or romantic. The main idea is that, wherever the story takes place, you must create a world where the reader feels identified and believes that it is possible and has some real-life relationship.
Make it interesting, filled with mysteries, and enjoyable for the reader. The readers are there to have a good time, and you are there to provide it.
STEP EIGHT
Create scenes. Hasn't it happened to you that you simply sit and imagine, out of nowhere, a whole movie-style scene where you imagine second by second what is happening with every detail? Well, this is it. At the time of writing, it is advisable to create scenes that are implanted in the reader's imagination–that way, the reading will be much more shocking and emotional.
STEP NINE
Plan how you are going to develop the story. Writing a novel takes much more time and effort compared to a short story. Finding ways to make your work easier, whether it's creating short connecting stories or making short summaries to be later expanded with more ideas, would save a lot of hassle.
STEP TEN
Taking these into account, the last tip that I can recommend is that you make writing a habit. I know it is not easy since we live in a world where there is never enough time. But the truth is that practice and perseverance make the master. As the days go by, you will notice that it becomes easier to develop your story.
I really hope that these steps have served as a guide and clarified your doubts a bit. Following this step by step, you will already be a writer. Congratulations.
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