Novel Writing Tips

Description, when introducing a new setting or character. (Visualize) in your mind how the characters and settings move and look then write that down. Also, it helps to draw a picture or map and 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?

Terrain description, it shows the place, time, and culture of 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?

Use 0.3 as the tab and indent.

Most of the time, write long sentences, long paragraphs, long chapters, and long books.

Give each character one main name they are called by.

Do not group too many descriptive words together all the time. It turns a river-ride into thick-gooey quicksand mess. It will kill your book. A balance of narration and dialog is key in novels. So, you should show and tell in moderation as well.

Use pronouns when possible.

I do not like to use contractions, only when I feel like I have to.

I like to base my character dialog on slurs and slang to make each character unique not by contractions.

Use less contractions, it will give you a higher word count.

Do one thing unique in your writing that no other writer does.

Having a rich vocabulary is the key to finding your unique voice. Read a lot.

Check out and join Critiquecircle.com for good and honest feedback on your writing. Also, it can be a good learning tool to critique others.

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. Also, setting a timer or writing a chapter a day may help as well. All done, comment below.