The first step of the novel writing process: Planning

Pro Tip: Grab a notebook or your laptop and take notes while you read today’s post– just jot down ideas and plans as you review each task listed. Tomorrow, I’ll be coming at you with your first writing assignment!

The first step in the novel writing process is the planning stage. The planning stage of the writing process is crucial as it sets the foundation for the entire writing project. During this stage, a writer typically engages in several activities, all designed to prepare for the drafting stage. This step is essential because once you sit down to write the first draft, you’ll be prepared to “just do it” without getting sidetracked or bogged down in details that may never make it into your final draft. The planning stage of the novel writing process includes the following elements:

Generate ideas: The writer starts by brainstorming and generating ideas about the novel they want to write. They may use techniques such as mind mapping, freewriting, or listing to generate ideas. There are a variety of free online story idea generators that can also be helpful. These include plot generators and name generators by genre, among others. If you don’t already have an idea for your novel, play with these resources until you have something fun that you will enjoy writing. Remember, this is a fun experiment, so feel free to be as silly as you like if it helps you stay engaged with the project.

Outline: Once the writer has a clear understanding of their topic and the basic information they need to include, they create an outline. The outline serves as a roadmap for the writing project, helping the writer organize their ideas, structure their content, and ensure they include all necessary information.

Now, I know I heard some of you groan at the mention of outlining. (Yes, I heard you from all the way over here.) And I know that you, like many other writers, may be resistant to outlining your novel for a variety of reasons. Some writers feel that outlining stifles their creativity and hinders their ability to write spontaneously. They may prefer to allow the story to unfold organically as they write, without being constrained by a preconceived plan. Outlining can also sometimes feel rigid and inflexible, making it difficult for writers to adapt their story as new ideas emerge. Some writers prefer to leave room for changes and improvisation as they write, rather than adhering strictly to a plan. And it is true that some writers simply have a personality that is more suited to improvisation and spontaneity than planning and structure. These writers may find outlining tedious or frustrating, preferring to dive into the writing process without too much preparation.

However, other writers may be resistant to outlining because they are new to writing or unsure of how to create an effective outline. They may feel intimidated by the process or unsure of how to get started. Outlining can sometimes make the writing process feel more formal and intimidating, leading some writers to feel overwhelmed or discouraged. They may worry that their outline will not be good enough or that they will not be able to stick to it, causing them to avoid outlining altogether.

Outlining is just one approach to writing, and some writers may find that it does not work for them. However, it is important for writers to experiment with different techniques and find the approach that allows them to write most effectively and creatively. That’s all I’m asking of you. While conducting this experiment, I’d like for you to follow all of the instructions in this series– including outlining your novel. If it doesn’t work, you never have to outline a novel ever again, as far as I’m concerned. But for now, just try it. Because you might find – as I did – that outlining is the missing piece to your novel writing success. You may even learn that you can’t finish writing a manuscript without it.

Set goals: During the planning stage, the writer sets goals for the writing project, including deadlines, word count targets, and milestones. Setting goals for a fiction writing project can help you stay focused and motivated and ensure that you make consistent progress toward completing your work. One tip for setting effective goals for writing your novel draft is to define your project. For example, what is the genre of your story? How long do you want it to be? Who is your target audience? Answering these questions can help you set realistic goals for your project. Once you have defined your project, break it down into smaller, manageable goals. For example, you might set a goal to complete a certain number of chapters or to write for a certain amount of time each day.

Next, you’ll want to set some deadlines. Give yourself a deadline for completing your writing project. Be specific about the date and make sure it is realistic. Consider factors such as your writing speed, other commitments, and any research or editing time needed. And use SMART goals. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. When setting goals for your writing project, make sure they meet these criteria. This will make it easier to track your progress and adjust your goals if needed.

Once you start writing, you should keep track of your progress toward your goals. This can help you stay motivated and adjust your goals if you are not making sufficient progress. When you achieve a goal, celebrate it! Reward yourself in some way to help stay motivated and reinforce the habit of setting and achieving goals. By setting clear, achievable goals for your novel writing project, you can stay focused and motivated and ensure that you make consistent progress toward completing your work.

