The Basics of Writing a Novel

Here's the short list:

1.  Set aside time everyday for writing.  Show up, at your laptop, like you would for any job.  Be punctual, limit your breaks, dedicate yourself for the entire time period. 

2.  Take your story idea and create an outline.  Include a rough beginning, middle and end of your story.

3.  Get to know your characters as well as you know yourself.  Interview them in your mind, write it all down and keep it handy.

4.  Get the story down -- the first draft.  Don't be fussy.  Don't worry about grammatical mistakes, misspellings, poor dialogue.  Just get it on paper, from beginning to end. 

5.  Multiple drafts.  The second draft should fix grammar, puncutation, spelling.  Dialogue should be tightened.  Check for useless adjectives and adverbs.    Third draft should add backstory, and moving around text, i.e., don't let backstory be in the first couple of chapters.   The fourth draft is where you get creative -- add the sparkly prose (the sentences that make your readers sigh and say, what a writer!  I wish I could write like that!) -- but limit your sparklies to about one per page.  You don't want to bore your readers. 

6.  Beta Readers.  Ask your friends and family to read your book.  They represent your audience, the people who are going to buy your book.  They can offer invaluable advice on what is boring, or what is missing. 

7.  Redraft according to comments from your beta readers.

8.  Critique.  Have your book critiqued by a peer who has been published, or is at least going through the publishing stage. 

9.  Query.  Write the query letter.  Try to find an agent. 

10.  Be prepared for lots of rejection.  Develop thick skin.

11.  Develop even thicker skin.  Start writing that second book.  The first book might not find a home in a publishing house.  Don't let this keep you from your dream. 

12.  Receive an acceptance letter.  Sign a contract.  Start dreaming of your first book tour.  Practice writing your signature.  Buy a new outfit for the Oscars because your book is going to become such a smashing success that it becomes a movie.