Mastering the First Successful Novel: A Guide for Young Writers
From my experience writing my first novel in 1979, I can confidently say that the most common challenge for young students is not knowing what it means to truly write a novel. Today, I will share my journey and the key lessons that led to my success in novel writing.
My Journey: From Unplanned Novels to Mastered Process
Back then, I had a concept and some interesting names for characters, but I lacked the full design and planning of the story. I wrote whatever came to me, and the fixing process was labor-intensive. Years later, with a more structured approach, I was able to write a book that only took a month, compared to my first novel which took a year-and-a-half. The rework was minimal, and it was much easier to refine the narrative.
The Key to Success: Planning and Design
Whether you are a young student or an experienced writer, the key to writing a successful novel is to plan and design your material in full detail. Pick names for your characters that are directly related to their function in the story. Do not choose a name just because you like it, as names can significantly impact the character's perception.
A novel, just like an essay, has a beginning, middle, and end. Each chapter and story should also have a clear structure. By planning out your material, you will determine if your story is a novella or an epic before you start writing. Avoid unnecessary padding and understand that it is easier to edit than to add unnecessarily to the narrative.
One Word at a Time
Writing a book is a process that requires patience and persistence. Some writers make an outline, some simply write, and many do not finish. The key is to start small and build upon your work. Be patient and allow yourself the time needed to craft each word into a meaningful narrative.
Practical Steps for Success
As a former young student who has helped numerous students at Nerdify write their first creative pieces, I believe that everyone has a unique idea to share. It is essential to develop an idea that has arguments. Consider your novel as an argumentative essay where the characters, events, and plot are used to prove your point. What are you trying to argue?
Practice Planning: The Difference Between Success and Failure
For students, the typical process is to start with a draft and then get tired, finding ideas while trying to shape the style and edit. While it is clear that you need to write to learn to write, planning can make the difference between success and failure. Think of yourself as an editor or investigator, arranging scenes, characters, and events in the best order possible. Outline scenes shortly and try to think about how the reader will perceive them. Criticize every point and ask yourself why you want to include it in your novel.
Never Alone: The Power of Community
Even the most experienced writers can struggle with finding flaws and expertise that goes beyond their knowledge. This is where the community can be incredibly helpful. Share your writing or plans with friends, family, or even random people online. Do not take their opinions as expert judgments, but rather view sharing as a psychological experiment to collect responses. Harsh criticism can provide valuable insights into the elements of your writing that may need improvement. Sometimes sharing can help you learn more about people and character creation.
Conclusion
Many young writers follow a similar path to success, as demonstrated by those I have helped at Nerdify. By following these three key steps—having a well-designed idea, practicing planning, and never being alone—we can all master the art of writing a successful novel.
Final Thoughts
Writing a novel is a journey, and it is empowering to know that countless young writers have found success through planning and persistence. If my advice resonates with you, please upvote or comment to let me know that my effort reached the right ears!