Testing the Waters

Research

Before you write the first word in your novel, you should begin with research. Research is essential when you are writing historical fiction (as is the case with my novel) and is a valuable tool for any author to have. While you might think research is unnecessary, it can provide fleshy details and further insight that will provide you with the support you need to write a novel full of detail and accuracy. Some authors may research more than others, but they all begin with research.

No idea what your novel is going to be about? Research! Is your story set in a location where you have never been? Research! Need a Hungarian name for your character’s uncle? Research!

Books are my preferred source of information. This helps to ensure that information I am including in my novel is accurate vs. internet browsing which often produces search results ranging from fan pages to out of date information. But the internet also has many sources that you might never find in a bookstore or library. Use your discretion in determining whether or not the information is relevant to you.

And don’t forget that this is your story. If you want all humans to have tails, make it so.

Recommended Sources:
Library of Congress: http://www.loc.gov/library/libarch-digital.html
Wikipedia: http://www.wikipedia.org/
Ask.com: http://www.ask.com/
From Nanowrimo: http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/3263715

Outlining

Have an idea, or a better understanding of an idea, for your novel now? Try outlining. Outlining helps the author map out the progression of their novel. A to-do list. As much or as little detail can be included and your outline can be formatted however you wish.

Sample Outlines:

I. Chapter One
a. Chapter One Synopsis
i. Characters
ii. Setting
II. Chapter Two
a. Chapter Two Synopsis
i. Characters
ii. Setting

OR

- Boy meets girl.
- Girl hates boy.
- Girl falls in love with boy.
- Boy breaks girl’s heart.

There is no right or wrong way to outline. Create and develop one that suits you. Outlines can be totally random thoughts or organized neatly into step by step detailed instructions for you to follow as you write.

Other Samples:
http://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/870156
http://www.rc.net/hvs/mrv/novout.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_2110891_outline-a-novel.html

Character Development Sheets

Knowing and understanding who your characters are is crucial. Don’t underestimate the fact that characters have a mind of their own and are known to misbehave. Yes, they are fictitious, but their interactions with other characters and their reaction to different situations you throw at them cause different characters to behave in different ways. It’s what makes us unique. It’s what makes your characters unique. It is your goal as an author to know more about your characters than the reader ever will.

Character development sheets are another helpful tool. While there is no single format universally accepted, many will include the obvious biographical details and character stats: Name, DOB, birthplace, father’s name, mother’s name, siblings, etc… After the biographical information, most sheets include a list of questions for you to answer about that particular character. How long does your character sleep each night? What is your character afraid of? What is one secret your character hasn’t told their best friend? What does your character do for dinner: where does he eat, what does he eat, who is there?

Some questions seem pointless in answering, but you might be surprised at what you discover and conclude from your study sheet. Try also to avoid answering questions with a simple yes or no. Explain your answers and get the most from your efforts.

Two other character exercises I have done in preparation for Nanowrimo are:

Write a letter from the author to the characters: What do you expect from your characters?

Write a letter from a character to the author: Does your character simply protest, are they happy, or do they demand that you make changes to their role in you story?

Some Sample Character Development Sheets:
http://www.writerswrite.com/journal/jun98/lazy2.htm
http://www.pameladowd.com/Adobe/CharacterDevelopmentChart.PDF

What else?

Repeating what I mentioned in a previous entry, make a schedule and stick to it. Your story doesn’t write itself.

Always write.

And use your discretion when determining what information you find most useful about novel writing. We are all different and what works for one author, might not for a different author.

Happy writing.