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What are the Steps
in Developing a Novel?
The method I outlined on the previous page and here on this page is just
one way to do things. If you produce salable results with the method or no
method you use, then great. This is just one way to organize and get
something on paper. That usually is the hardest part, getting something on
paper or word processor
You may develop your list or database of characters, places, navies,
events, historical data, etc. either at the beginning or after your very
basic outline. You will add to this at all stages of planning, preparation,
and even writing. Keeping track of all these things helps to ensure
continuity and accuracy. Remember that even minor characters can be
memorable. Only deal with items that support your work. Don't add things just
for the sake of doing so. Keeping it simple and short has a lot of
advantages. The more complex the database the longer and more difficult it
makes it in writing your work. Development of characters is very important
right down to physical characteristics. This will add realism and interest to
your work. I have found this way of tracking items for my novels to work best
for me. You may use this method, improve upon it, or even skip it. It is all
about what is most comfortable for you.
Everything starts with a first step. Develop an idea for a novel. Remember
to keep the subject on something you know about and are excited about. Talk
the idea over with friends and other writers, if you know any. Then put the
idea on paper. Work on it for a couple of weeks rewriting as often as you can
to really work the idea over. Then put it away for a couple of weeks. After
that much time, come back and see if the idea still holds its allure. If so,
you are ready for the next step.
Now you have a developed idea for a novel written on paper or computer, if
you prefer. Take the idea and write the major theme of the novel. Don't worry
about specific details and subplots. Just write the novel theme in simple
paragraphs not to exceed two pages. Characters don't have to be developed.
Your theme should include the conflict and the resolution of same. After you
are comfortable with your novel theme, expand it to a very short story. Start
with an attention-getter, develop your theme, and then end with a resolution
of the conflict. Your conclusion is very important as this is the direction
you drive your novel. Never get too far away from the theme and your novel
will move quickly, generate interest and excitement, and sell.
Using 3X5 cards list the plot and its main ideas. Add 3X5 cards for
subplots that deal with the main plot. The main plot and various subplots
involve various conflicts leading to a climax. Again remember that your
conclusion is the most important item of your preparation. All your work is
directed to that end. Now organize your set of 3X5 cards into chapters. How
many chapters isn't necessarily important. You can have five or fifty. What
does it matter? As long as the novel reads quickly and entertains, the number
of chapters doesn't matter. Take each chapter set of 3X5 cards and make a
basic outline for that chapter. A chapter should at the very least develop
one conflict that leads to a resolution. Then do the next chapter remembering
that eventually you will come to your conclusion. After all chapters are
outlined, go over each chapter again. Go over your outline as many times as
it takes to be completely comfortable with the whole process. Finally, keep
your 3X5 cards, because it will help to keep you organized. Plus you can
reorder your chapters and events easily, if you should need to do so.
The next step will be on a separate page accessible from the main How To
page and from submenus on each of these pages. We will talk in detail about
outlining your novel, novella, short story, whatever on your favorite word processor. The same page will discuss actually writing your work.
5Then Jesus began to tell them, ‘Take care that no one deceives you.6Many
will come using my name and saying, “I am he,” and they will deceive
many.7When you hear of wars and rumours of wars, do not be alarmed; this is
something that must happen, but the end will not be yet.8For nation will fight
against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in
various places; there will be famines. This is the beginning of the birth–pangs.
The New Jerusalem Bible: Reader’s Edition, (New York: Doubleday.) 1990.
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