Creating A Book People Actually Want To Read

Planning out your novel to make it impactful, interesting, entertaining and a gripping read is not an easy thing to do.

Let's rip right into the basics:

There are allegedly two types of writers:

A Pantser and a Plotter. A pantser is someone who sits down and 'discovers' the story as they go. Plotters plan their novel before they write a single word on the page.

But just like there are only two genders - read with heavy sarcasm. There are a lot of ways to do things.

When I write I like to start with an empty page and an idea - I usually start with a character that I want to explore and I start writing the world the way they see it, with all the emotions that are swirling around in their heads.

As I write my first draft, I have no refernce, no planned plot, no beats I have to try hit, just empty pages and words flowing from my head. I usually try to make all the interesting stuff happen as quickly as possible. And my first draft often lands around 10 pages.

10pages. That's a lot less than a classically sized novel.

From these 10 pages, I then pull out all the interesting beats that occurred during the novel. I note down the dialogue I like and want to explore, the characters that I like, and the twists - or the events that could be twists.

These are all noted on another empty piece of paper - well, less empty now.

That, my friends and fellow writers, is my beat sheet.

This, I do not follow. Let's be honest here. I have this paper near by but out of sight. I then start writing the first final draft of my novel (I like calling all the drafts some version of Final Draft; ie First Final Draft, Final Final Draft, Edited Final Draft etc), gives me a little ego boost which we all need in the writing world.

As I write, I let the words and ideas flow as they come. If I get stuck and don't know how to move forward, I will consult my beat sheet. I'll use what I like and let that generate new ideas to add to my novel.

Does that make me a plotter or a pantser? I'll be honest, I don't care. You are welcome to care and more power to you, but we all have to find what works for us and I highly doubt any of us fit neatly into one of the two suggested categories.

But, I do reccommend playing around with them if you're just starting out. I tried every beat sheet and plot pointing device I could find when I was first learning how to write novels, I also tried free writing - I tried it all until I discovered what worked for me.

There are certain points you do need to hit so readers actually want to read your book:

1) Place the reader in the world. Describe the world the characters live in - even if it's modern day - you never know, your book could outlive you and then your book won't be set in modern day anymore. Set the reader up in the 'normal world for the character.'

2) Have something happen. Like, seriously. They can't watch TV for the entirety of the novel. Something needs to happen to drive the story forward.

3) There needs to be set backs. What ever the world, make it impossible for the character to get what they want and what they need. But keep them fighting.

4) A resolution - does it need to be a happy ending? God no, but the book does have to end. I love a slow ending, a description of the new normal but you do you. Just remember, bookshelves are only so big.

In my opinion, this is all the book needs to make it readable. Making the characters relatable and interesting - that's a whole 'nother story and it's highly dependent on your audience.

The best advice I have ever received is to take your character, put them in a situation they can't get out of and make them do everything they can to get out of that situation. Do they make it out? That's up to you, the writer.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?