Novel Writing Tips

Description

Write descriptions when introducing a new setting or character. Draw a picture/map or plot as you write.

Narration

Mood - Is the land chaotic? Peaceful? Undisturbed? Destroyed? Barely hanging-on? Trying to survive? A city rebuilt. A city built with new construction. Is the land under attack? Are there unexpected guests? Is it the chief town? Is it the poorest town? Criminal? Lawful? Independent? (Use strong verbs that specifically create a mood.) 

Terrain Description

It shows the place, time, and culture of a terrain. Describe the terrain in contrast: from the largest object to the smallest. The shape and color of a tree compared to grass and the white picket fence. Mountains to hills, with the sun rising over its peaks. Describe the terrain with action: the still pond, the blowing desert, and the breaking clouds. Observe all your senses in the surroundings. Describe the north, south, east, and west areas of a city. Describe the circumference of a city, number of houses and where are they? Which direction do they face? Add large terrain structures or dikes, then a causeway or a bridge that leads to a gate. Describe the walls, gates, and unique structures. Describe the middle of the city. Why was it built in this location? How were the buildings and roads used? How is the story taking place in this city at the present?

Description For Setting and Characters

1) Establish the distant and close location.

2) Describe the overall landscape and characterization.

3) Focus on visual details of architecture.

4) Incorporate sound, taste, touch, and smell.

5) Highlight unique features or objects.

6) Convey the mood and theme.

7) Symbolism.

Grammar

1) Tab and indent: 0.3

2) Time of day: A.M., P.M.

3) Each character has one main name.

4) Don't bunch too many descriptive words together.

5) Use pronouns as much as possible.

6) Show more than you tell.

 

DEFINE

Describe the location, both near and far. 

Establish landscapes and character. 

Focus on architecture like fences.

Integrate character senses. 

Note a unique object. 

Evoke a theme to reflect.

Use the snowflake outline and others, it helps a lot to get things rolling. But when you write, try to explore your character's options. The outlines are just to help not the rule of thumb, and they can help with long narratives too. You can write like a pantser but plot and sometimes draw pictures and maps as you go. Writing in third person omniscience is easier. It can also motivate you to write with a calendar due date and to set a word count goal.