Writing a novella can feel like navigating a maze without a map. You want to tell a compelling story, but the limited word count can make it a challenge to develop characters and plots. However, writing a novella is entirely doable with a clear approach and some solid strategies. In this article, we’ll outline a straightforward path to writing a novella, breaking it down into manageable steps.
Table of Contents
What is a Novella?
A novella typically falls between 20,000 and 40,000 words. It allows for the exploration of character and theme more deeply than a short story while being more concise than a full-length novel. You can craft rich narratives that resonate with readers without the marathon writing sessions that novels often require.
Guide to Writing a Novella
- Find Your Core Idea
- Outline Your Structure
- Develop Your Characters
- Set the Scene
- Write the First Draft
- Revise and Edit
- Seek Feedback
- Finalize and Publish
1. Find Your Core Idea
Start with a central theme or conflict. Ask yourself what you want to explore.
Example: Suppose you want to write about the theme of redemption. Your idea could revolve around a disgraced politician striving to regain public trust while uncovering a scandal from their past.
2. Outline Your Structure
Outline your novella’s structure, typically conforming to the classic three-act setup:
- Act 1: Introduce characters and conflict
- Act 2: Develop the main conflict
- Act 3: Resolve the conflict and deliver a satisfying conclusion
Tip: Stick to a high-level outline first. You can expand the details as you go, but having a roadmap helps keep you focused.
3. Develop Your Characters
Create characters with depth, even in a short word count.
Actionable Tip: Write character sheets. Include basic information about their background, motivations, and flaws.
Hypothetical Example: In your novella about the politician, your lead character might be ambitious but also deeply insecure, leading to choices that create tension in the narrative.
4. Set the Scene
The setting is crucial. A well-defined setting grounds your characters and can even act as a character itself. Use sensory details to make locations vivid for readers.
Example: Instead of writing, “The night was dark,” you might say, “The streetlights flickered, casting eerie shadows on the wet pavement, as raindrops tapped a hurried rhythm against the window.”
Tip: Make a list of locations that will play key roles in your story. This approach will help you remember to flesh them out throughout the novella.
5. Write the First Draft
At this point, it’s all about getting words down on the page. Write without judgment. The goal is to finish, not to create a masterpiece in the first go.
Actionable Tip: Set a daily word count goal. Aim for around 1,000 words per day to build momentum.
6. Revise and Edit
After completing your first draft, give yourself some distance from the story before diving into revisions. This approach helps you view your work objectively.
Step-by-Step Revision Tips:
- Read aloud: This highlights awkward sentences.
- Check for plot holes: Make sure your story flows logically.
- Focus on dialogue: Ensure it’s natural and that each character has a distinct voice.
7. Seek Feedback
Share your work with beta readers or writers’ groups. Constructive criticism is invaluable.
Actionable Tip: Create a feedback form with specific questions to guide your readers. For instance, ask them about the pacing, character development, and emotional impact.
8. Finalize and Publish
Once revisions are complete, it’s time to format your manuscript according to submission guidelines if you’re considering traditional publishing or preparing it for self-publishing.
Tip: Consider using professional editing services before finalizing your project. New perspectives can catch errors you might miss.
Pros and Cons of Writing a Novella
Pros
- Quick to Write: With a lower word count, novellas can be completed in a shorter timeframe compared to novels. This speed benefits writers aiming for brisk project completion.
- Focused Stories: Novellas usually focus on a single storyline or idea, allowing for in-depth exploration without feeling overwhelmed by multiple narratives.
- Low Stakes: Since novellas are shorter, you can take creative risks without investing years into a longer work.
Cons
- Limited Character Development: There is less space to flesh out secondary characters.
- Risk of Underdeveloped Ideas: Themes or plots might feel rushed if not carefully constructed.
- Market Challenges: Novellas can sometimes be harder to publish than novels, depending on market demand.
Best Practices for Writing a Novella
Stick to a Central Theme
Every novella should have a message or theme that resonates. This theme could be a moral lesson, an exploration of love, or the consequences of choices. Keep it consistent throughout the narrative.
