Many people say that fiction writing is a very difficult task. This is because you have to create your characters and settings from your imagination. However, writing can be easy and fun, as long as you know the basics. In this post, you will learn about the basics of a fiction novel and how to start writing one.
1. Think about something that you want to read. Ideas easily spark from an object of your interest. Do you have any particular genre that you want to work on? What are the qualities of your favorite characters? Create a list of your crazy obsessions, or things that get you excited. Use these as a launching pad for your fiction novel. These ideas do not have to earn you a major Hollywood deal or an award; the most important thing is that you must be exhilarated in writing them.
2. Construct your characters. Give them life and make them breathe. Provide your main characters with unique traits and characteristics. Add all the qualities which you think a hero must have. Most of all, give them flaws, weaknesses, insecurities, and inner demons. That way, they will be more believable and easier to empathize with.
3. Provide conflict. Don’t be afraid to give your characters a compelling problem that will challenge their capabilities or intellect and will force them to propel themselves forward. Torment them with nightmares and make them suffer, because only then will your readers know what they are truly made of. Whether the conflict is an internal or external one, make sure that it is strong and almost impossible to solve. The final objective of any problem is to shape your character and leave him or her forever changed.
4. Think of a setting. A great setting is something extraordinary, but make sure that it is understandable and believable. Describe in detail the environment where they are living, and also their culture. If you are writing a fantasy book, you need to build their economy, system of government, their fashion styles, religion, and even how their magical system works in full detail.
5. Make things move. Any character, no matter how beautifully they are crafted, will look bland if they become too static. Each scene must always make the plot move forward. If there is a part that does not contribute to the development of your characters and the story, chop it off, or change some of its parts.
6. Don’t stop. While writing a fiction novel, you might be tempted to quit when you are halfway through. Don’t give in to your inner demons and stop. Just write until you finish the story. Only then will you be able to master your craft. If it gets rejected by publishers, polish it, or write another one. It may be difficult, but the pain is worth it.
To wrap things up
Writing a fiction novel may seem like a daunting task at first. But if you work hard and if you are determined to do it, you will be able to finish a very worthy piece. Just keep writing every day and do not stop until you are finished.
