Writing a novel isn’t just about writing. Writing is the easy part for many writers. Information, facts, thoughts and ideas are the fuel which feed the writing fire and organising them in a systematic way will not only save you time. It provides writers with the inspiration and motivation to get to ‘the end’. All that is needed is an A4 ring binder, some dividers and a little time.
Publishing The Novel
It’s a strange place to start but thinking about what the finished product will look like provides and maintains inspiration. So think about the book cover the title and the artwork. An additional talent for drawing could come in helpful for sketching a cover but if not design something which visually represents the novel, including the authors name. Stick the cover on the front of the ring binder.
It is also useful to write a brief blurb like the ones you see on the back of books, which summarise the story without giving away any secrets. It doesn’t matter if any of these things change as your novel progresses, at this stage it’s about a work in progress.
Writing Targets
For any writing project, it is useful to set realistic targets. Produce a title page with any other ideas that may have cropped up about the title. Record the start date of the organiser and a brief synopsis of the story. This will need reviewing as the novel develops but putting some markers down will help writers begin and keep going. In this section, a proposed word count and daily, weekly or monthly targets to achieve that might also be useful.
Writing Research and Information
The rest of your organiser should be organised in as much or as little detail depending on preference and need. It depends on the story but it’s useful to include some of the sections detailed below:
- Timeline – a simple structure highlighting the major events which drive the story and any back story that might be relevant. This will ensure that the events will run smoothly when writing them and provide an easy reference point for checking.
- Characters – Each main character should have a detailed outline, which provides the information that brings them to life and record those details that need a consistent approach. Minor characters can have a similar but less detailed profile.
- Research – depending on the genre of the novel at least one research section will be required to keep all the notes which are relevant to the development of the story. Depending on the extent of research needed it may be necessary to separate research into sub sections for ease of reference.
- Chapter sections – a sheet for each chapter provides a useful outline. Some writers don’t like planning too much in detail but they provide a useful overview of what has been written and can provide the motivation to continue. Depending on individual preferences other details can be included such as characters appearing in the chapter, point of view, setting, and any plot notes for the following chapters.
- Synopsis and Queries – a section for the synopsis and details of potential markets will eventually provide a record for submissions.
The only way to finish a novel is to sit down and write it. However, spending a little time thinking about what it might look like, organising thoughts and ideas and keeping a reference of ideas and thoughts can make the process a little easier.
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