Crafting Novels & Short Stories

1. Craft compelling characters through multifaceted development

"Characters usually present themselves encased in at least the rudiments of a fictional situation."

Character complexity. Develop characters with depth by giving them a driving need or ambition, a secret that could change everything if revealed, and a contradiction in their personality. Make them vulnerable to create reader empathy. Use these elements to create tension and conflict within the character and the story.

Character sources. Draw inspiration for your characters from yourself, people you know, strangers, and your imagination. Combine traits from different sources to create unique individuals. Pay attention to how people speak, act, and react in real life to inform your character development.

• Use character questionnaires to explore their backgrounds, motivations, and quirks
• Write scenes from different points in a character's life to understand their journey
• Create character relationship maps to visualize how they interact with others

2. Master plot and conflict to drive your story forward

"Story trumps structure."

Plot essentials. Focus on creating a compelling story rather than adhering strictly to traditional plot structures. Ensure your story has an emotionally engaging originating event, an escalation of conflict, and a resolution that transforms the character or situation.

Conflict and tension. Drive your plot forward by continually raising the stakes and creating obstacles for your characters. Use a combination of external conflicts (physical challenges, antagonists) and internal conflicts (character flaws, moral dilemmas) to keep readers engaged.

• Create a story map outlining key plot points and how they escalate tension
• Brainstorm potential complications and twists to keep your story unpredictable
• Analyze successful novels in your genre to understand effective plot structures

3. Choose and execute the right point of view for your narrative

"The most effective writing—regardless of POV—lets the reader see things through the eyes of the characters instead of the eyes of the author or omniscient narrator."

POV options. Understand the strengths and limitations of different point of view choices: first person, second person, third person limited, and third person omniscient. Choose the POV that best serves your story and allows readers to connect with your characters.

Consistency and depth. Maintain consistency in your chosen POV throughout the story. Use the selected perspective to delve deep into characters' thoughts, perceptions, and emotions, creating a more immersive experience for the reader.

• Experiment with writing the same scene from different POVs to find the most effective approach
• Create character voice sheets to maintain consistency in first-person or close third-person narratives
• Practice writing in different POVs to improve your versatility as a writer

4. Create vivid settings and weave in backstory effectively

"A breakout setting is even more than the psychology of physical surroundings and a sense of the times. Setting can also be social context."

Immersive settings. Craft settings that engage all the senses and reflect the emotional state of your characters. Use specific details to bring your locations to life, whether real or imagined. Consider how the setting influences your characters and plot.

Backstory integration. Introduce backstory gradually and naturally, avoiding information dumps. Use techniques such as dialogue, memories, and flashbacks to reveal essential background information. Ensure that backstory serves to enhance the current narrative rather than slowing it down.

• Create setting sketches that include sensory details and emotional associations
• Develop a timeline of key past events for your characters and world
• Practice weaving in backstory through short exercises focusing on different techniques

5. Write natural, engaging dialogue that reveals character

"Dialogue benefits from variety. To maintain your reader's interest, insert a variety of beats into your dialogue."

Authentic voices. Craft dialogue that sounds natural and distinct for each character. Use speech patterns, vocabulary, and mannerisms to differentiate characters and reveal their personalities, backgrounds, and emotions.

Subtext and conflict. Utilize dialogue to convey information, advance the plot, and create tension. Incorporate subtext to add depth to conversations and reveal what characters are really thinking or feeling beneath their words.

• Study real conversations and practice transcribing them to understand natural speech rhythms
• Write dialogue-only scenes to focus on character voices and interactions
• Use dialogue exercises to practice revealing character traits and backstory through conversation

6. Refine your word choice and description to enhance your prose

"Strong prose is a matter of practice and discipline and conscious awareness of the words you put on the page."

Precise language. Choose words carefully to create vivid imagery and evoke specific emotions. Use strong verbs and concrete nouns to make your writing more engaging and impactful. Avoid overusing adjectives and adverbs, instead focusing on powerful, specific word choices.

Rhythmic writing. Pay attention to the rhythm and flow of your sentences. Vary sentence structure and length to create a pleasing cadence and maintain reader interest. Use short, punchy sentences for impact and longer, more complex sentences for elaboration or to slow the pace.

• Create word banks for different emotions, settings, or actions to expand your vocabulary
• Practice rewriting sentences to make them more concise and impactful
• Read your work aloud to identify areas where the rhythm or flow can be improved

7. Revise and polish your work to create a cohesive, engaging story

"Revision, every writing coach will tell you, means 'to see anew' or 'to visit again.'"

Structural editing. Begin revision by examining the overall structure of your story. Ensure that your plot is coherent, your pacing is effective, and your character arcs are satisfying. Be willing to make significant changes, including cutting or rewriting entire scenes or chapters if necessary.

Fine-tuning. Once the structure is solid, focus on refining your prose. Look for areas where you can tighten your writing, enhance descriptions, and improve dialogue. Pay attention to consistency in character voices, setting details, and plot elements.

• Create a revision checklist covering different aspects of your story (plot, character, setting, etc.)
• Use beta readers or critique partners to gain fresh perspectives on your work
• Take breaks between drafts to gain distance and return with fresh eyes

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Last updated: November 19, 2024