Plan Your Structure
Use outlines and notes to organize your thoughts. Visual aids like storyboards or mind maps can be helpful in tracking plot developments and character arcs.
Write Regularly
Allocate specific times each day or week for writing. Consistency will help you maintain momentum and stave off writer’s block.
Get Feedback Early
Share your draft with trusted beta readers early in the writing process. Their feedback can help you gauge whether the story resonates and identify any holes in your plot.
Read Novellas
Analyze successful novellas in your genre. Notice how they handle pacing, character development, and thematic depth. Titles like “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka illustrate the power of the medium.
Potential Pitfalls in Novella Writing
Overloading with Details
You might want to flesh out backstories and details, but excessive info can bog down your story. Focus on essentials that add to the plot.
Irrelevant Subplots
It’s tempting to introduce multiple storylines, but this can dilute your main plot and confuse readers. Stay on course.
Neglecting Character Development
A common pitfall is underdeveloping characters due to space constraints. Invest time in creating memorable, relatable characters while still moving the plot forward.
Rushing the Ending
Be cautious of speeding through the resolution. Readers deserve a satisfying conclusion. Allow for gradual revelations and resolutions without abrupt jumps.
Ignoring Sound Editing and Proofreading
Failing to edit and proofread can leave your novella riddled with errors. This distraction can detract from the experience for readers.
Specific Tips to Enhance Your Novella
Create Engaging Dialogue
Dialogue should serve multiple purposes: revealing character, advancing the plot, and establishing conflict. Keep it natural and avoid excessive exposition.
Infuse Your Voice
Develop a distinctive writing style that mirrors your personality. Your unique voice will help your novella stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Consider Your Audience
Understand who you’re writing for. This insight will shape your tone, themes, and character development. Tailor content to what your target readers will appreciate.
Balance Action and Reflection
Strive for a balance between action sequences and reflective moments. Readers need time to digest events and connect emotionally with your characters.
Use Cliffhangers
Utilize cliffhangers at strategic points to keep readers engaged. This tactic can create anticipation and compel them to turn the pages.
Marketing and Publishing Your Novella
Build an Online Presence
Build a blog/website to display your creations and engage with future readers. Use social media actively to boost your novella’s visibility.
Explore Self-Publishing
If traditional publishing avenues aren’t appealing, self-publishing is a viable option. Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing and Smashwords can help you reach your audience directly.
Consider Serialized Formats
If your novella has natural breaks, consider releasing it in serialized format. This approach helps grow an audience progressively.
Leverage Book Reviews
Send copies to influencers or local book clubs to gain reviews. Positive reviews can drive sales and lend credibility to your work.
Participate in Writing Contests
Submitting your novella to contests can garner attention and feedback. Winning or being shortlisted can help boost your profile.
Troubleshooting Common Issues in Novella Writing
Issue 1: Plot Disruption
You’re cruising through your novella, and suddenly, you realize the plot isn’t holding together. Maybe one character’s motivation doesn’t make sense, or a plot twist feels more like a plot flop. To troubleshoot this, take a step back and map out your plot points. Use index cards to outline each major event in your story. This way, you can easily shuffle them around and identify what needs tightening or reworking. If a character’s decision doesn’t align with their established traits, consider giving them a moment of internal conflict or a “backstory flash” that reveals why they acted unexpectedly.
Issue 2: Character Stagnation
Your characters seem to be on a never-ending treadmill of the same thoughts and actions. To address this, dig deeper into their backgrounds. Spend time writing a brief biography for each character. These details don’t have to appear in the novella, but understanding their past will help you develop their growth. If a character is lacking depth, throw them into a situation that challenges their core beliefs. Options could be a confrontation with an old friend or a moral dilemma that puts their values to the test.
Issue 3: Overly Descriptive Prose
You’ve crafted a beautifully descriptive scene; however, readers might be skimming through the paragraphs, overwhelmed by the details. If this happens, go through your work with a critical eye. Identify any passages where you’ve used more than three adjectives in a row or gone off on a tangent about the exterior of a building. Keep scene descriptions necessary and focused on what impacts the plot or atmosphere. Consider whether you need to show everything or if the readers can infer some details through action or dialogue.
