5 Must-Dos While Writing Your Novel

Congratulations, you've started your novel! I hope you're enjoying the process. If you want to write a compelling story, these are 5 must-dos while writing your novel.

1. Raise the stakes gradually

   Whether it is an intense thriller, or a historical romance, the stakes are vital to any story. Raising the stakes can keep readers engaged in your story and increase readers satisfaction. So, what do I mean by 'raise the stakes'?

   
   

   The stakes are what happens if the MC doesn't achieve their goal. For example, what happens if Frodo and Sam don't destroy the ring? The world as they know it will become desolate and corrupt. We don't understand just how corrupt until the third book when Frodo and Sam travel through Mordor. The severity of the stakes are revealed gradually.

   
   

   In another example, what happens if Elizabeth and Darcy don't marry? Both will end up alone and unhappy because the two were absolutely made for each other. Again, we feel sure of this gradually as we slowly learn just how compatible the two characters are.

So, as writers, we want to raise the stakes and raise them gradually.

2. Endeavor to keep readers reading

Another thing to be mindful of after starting your novel is how to keep your reader engaged and interested. We already elaborated on raising the stakes, now let's explore a few other methods.

One tried-and-true method is ending your chapter in a cliffhanger. Many authors utilize this method as it truly does keep readers reading. But with that being said, use this one only when it is appropriate, don't force every chapter to end this way.

Another method is to simply make the narrator's voice so alluring, comforting, or transfixing that readers can't take their eyes away. You can do this by spending a lot of time cultivating a unique voice and tone for your story.

Another method to keep readers reading is to use various plot devices. There are many plot devices, so I will share just a few here.

• A red herring is a plot device that distracts your readers and keeps them engaged.

• A flashback is a plot device that reveals insights about our character.

• A deus ex machina is a plot device that can get your characters out of sticky situations.

• Other plot devices include death traps, love triangles, and foreshadowing.

There are many ways to keep your readers engaged. Always remember: If you feel bored writing it, there's a good chance your readers will be bored reading it. Try to keep it interesting!

3. Build tension using MC's want and need

Readers' satisfaction of stories almost always boils down to the MC realizing or receiving their need rather than their want at the end. Although sometimes the want and need are the same, the most compelling stories usually show character growth by juxtaposing the want against the need. We can find this juxtaposition across the board; from Disney to Hollywood to Literary fiction.

Here are some examples.

In Monsters Inc, Sully initially wants to send Boo back so that he can return to his normal life and be the best scarer. But what he really needs is to save Boo and give up being a scarer.

In Blood Diamond, Archer desperately wants to obtain the diamond so he can leave Africa. But what he really needs is to give up the diamond and expose the diamond industry's predation of Africa.

In The Great Gatsby, Gatsby wants to accumulate wealth to win Daisy's heart. But what he really needs is to finally realize that money can't buy love.

As stated in my blog post '5 must dos before starting your novel', decide your MC's want and need prior to putting pen to paper. Then, during the writing process, play with the tension and juxtaposition of their want vs. their need. It will make the story more compelling and readers will root for them more.

4. Stay consistent in everything

You've got to be consistent in both your writing style and writing habits. So, try to write every day. It is so important. It will keep the ideas flowing and help you to feel productive. Not to mention, ideas, scenes, dialogue, etc. will come to you randomly throughout the day. So if you write daily, you have more chances to get those elements down on paper before the precise syntax or wording fades from memory.

It is also helpful to be consistent in your writing style. For example, try to keep consistent spelling of words and use of dialogue markers throughout the story. Try to keep a consistent tone and voice. Try to write using consistent paragraph and chapter sizes. This will save you a lot of time later in the editing process.

5. Enjoy the process of writing

   But, with that being said, please still enjoy the process of writing. Don't be too hard on yourself. If focusing on the above list is too restrictive or stressful, then don't do it in the first draft. It's more important that you have fun and write freely than it is that you follow every rule in the book. Make your writing time a time that you truly look forward to every day. And if this big picture stuff is too demanding, you can always hire an editor like yours truly!

Thank you so much for reading.

Happy Writing!