Introduction Three Rules for Writing a Novel
Writing a book is hard work. It takes time, practice, and discipline to create something truly great. However, there are some basic principles that can guide you on your journey. These three simple rules, if followed diligently, can help turn your dream of penning a novel into a reality.
Rule 1: Read Extensively
The first rule is to read as much as you can across different genres and styles. This will expose you to beautiful writing, vivid imagery, and diverse perspectives.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss
Reading great works helps build your literary muscles. It improves your vocabulary, shows you different ways to structure sentences and stories, and provides inspiration for your own writing.
Here are some examples of what you can gain from reading extensively:
- Vocabulary expansion: Books use richer and more descriptive words than everyday conversations. The more you read, the more words you’ll learn.
- Insight into storytelling techniques: You’ll start to notice how authors craft their plots, develop characters, build suspense, use foreshadowing, etc. These are skills you can apply to your own writing.
- Improved writing style: The cadence, rhythm, and flow of great writers will start to influence how you string words together.
- New perspectives: Books allow you to step into different lives, cultures, time periods and see the world through diverse lenses.
Read Anything and Everything
Don’t just stick to novels in your preferred genre. Read poetry, non-fiction, magazines, blogs, even product labels and road signs. Everything you read contributes to your skills as a writer.
As the famous author Stephen King said:
“If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write.”
Keep a Reading Log
To maximize your learning, keep a small notebook and jot down phrases, descriptions or plot devices that stood out to you as you read. This “writer’s journal” will become a treasure trove of inspiration when you sit down to write.
Rule 2: Write Regularly
The second rule is to write every single day, even if it’s just a little bit. Writing is like any other skill – the more you practice, the better you’ll become.
“The art of writing is the art of applying the seat of the pants to the seat of the chair.” – Mary Heaton Vorse
Here are some tips to make writing a consistent habit:
- Set a daily word count goal: It could be 300 words, 500 words or even 1000 words per day. Having a target pushes you to write.
- Write at the same time daily: Dedicate a specific time slot, like first thing in the morning or during your lunch break, to writing. Habits form through routine.
- Track your progress: Use a writing tracker app or just put a big X on your calendar for the days you hit your goal. Seeing your streaks motivates you.
- Join a writing group: Being part of a community holds you accountable and provides feedback to improve.
The more you write, the more your skills will progress. Your sentences will flow better, your dialogue will ring truer, and crafting intricate plots will become easier.
A Writer’s Inspiring Story
Eileen Goudge is a perfect example of persistence paying off. She worked multiple jobs while raising her kids as a single mom. Yet she woke up at 4am daily to squeeze in writing time before her day started. After over 20 years and many rejection letters, her first novel was finally published and became a bestseller! Her dedication is truly inspiring.
Rule 3: Revise and Edit Ruthlessly
The third vital rule is to revise and edit your drafts over and over until your novel shines. No one gets it perfect on the first try. Even bestselling authors often go through 10-20 drafts before a book is ready.
“Books aren’t written – they’re rewritten.” – Michael Crichton
Here are some revision tips:
- Take breaks between drafts: After finishing a draft, set it aside for a few weeks. This allows you to come back with fresh eyes.
- Read your work out loud: This helps catch awkward phrasing, repetition, and dialogue that doesn’t sound natural.
- Seek feedback: Get critiques from writing groups, beta readers, or editors. An objective eye spots mistakes you’re blind to.
- Kill your darlings: Be ruthless in cutting out sections, characters or subplots that don’t serve the story, no matter how attached you are to them.
- Check for plot holes: Make sure your storyline, character arcs, and details are consistent from start to finish.
- Fact check: If your book includes real people, places, historical events or technical details, verify all the facts are accurate.
Revision Example
Here’s an example showing how a dull paragraph can be transformed through revision:
First Draft: John walked down the street. It was a nice day. He saw a dog playing with a stick. John went to the park and sat on a bench.
Revised Draft: John strolled leisurely down the sunbaked sidewalk, his shoulders finally relaxed after a stressful workweek. A cheerful panting drew his gaze to a rambunctious golden retriever frolicking with an abandoned stick, its tail whipping frenzied arcs of delight. The joyful scene raised the corners of John’s lips as he cut through a copse of oak trees into the park’s tranquil heart.
With each revision cycle, your writing will become tighter, more vivid, and more engaging for the reader.
Following these simple principles takes perseverance and discipline. But if you commit to them, you’ll be well on your way to producing a captivating, well-crafted novel.
| What to Do | What Not to Do |
|---|---|
| Read everything you can get your hands on | Assume your first draft is perfect |
| Write every single day, even a little | Wait for motivation or inspiration to strike before writing |
| Get feedback and revise multiple drafts | Become too attached to the initial draft to make changes |
Conclusion Three Rules for Writing a Novel
Writing a great novel is a long journey requiring immense dedication. But if you make a habit of reading frequently, writing consistently, and revising tenaciously, you’ll slowly but surely craft a captivating story that readers won’t want to put down.
The road won’t be easy – there will be setbacks, rejections, and moments when you’ll want to give up. But remember, every published author you admire today had to walk this same difficult path before finding success.
So read those inspiring books, put in the hard work, and don’t stop revising until your novel shines as brightly as the ones that motivated you to become a writer in the first place. The three rules are simple, but steadfastly following them will help make your dream a reality.