Develop a writing schedule: To meet your goals, it’s important to create a writing schedule. This schedule outlines when you will work on the project, how long you will spend on each task, and what tasks you will focus on each day.  Developing a novel writing schedule that you can stick to can be a challenge, but it is essential if you want to make consistent progress toward completing your book.

To create a writing schedule that works for you, you should first determine your most productive writing times. Identify the times of day when you are most productive and creative and try to schedule your writing sessions during those times. Some people prefer to write early in the morning, while others are more productive late at night. When I am writing a first draft of a novel, I like to do my writing first thing in the morning to make sure I don’t get distracted and put it off all day. Once the day’s writing is done, I can go about my business for the day without agonizing over whether or not I’m going to find the time to write that day. Experiment to find what works best for you. Then set a realistic writing goal. Decide how much time you can realistically devote to writing each day or each week and set a specific writing goal. For example, you might aim to write for one hour each day or to complete a certain number of words each week. When I am writing a novel draft, I aim for one chapter per writing session.

You may also break down your writing sessions into smaller, manageable chunks. You might decide to write for 20 minutes at a time, or to complete a certain number of pages before taking a break. Whatever you come up with, it is essential that you establish a writing routine that you can stick to. Set aside specific times each day or each week for writing and make it a habit. There are many tools available to help you stay on track with your writing schedule. For example, you might use a timer to keep yourself focused during writing sessions, or a writing app to track your progress and set writing goals. But be flexible. Be prepared to adjust your writing schedule as needed. Life can be unpredictable, and there may be times when you need to adapt your writing routine to fit your changing circumstances.

By developing a writing schedule that works for you and using tools to help you stay on track, you can make consistent progress toward completing your novel. Remember to be flexible and make adjustments as needed, and to celebrate your successes along the way.

Prepare your writing space: Just kidding. Don’t do that. Too many emerging writers spend too much time creating the perfect space in which to write their novels. So much time, in fact, that they never get around to sitting down to do any writing. These writers set themselves up for failure because they program themselves to believe that they are only capable of writing under specific conditions, which many of us are incapable of maintaining.

Let go of the image you have in your head of the Instagrammable writing space in which you will create your masterpiece. Embrace the idea of writing anywhere at any time. All you need is paper and pen or a laptop. Keep those basic tools of the writing trade with you and dedicate yourself to turning to them every time you have a free minute. Do that instead of scrolling social media on your phone.

You don’t need to plan hours of uninterrupted writing time in a designer writing space to become an effective writer. You just need to practice writing. The more flexible you are when it comes to when and where you write, the better able you will be to slip into the writing zone whether you have a couple of hours or a couple of minutes. Once you’ve become a rich and famous author, you can hire someone to design and build the writing studio of your dreams. But for now, don’t be so damned precious about your writing space.

Identify the audience: During the planning stage of the writing process, the writer also identifies their intended audience and considers how they can tailor their writing to meet the needs and interests of their readers. Start by considering the genre of your novel. Different genres appeal to different audiences, so it’s important to understand the conventions and expectations of your chosen genre. Then think about the age group that your novel is aimed at. Is it a children’s book, a young adult novel, or an adult fiction book? Understanding the age group of your readers can help you tailor your language, tone, and content accordingly. This will also help you determine how many words to aim for in your final product.

The categorization of a novel into a specific genre is typically determined by a combination of factors and individuals, including the author, publishers, literary agents, booksellers, and readers. First, the author often has an idea of the genre they are writing within, or at least a sense of the story’s style, themes, and target audience. They may have a specific genre in mind while developing the plot, characters, and narrative elements. The assessments of publishers and agents determines how a manuscript will be treated once it leaves the writer’s control. Literary agents and publishers play a crucial role in the traditional publication process. They review manuscripts and assess the marketability and commercial potential of a novel. Based on their understanding of the industry and readers’ preferences, they may suggest or confirm the genre for marketing and positioning purposes.

Marketing and book industry trends also play a role and should be considered even by independent authors. The book industry continuously monitors market trends and consumer preferences. They analyze sales data, reader feedback, and market demand to identify emerging genres or subgenres that are gaining popularity. This analysis helps shape how a novel is categorized to better position it for target readers. Booksellers and libraries also play a role in genre classification. They organize and display books based on genres to help readers find books of interest. Their input and feedback can influence how a novel is categorized in stores or library catalogs.

