A short novel is usually between 20,000 and 40,000 words.It is intended to be read in a few short sittings, so that the reader is immersed for a short period of time.For a school assignment or as a writing challenge, you may want to write a novel.Think about ideas for a short novel.The reader is pulled into the story if the novel has a strong description and vivid detail.
Step 1: A main character is an engaging narrator.
Short novels that focus on one narrator and their interactions with other characters are the best.A narrator should have a unique voice or style.The narrator should be specific.In a short period of time, the narrator can bring the reader into the world of the story.A narrator who is a teenager with a disability may be considered an outcast in their small American town.
Step 2: Setting is an inspiration for a short novel.
Setting can be a good jumping off point for a short novel.Pick a setting that you're interested in or have a lot to say about.If you want to engage the reader, go for a new setting.The novel should be structured around the setting.You can write a novel about a political uprising in a Caribbean island.You can use your neighborhood as the main setting in the novel and structure the characters in a way that conflicts with the setting that way.
Step 3: A short story can be turned into a novel.
If you already have a few short stories that you want to expand on, try turning them into a novel.Pick a story that is short and sweet.The same characters, conflict, and setting can be used for a novel.You might have a short story about a missing boy in a small town that could be turned into a novel.
Step 4: There are examples of a short novel.
To get a better idea of how to write a novel, read examples that are successful.The Lottery by Shirley Jackson, Brokeback Mountain by Annie Proulx, Department of Speculation by Jenny Offill, and The Reluctant Fundamentalist are all short novels.
Step 5: Begin in the scene.
Your reader is grabbed right away if you start with action and scene.There is a scene involving your narrator or main character.The scene that begins the novel will give the reader a sense of the narrative voice and style.You can begin with a scene involving the main character and their mother.Throughout the rest of the novel, the relationship between the main character and the mother character may be carried on.
Step 6: There should be one conflict.
Your main character should only be the focus of a short novel.It's easier for you to stay focused while you write if you prevent the novel from growing into a longer narrative.Go to the central conflict in the novel.The central conflict or plot of the novel can be summarized in one sentence.The conflict or plot is clear enough for a short novel if you can do this.You might have a conflict like, "Teenager Mary Heti struggles to come out to her religious mother and deal with being a social outcast in a small Southern town."
Step 7: There should be a limited number of characters and settings.
The short novel has a maximum of four characters.If you get overwhelmed by too many characters in a short work, this will help.You can focus on one or two main characters.The reader can be immersed in the novel if you limit your settings.The small American town where the narrator lives may be one of the main settings.She can go to a summer camp in the woods for one month as a secondary setting.
Step 8: Repetition and pacing can be used.
The reader should be kept engaged by a short novel.Key themes and ideas are repeated throughout the novel.The novel feels well paced if there are recurring scenes.As part of the novel's structure, the narrator may go see a doctor on a recurring basis.A main character may chart the movement of a star in the sky throughout the novel to tie it all together.
Step 9: Have a good ending.
The ending of a short novel is emotional.At the end, surprise your reader with a good twist.Set up the reader's expectations and then knock them down.The reader will be satisfied if the ending is surprising and unexpected.You could have a satisfying ending where the mother character accepts the main character despite her religious beliefs.
Step 10: You should read the novel loud.
If you have finished a draft of the novel, read it aloud from start to finish.The sentences sound loud.Pay attention to the pacing of the novel and make sure it transitions smoothly into one another.If you read the novel out loud, you'll be able to catch any spelling errors.
Step 11: The novel should be shown to others.
Ask your friends and family to read the novel.Pick people that you trust and respect to read your work.Listen to what other people have to say about the novel.Ask your readers if they enjoy the novel.There are questions about pacing, characterization, and description in the novel.You can join a writing group and have the group workshop your novel draft.
Step 12: For clarity, shorten the novel.
If you receive feedback on the novel, you should revise it so it is within 20,000 to 40,000 words.There are scenes that feel too long.It's a good idea to clarify any confusing sentences for the reader.The novel is at its best if you Polish it.You can decide if you want to publish the novel after it has been revised.