90 Days to Your Novel

Key Takeaways

1. Commit to a 90-day novel writing challenge

"Writing is difficult. It's work. Hard work. It's under-standable if you don't want to put yourself through the agony of becoming a writer. Maybe you should become a candlestick maker instead."

Establish a writing habit. Set aside 2-3 hours daily for 90 consecutive days to write your novel. This commitment is crucial for turning your writing aspirations into reality. Create a dedicated writing space, minimize distractions, and treat writing as a job.

Overcome mental barriers. Recognize that inspiration isn't necessary for writing; habit and persistence are more reliable. Embrace the challenges and potential frustrations as part of the process. Remember, the difference between a novelist and a would-be novelist is that one actually writes while the other merely talks about writing.

2. Develop compelling characters and plot through outlining

"If you do the necessary work in the planning stages, you'll leave little to chance when you sit down to write your novel."

Create detailed character bios. Develop backstories, motivations, and quirks for your characters. Consider their physical appearance, speech patterns, and how they might react in various situations. This groundwork will make your characters feel more authentic and three-dimensional.

Plot your story arc. Use outlining techniques to map out your novel's structure. Consider:

• The "Structure-Plus" outline
• The Signpost outline
• The Note-Card technique
• The Spreadsheet approach
• The Flowchart

Choose the method that best suits your writing style and story needs. A well-crafted outline will help you maintain focus and pacing throughout the writing process.

3. Master the art of scene writing and structure

"Think of scenes as the individual bricks that comprise the house of your novel. Or as the single pearls that, strung together, form a beautiful necklace."

Understand scene components. Each scene should have:

• A clear beginning, middle, and end
• A specific purpose within the larger narrative
• Conflict or tension
• Character development
• Sensory details to immerse the reader

Balance scene elements. Incorporate dialogue, action, and description to create dynamic scenes. Use narrative summary to bridge scenes and control pacing. Aim for a mix of scene types (action, dialogue, emotional) to keep the reader engaged.

4. Craft a strong narrative arc with rising action and climax

"Yearning generates plot."

Build tension gradually. Structure your novel into three acts:

1. Act One: Introduction and initial conflict
2. Act Two: Complications and rising action
3. Act Three: Climax and resolution

Create compelling conflict. Ensure your protagonist faces obstacles that prevent them from achieving their goals. These conflicts should escalate throughout the story, leading to a climactic moment that forces the character to change or make a crucial decision.

Develop thematic depth. Weave your novel's themes throughout the narrative arc. Use symbolism, recurring motifs, and character growth to reinforce your story's central ideas.

5. Balance internal and external scenes for character depth

"If you want your novel to have heart — and if you want your reader to connect with your characters — you are going to have to inject an emotional core into your novel."

Craft internal scenes. Use techniques like:

• Interior monologue
• Flashbacks
• Symbolic settings
• Emotional reactions

These scenes reveal your character's thoughts, feelings, and motivations, helping readers connect with them on a deeper level.

Write dynamic external scenes. Focus on:

• Action and plot progression
• Dialogue that reveals character and moves the story forward
• Interactions between characters that showcase relationships and conflicts

Alternating between internal and external scenes creates a well-rounded narrative that engages readers on multiple levels.

6. Revise and refine your novel through multiple drafts

"Great novels aren't written — they're rewritten."

Create a reverse outline. After completing your first draft, outline your existing novel to identify gaps, inconsistencies, and areas for improvement. This process helps you see your story's structure more clearly and make necessary adjustments.

Focus on key elements. During revision, pay special attention to:

• Character arcs and consistency
• Plot coherence and pacing
• Theme development
• Dialogue authenticity
• Setting descriptions
• Narrative voice consistency

Be willing to cut. Remove scenes, characters, or subplots that don't serve the main story. Even if you've grown attached to certain elements, prioritize the overall quality and coherence of your novel.

7. Polish your opening and closing scenes for maximum impact

"The first few paragraphs of your novel will help a reader determine whether or not she wants to buy the book, and the first scene or chapter will determine if your reader will continue your book."

Craft a compelling opening. Your first scene should:

• Hook the reader immediately
• Introduce your protagonist and their world
• Hint at the central conflict
• Establish the novel's tone and voice

Write a satisfying conclusion. The final scene should:

• Resolve the main conflict (even if not happily)
• Show how the protagonist has changed
• Connect thematically to the opening
• Leave a lasting impression on the reader

Refine your first and last lines. These are often the most memorable parts of a novel. Craft them carefully to encapsulate your story's essence and leave readers thinking long after they've finished the book.

Last updated: October 6, 2024

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