How to Write a Novel in 8 Simple Steps

Novel writing is a somewhat difficult business to crack but it certainly is far easier and less uptight than, say, screenwriting..err.. Hollywood. Novels have the potential to lead to Hollywood anyway. But let's focus on one thing at a time here.

Things You'll Need:

• Computer.
• Word processor or Novel writing software.
• Patience.
• Determination.

Steps:

1. You need a story that inspires you to write. It all starts with an idea. Start brainstorming, even if it sounds stupid, keep brainstorming.

2. Once you've found an interesting story idea, structure it. I use this very same structure system for both screenplays and novels, it is a unisex method of sorts that works both ways:

Act 1:

a) Catalyst: It is the spark of the story, it gives the character something to do. It's when Luke Skywalker stumbles across the message for Obi-Wan Kenobi hidden inside R2-D2 in "Star Wars" or when the crew of the Nostromo finds a mysterious SOS signal to investigate in "Alien".

b) Big Event: The catalyst gave the character something to do and the big event causes him to become fully committed to doing it. In "Star Wars", the big event is when Luke returns home to find his family killed. In "Independence Day", the aliens arrive (Catalyst!), then they blow up the white house (BIg Event!).

Act II:

c) Pinch and Rising conflict: The pinch is the major twist at the center of the story. It's when Patrick Swayze's character finds out that his best friend had him killed in "Ghost". His actions and emotions are now intensified because of this, causing a rising conflict.

Act III:

d) Crisis: The bleakest point in the story. What is the worst thing that could happen to your character? For Indiana Jones, it's being locked in a tomb full of snakes.

e) Showdown:The ending. The character recovers from the crisis somehow and finds a way to achieve what he set out for in the first place.

3. Next up is to create and develop your characters. Use the following categories to get you started:
Role in the story
Occupation
Goal
Motivation
Emotional Need
Backstory
Traits
Quirks
Family and Associates

4. Begin writing your novel using Steps 2-3 as a guide of sorts to help you move from point A to point B.

5. Grammar and Spell Check your novel.

6. Leave the novel alone for one week and let it sit there. Think about other things, relax.

7. Afterward, re-read your novel, tighten your chapters, edit anything that feels out of place or that needs improvement.

8. Copyright your first draft novel and submit for a reciprocated review for free on http://www.zoetrope.com. If the response is good, start hunting for a publisher.