Simple Novel Writing Tips for Plot and Characters

Something happened to me a few months ago. Boring or not, it took place while sipping my morning coffee. I reached an emotional impasse: I can no longer deny a lifelong passion. I have to write a novel. Committing to my desire was uncomplicated. So what's the problem? I had no clue how to write a novel. Months later, consider what I've taken away from my exploration into the world of novel writing tips on characters and plot.

To Write a Novel You Must --

Here's the trickiest advice I discovered during my novel writing research: Each expert says to write a novel you must do everything opposite what the other expert says. Good grief, I thought; even members of Congress can agree on something.

Sifting through the confusion, though, this tells me there is technically no correct or incorrect way to write a novel. Whew, that's a surprise I can live with.

Bring Order to Your Characters

My novel concept had plenty of characters, but they were whirling around haphazardly in my head. That's the issue. I wanted to bring some order to their existence. Enter the best thing since panty hose: character prompt sheets. This handy novel writing tip proved to be invaluable to me.

Using a prompt sheet creatively, I'm now inventing memorable, convincing characters. It offers up ideas I may or may not consider when building the personality of my characters. I thought I had at least one of my novel characters pinned down. The prompt sheet enabled me to see I was wrong.

Prompt Sheet Characters to Life

For instance, do I want the main character in my novel to have an odd physical uniqueness? Will he/she have staunch enemies, an intimidating political view, or a damaging secret? Perhaps my character will offend people with a mocking laugh, and resent a successful sibling.

He or she may be sexually promiscuous. On the other hand, he or she may be celibate. That will be dependent now on my mood instead of my bewilderment. Using the guidance of a prompt sheet you can decide if your character will have a strong or weak personality.

What will the character's educational background consist of? How do you want your characters to feel about religion? Can an unusual hobby grab the reader's attention? As you see, there are endless possibilities.

Scores of character prompt sheets are available as free downloads on many writing websites across the Internet. Take advantage of this helpful no-cost resource.

Like Good Soup, the Plot Thickens

I spent the most time researching novel writing tips relating to story plot. I struggled with the vital plot process in my mind, and on paper. The story was there, but it was gobbledygook at best.

Like my early topsy-turvy characters, my plot needed to break free from the mishmash of too many ineffective ideas. A simple tip I picked up at BookPleasures.com saved the day: start in the middle of your story, envision the end, and fabricate a beginning. I tried the Deborah Owen novel writing tip, and it worked. Truly, it was a Harry Potter swish and flick magic moment.

Constructing Your Plot from the Middle

I freed myself as a writer by embracing the wise words of Deborah Owen. She says, "The plot is, in essence, what the middle scene is about." Before I stumbled upon this novel writing tip, I was unable to see the forest for the trees.

So, I simply backed away from the chaos of my potential story. I looked at my overall novel from the middle; I delighted in the concept of the end; and now I have a great sense of the beginning. A fine-looking plot has finally emerged from the rubble.

In a Nutshell

The character prompt sheet is my new best friend. Creating fictitious characters no longer intimidates me. Developing a plot is now a desirable challenge, not a confusing task. Have fun with these easy novel writing tips. Oh, and I'll be seeing you on the New York Times Bestseller list.

Source:

Personal Experience
BookPleasures.com