Writing Basics

Tips to help you get started on your novel.

You've always loved writing, and now you want to write a book. That sounds easy enough, right?

Absolutely.

If you want to write a book, the simple answer is to put pen to paper. The longer (more realistic) solution is to have a plan.

If you are like most writers (me, I'm most writers), the idea of outlining or planning your book gives you the creeps. And if that works for you, Godspeed. But for a lot of people, you will need a plan.

Before I share a few tips with you, I want to remind you that writing is hard. You will stumble, you will experience writer's block; heck, you might even question why you started in the first place. That's all normal. Weird, but expected. My advice: keep writing.

We experience stories every day in our lives: movies, books, and television shows.

What's the thing all of those things have in common?

Ding, ding, ding! Yes, there is a main character who wants or needs something.

Below are the essentials elements of writing a fiction novel (according to me). There are many (many) versions of essential story elements, but these are my mine.

Take what you need, use what you can and when all else fails…keep writing.

1.Plot

Your plot is the series of events that make up your story. This is the thing that makes a reader purchase the book after reading the first page. Your plot is what is happening in your story and why.

2. Characters

Make them believable, please! Your main character is your protagonist, and he/she will need to

capture your reader's minds and hearts. Give your protagonist flaws and make sure to resolve those flaws in the end. The hardest part for creating believable characters is transformation.

3. Setting

Where they at? Not just what city and state; what's the climate? Are they in the city or a rural town? Is it quiet or are there train tracks near? Tell your reader what they need to know to jump into your setting with the characters.

BUT…

Show readers your setting. Don't tell! Don't ever tell them.

4. Point of View

If you've downloaded my free writing guides, we talked about finding your voice. Here is where that comes into play. Determine your perspective and who is telling the story. Some say you should limit perspective to one scene. Others say one chapter. The idealist will say limit perspective to one book.

5. Conflict

Can you say roux? Yes, your conflict is the roux or base of your story. Your reader needs this. It's the reason they bought the book in the first place. Everything can't go right in a novel. That's boring. Best friends fight over a guy; family members are envious, or a secret threatens a relationship's fabric. That's conflict.

Make it good.

6. Resolution

This is where you get to fix all the stuff your characters messed up. Ensure your protagonist has overcome his/her issues(s), restored broken relationships, and resolved internal conflicts. In other words—fix all the things.

Good luck to you on your writing journey. If you find this helpful, drop a comment and let me know your thoughts. Also, sign up for my email list to be the first to receive useful blog posts and access to my writing guides.

Write on,

Tamika