Ultimately, readers themselves play a significant role in shaping the perception and categorization of a novel’s genre. Readers’ expectations and reactions to a book, along with their reviews and feedback, can influence how a novel is perceived and classified. If a book receives a considerable following within a specific genre community, it can contribute to the genre’s association with the book.

It’s important to note that genre classification is not always clear-cut or definitive. Some novels can blend multiple genres or defy traditional genre boundaries. Additionally, the perception of genre can vary among individuals, and a book’s categorization may evolve over time as new genres emerge or existing genres evolve. The determination of a novel’s genre involves a combination of author intent, industry assessment, marketing considerations, reader reception, and industry trends. It’s a collaborative process influenced by various stakeholders, with the goal of positioning the book in a way that resonates with the target audience and maximizes its potential for success.

With that said, don’t spend too much time on market research in the early stages of the novel writing process. Simply understanding what genres are can help you determine who your audience is. Even if you aren’t able to name the specific genre in which you would like to write, as long as you regularly read books in a particular genre, you will develop an idea of the audience to whom you wish to appeal. It can help to identify the themes and topics that your novel explores. This can help you understand the interests and concerns of your readers and ensure that your book resonates with them.

You should also think about the tone of your novel. Is it lighthearted and humorous, or serious and thought-provoking? Understanding the tone of your book can help you connect with your readers and create a sense of empathy and rapport. Careful consideration of the desired tone of your novel will also help you maintain consistency in your writing. Analyze other books in your genre or with similar themes and analyze their target audience. Who are the readers that they appeal to, and what makes them successful? By considering the genre, age group, themes, and tone; analyzing similar books; and getting feedback, you can identify the audience for your novel and tailor your writing accordingly.

Choose a theme or topic: Choosing a theme or topic for a novel is a deeply personal and creative process. Start by exploring your own interests, passions, and areas of expertise. Consider subjects that genuinely fascinate and inspire you. Writing about something you genuinely care about will make the creative process more engaging and fulfilling. You might even choose to draw from personal experiences. Reflect on your own life experiences, both positive and challenging. Your unique perspective and personal encounters can provide rich material for exploring themes or topics in your novel. It allows you to infuse authenticity and emotional depth into your writing.

Dedicate some time to brainstorming and generating ideas. Let your imagination roam free and consider various themes or topics that intrigue you. Jot down any thoughts, concepts, or scenarios that come to mind, even if they seem unrelated or disconnected at first. This can help you uncover hidden connections or spark new ideas. Then research and explore existing literature within the genres and topics that interest you. This will provide insights into what has been done before, help you identify gaps or unique angles, and inspire you to bring a fresh perspective to a particular theme or topic.

Consider universal and timeless themes. Think about themes that resonate with the human experience and have enduring relevance. Themes such as love, loss, identity, power, redemption, and personal growth have universal appeal and can provide a strong foundation for storytelling. You might also consider exploring themes or topics that address social or societal issues for which you are passionate. Literature has the power to shed light on important subjects, challenge perspectives, and initiate conversations. Selecting themes that tackle relevant issues can make your novel impactful and thought-provoking.

The planning stage of the writing process is a time to experiment and combine ideas. Sometimes, the most compelling themes emerge when seemingly unrelated concepts are brought together. Explore the possibilities and see how a variety of themes and topics can intersect and create new layers of meaning. Finally, consider the interests and expectations of your target audience. Think about the readers you want to engage with and the type of stories they might be drawn to. Balancing your own creative vision with an understanding of your audience can help you select a theme or topic that resonates with them.

Remember, selecting a theme or topic for your novel is a personal and creative choice. Trust your instincts, follow your passion, and choose a subject that captivates and inspires you. A strong emotional connection to your theme or topic will fuel your writing and help you create a compelling and authentic story. The planning stage of the writing process is a critical step in creating a successful piece of writing. By generating ideas, researching, outlining, setting goals, developing a writing schedule, and identifying the audience, the writer sets themselves up for a more efficient and effective writing process.