How to Write an Fictional Novel

Find a quiet space where interruptions are minimal to brainstorm. Many writers use a simple pen and paper for this activity, but if you are more comfortable typing, a computer is also fine. Write down any ideas you've had, whether they are plot ideas, ideas for characters or settings. Your story needs to have some type of conflict, as well as some type of resolution, though whether it is a happy, sad or in between is up to you. You can map out where you want your story to go with an outline, or start writing. Keep in mind that you’ll need a plausible setup for your main idea. This is key to the believability, and overall success of your story.

Create characters that inspire you to write. Make sure your main characters are relatable; don't make them black and white. No one can relate to someone who is perfect, just as no one can relate with someone who is completely devoid of any humanity. One helpful trick is to create questionnaires to answer with individual characters in mind. Answering these questionnaires helps ensure that your characters seem real, and not as though they are there simply to serve the plot. Answer things like; name, gender, age, location, marital status, children, pets, religion, political affiliation, favorite food, annoying habit or any other detail you deem important or interesting.

Put your pen to paper, or fingers to the keys, depending on your personal preference. It doesn’t matter what your particular method is, what matters is that you write. Begin writing in whatever way appeals to you. Start with the plot, or your main protagonist (generally the good guy), or your antagonist (typically the bad guy) or you can start by painting a picture of where the story you’re telling is going to be set.

Make yourself a schedule so that you focus on intermediate and long-term writing goals. It is far too easy to procrastinate when you are your own boss. Treat writing like you would any other job. Create a space that is conducive to your writing, whether a cluttered office or out on your back porch. Set a goal or a time-frame for your daily writing and stick to it.

Seek out some friends you trust and whose opinion you value to share what you've got so far. Whether you only have a single chapter written, or an entire rough draft, input from outside perspectives are paramount, since you are not writing for your own amusement. Ideally you want people to tell you both what you are doing well, and offer constructive criticism on what aspects need work. Don't be offended, this is part of the process for every writer.

Sit down in a quiet place where you can edit your story uninterrupted. Some writers constantly edit their work, going back over a single chapter or even paragraph multiple times before moving on; others write straight through, editing only at the end of the first draft. All that matters is that you edit, and edit thoroughly. It is not uncommon to be on a second or third draft by the time a writer feels ready to publish their work.

Buy a copy of the latest "Writer's Market" to peruse multiple publishers at once. This publication helps ensure that you get your book published by a reputable publishing house. The book lists publishers, what they are looking for in terms of genre and requirements to submit work, such as only allowing agents to submit manuscripts.

Look for a publishing house that accepts manuscripts from unknown writers. Find a published novel that is similar to your own in plot or style, since the publisher is clearly open to that particular style.