Issue 4: Pacing Problems
Your novella feels like it’s either racing through key moments or dragging through others. To fix pacing issues, use chapter lengths and scene structure strategically. Experiment with shorter chapters when you want to increase tension or speed up the narrative. For slower moments, longer chapters with deeper character insights can work well. Reread sections to gauge whether they flow naturally. If a passage feels long, ask yourself if each paragraph advances the story or adds meaningful insights. If it doesn’t, trim it down or break it into smaller, punchier sections.
Issue 5: Dialogue Dilemma
You’ve nailed the plot, but the dialogue sounds stiff or too formal. To troubleshoot, read your dialogue aloud. If it feels unnatural, rewrite it as though you’re having an actual conversation with a friend. Consider the unique voice of each character; a teen shouldn’t sound like a scholar. Use contractions and slang where appropriate, and be mindful of how dialogue reflects personality. Don’t be afraid to incorporate interruptions or incomplete sentences to mirror real-life speech.
Issue 6: Lack of Motivation
Sometimes, you might find yourself staring at a blank page, feeling utterly unmotivated to write. When this happens, establish a writing routine by setting a specific time each day dedicated to writing, even if it’s just 15 minutes. If that feels daunting, set small, achievable goals, like writing 100 words at a time. If motivation still eludes you, switch locations. A new environment can inspire fresh ideas. Explore a café or park, or simply change up your writing music playlist.
Issue 7: Confusing Narrative Perspective
As you write, you may unintentionally shift perspectives, which can confuse readers. To clarify your narrative voice, choose a perspective—first-person, third-person limited, or omniscient—and stick with it throughout the story. Reread your manuscript to identify any rogue shifts that might occur. If you find yourself accidentally blending perspectives, consider establishing clear chapter breaks to separate viewpoints or eliminate unwanted shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to How To Write A Novella
Q. What is a novella?
A. A novella is a short work of fiction, typically between 20,000 and 50,000 words. It’s longer than a short story but shorter than a full-length novel.
Q. How do I come up with an idea for my novella?
A. Think about a concept, character, or theme that excites you. Consider what stories you enjoy and how you can twist them into something uniquely yours.
Q. What elements are essential in a novella?
A. A strong plot, well-developed characters, a clear conflict, and a satisfying resolution. You need to keep it focused since you have limited space to develop your ideas.
Q. How do I outline my novella?
A. Start by identifying your beginning, middle, and end. Create bullet points for major plot points and character arcs to help structure your narrative.
Q. Can I use subplots in my novella?
A. Yes, but keep them minimal. Subplots can enrich your story, but since you have limited space, ensure they support the main plot without overshadowing it.
Q. How should I develop my characters in a novella?
A. Use concise descriptions and backstory. Focus on key traits and motivations that drive their actions to keep readers engaged without excessive detail.
Q. What is the best way to write dialogue in a novella?
A. Keep it realistic and relevant. Dialogue should reveal character traits and advance the plot, but avoid filler conversations that don’t serve a purpose.
Q. How important is editing for my novella?
A. Editing is crucial. It helps refine your writing, clarifies your message, and removes any unnecessary fluff. It’s where your novella truly takes shape.
Q. How do I know when my novella is finished?
A. When you feel confident that the main plot resolves, characters have grown, and everything flows smoothly. Get feedback from beta readers to help gauge if it’s ready.
Q. What should I do after finishing my novella?
A. Celebrate! Then, revise it based on feedback, consider publishing options, and don’t forget to market it to reach your audience.
Conclusion
Writing a novella can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. With careful planning, focused storytelling, and a commitment to your creative vision, you can craft a compelling piece that resonates with readers. Remember to keep your plot tight, develop your characters thoughtfully, and stick to a clear structure. Whether you’re exploring a new idea or honing your writing skills, a novella provides a fantastic opportunity. So, put your ideas on paper and let your story unfold!
