3 Things You Need To Do Before Writing Your Novel

Writing a novel can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't need to be. Here are 3 things you can do to prepare yourself for writing a manuscript:

1. Undertake some initial research. If you have got a story idea in mind, that's great! You can do some research on existing literature surrounding the topic you have chosen to write about. For example, if you would like to write a fantasy novel, where you know the main character is going to be a centaur, then you need to go and do some research on the history of centaurs, what they look like, their origins and so on. This will shape the way you write your first draft. Most writers will skip this step, but it is crucial for writing a good manuscript. Trove can be a great source for research. I recently met a published writer at an awards event, and she told me that preliminary research was a must.

2. Plan out your plot using story and character arcs drawn in parallel to one another. Use a story arc to plan out what is going to happen in your novel. This allows you to work with some spontaneity but at the same time have an end goal in mind. A character arc can also be drawn in parallel to your story arc so that you can visualise the events that occur and how they impact the inner emotional life of the main character in your story.

3. Build unique characters. Building unique characters involves defining their traits. Are they studious? Maybe they're a bit shy? How do they walk? Do they have a particular gait? What's their backstory? Although the reader doesn't need to know your character's whole life story, you might need to know it, so that you can understand why they are the way they are. Reveal your character's backstory only when it is relevant to the plot. Once you have gone through these steps, then it's time to start writing.

   Congratulations! You're equipped to start working on your first draft.