A guide to preparation & planning of a novel writing project

Writing a novel is no small feat. It's an ambitious project that requires thoughtful preparation and planning. Whether you're a seasoned author or an aspiring writer, turning an idea into a full-fledged novel can be both exhilarating and daunting. In this guide, we'll explore the essential steps to consider when preparing and planning your novel writing project

Understanding your why – the cornerstone of planning

Before you dive into the world of character arcs and plot twists, it's crucial to understand why you want to write this novel. What's driving you? What message or story do you want to convey? Understanding your underlying motivations will guide your entire project.

💡 Read more: 5 things that matter when planning your book

Choosing a genre and target audience

Genre

Deciding on the genre of your novel will shape many aspects of your writing. Consider:

• What genres interest you as a writer?
• What market opportunities are available?
• How flexible do you want to be within the chosen genre?

Target Audience

Understanding your target audience is equally essential:

• Who are you writing for?
• What are their interests and preferences?
• How will you appeal to them?

Ideation – the birth of your novel

Ideation is all about generating, developing, and communicating new ideas. Here's how to approach it:

• Brainstorming: Let your creativity flow and jot down everything that comes to mind.
• Concept Development: Refine your ideas into a cohesive concept that will drive your novel.
• Checking Originality: Make sure your idea stands out and isn't a mere copy of existing works.

Research – the backbone of authenticity

Research is vital to planning, especially if your novel requires specific knowledge or aims to portray realistic settings and characters.

• Subject Matter: Thoroughly research topics, settings, or historical periods featured in your novel.
• Market Research: Know your chosen genre's current trends and competition.
• Character Research: Understand your characters' professions, backgrounds, and cultures.

Outlining – the roadmap to your novel

Creating an outline helps you see the overall structure of your novel and helps you stay on track.

• Plot Outline: Break down your story into the beginning, middle, and end.
• Character Outlines: Detail your characters' backgrounds, motivations, and arcs.
• Setting Descriptions: Describe the world in which your story takes place.

Setting goals and timelines

Establishing clear goals and timelines will keep you motivated and on track:

• Daily/Weekly Goals: Set achievable writing targets.
• Long-Term Goals: Plan milestones for completing drafts and revisions.
• Be Flexible: Allow room for creativity and unexpected changes.

Final words on preparation and planning

Preparing and planning a novel writing project is a systematic and thoughtful process. From understanding your motivations to conducting research and setting achievable goals, each step plays a crucial role in shaping your novel. Embrace the journey, trust the process, and let the excitement of bringing your novel to life fuel your creativity.