How to Grow a Novel

1. Writing is about creating an experience for the reader

The reader of fiction may welcome insight and information, yes, but is primarily seeking an experience different from and greater than his or her everyday experiences in life.

Evoke emotion. Writers must focus on creating an emotional journey for their readers, not just conveying information. This means crafting scenes, characters, and dialogue that resonate on a visceral level.

Engage the senses. Use vivid descriptions that appeal to sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch to make the story come alive in the reader's mind. This immersive quality helps transport readers into the world of the story.

Create suspense and tension. Keep readers turning pages by raising questions, introducing obstacles, and building anticipation. The goal is to make the reader's experience so engaging that they lose track of time and can't put the book down.

2. Conflict is essential to compelling fiction

Without that opposition, fiction is a vehicle without an engine.

Internal and external conflict. Conflict drives the story forward and keeps readers engaged. It can be internal (within the character's mind) or external (between characters or against outside forces).

Raise the stakes. As the story progresses, increase the intensity and consequences of the conflict. This creates a sense of urgency and keeps readers invested in the outcome.

Adversarial relationships. Even in non-action scenes, create tension through opposing goals, differing perspectives, or subtle power struggles between characters.

3. Capturing the reader's attention from the start is crucial

The engine of the story needs to be turned on as close to the beginning as possible. The "engine" is the point at which a story involves the reader, the place at which the reader can't stop reading.

Hook with intrigue. Open with a compelling situation, question, or action that immediately draws the reader in. Avoid lengthy exposition or background information at the start.

Establish voice and tone. The opening pages should give readers a clear sense of the story's style and mood, setting expectations for what's to come.

Introduce the protagonist. Quickly give readers a character to connect with, showing their desires, conflicts, or unique perspective to spark interest and empathy.

4. Precise details bring stories to life

Detail is the salt that enriches what the eyes see.

Show, don't tell. Instead of simply stating facts about characters or situations, use specific, vivid details to illustrate them. This allows readers to draw their own conclusions and feel more immersed in the story.

Choose meaningful details. Select details that reveal character, advance the plot, or create atmosphere. Every description should serve a purpose beyond mere decoration.

Use all five senses. Don't rely solely on visual descriptions. Incorporate sounds, smells, textures, and tastes to create a fully realized world for your readers.

5. Create memorable, multi-dimensional characters

To be accepted by the reader, your main character has to come alive, and what energizes protagonists is their zeal, their desire, and their ability to do some things extraordinarily well.

Give characters flaws and strengths. Create well-rounded characters with both positive and negative traits. This makes them more relatable and believable.

Establish clear motivations. Each character should have distinct goals and desires that drive their actions throughout the story.

Show character growth. Allow characters to change and evolve over the course of the narrative, responding to events and learning from their experiences.

6. Dialogue should be purposeful and reveal character

What counts in dialogue is not what is said but what is meant.

Subtext and conflict. Good dialogue often involves characters talking around issues or having competing agendas, creating tension and revealing deeper meanings.

Unique voices. Each character should have a distinct way of speaking that reflects their background, personality, and current emotional state.

Advance the plot. Dialogue should do more than just convey information; it should move the story forward, reveal character, or create conflict.

7. Master point of view to enhance reader engagement

Point of view, or POV, is simply the perspective from which a scene is written, which character's eyes and mind are witnessing the events.

Choose wisely. Select the point of view that best serves your story and allows readers to connect with the most important characters.

Maintain consistency. Stick to your chosen point of view within scenes to avoid confusing readers or breaking their immersion in the story.

Experiment with multiple perspectives. Consider using different points of view for various characters to provide a more comprehensive view of the story world and events.

8. Revision is a critical part of the writing process

Revision is the most essential part of writing even for geniuses.

Distance yourself. Allow time between drafts to gain objectivity and fresh perspective on your work.

Focus on big-picture issues first. Address major plot, character, and structural problems before getting bogged down in line-by-line editing.

Be ruthless. Be willing to cut or change anything that doesn't serve the story, even if you're personally attached to it.

9. Understand the publishing industry to navigate it successfully

The position of all books on a publisher's list is determined by a group that will usually include the director of marketing, the sales manager, the head of publicity and promotion, perhaps the editor-in-chief, perhaps the publisher.

Know the players. Understand the roles of agents, editors, marketers, and booksellers in getting your book to readers.

Recognize the business side. Publishing is both an art and a business. Be prepared to advocate for your work while understanding financial realities.

Build relationships. Network with other writers, industry professionals, and potential readers to increase your chances of success.

10. Embrace technology while preserving the essence of storytelling

The computer is a tool. E-mail is a means. Writing can be an art.

Use technology wisely. Leverage digital tools for research, organization, and revision, but don't let them distract from the core task of writing.

Maintain quality. While self-publishing and online platforms offer new opportunities, maintain high standards for your work regardless of the medium.

Adapt to new formats. Explore emerging storytelling platforms (e-books, interactive fiction, etc.) while preserving the fundamental elements of good writing.

Last updated: August 20, 2024