You Want to Write a Novel—3 Fun Steps to Get Started

I firmly believe everyone has a book in them. And if your inner muse is calling, it’s time to write!

If you’re a new author wondering where to start, this article will walk you through the first three steps to writing a novel.

Step one: pick a genre 

You might be surprised by just how many genres and subgenres there are. Of course, you’ve heard of fantasy, horror, mystery, romance, science fiction, and westerns. But have you heard of cli-fi (climate fiction) or Nordic noir (private eye story set in Scandinavia)? 

Fiction is so diverse. So how do you choose?

1. Write what you love.

   If you enjoy reading science fiction, write science fiction. If fantasy is your jam, then write in that genre. The character, plot, and setting will progress much easier when you write about what you love. 

2. Read more of what you want to write.

   If you primarily read in one genre yet long to write in another, this is the perfect opportunity to expand your horizons. Reading books in that genre will help you decide if that’s the right one for you. It will also help you understand common themes, tropes, and archetypes in that genre. 

Step two: choose a setting

Location, location, location! 

This is the fun part! Whether it’s a coffee plantation in the 1890s or a planet in a galaxy far, far away, the setting is one of the most important elements when writing a novel. After all, your setting is when and where everything happens.

Of course, settings can change as your novel develops. For now, though, think about the opening of your book and consider these three things:

1. Geographic location

   Is your story set in a real-life place, in a specific city, state, or country (Washington, DC), or in an imaginary world (Naboo)? 

2. Physical location

   Where do you want your characters to be at the start of your book, e.g., in a room, temple, car, or spaceship?

3. Time period

   When does the story take place? It can be as broad as a historical period (real or imaginary), or as narrow as a season or time of day. And what’s the social and cultural environment like for your characters?

Tip: Pinterest is great for brainstorming ideas. And Artstation is an excellent browsing and discovery experience for conceptual art. 

Step three: brainstorm a basic character profile for your protagonist and antagonist 

Now we’re at the good stuff!

It’s time to create a basic character profile for the main stars of your novel—the protagonist and antagonist. 

First, decide if your two leading characters are going to assume the traditional protagonist and antagonist roles or not. After all, not all protagonists are heroes, and not all antagonists are villains.

Next, figure out what role they’ll play in your story (and why). 

Finally, sketch out their character profiles, including information in these three categories:

1. Backstory 

   Here you get to focus on who they are and who or what has shaped them. Let these questions guide you:

   • What are their names (and nicknames)?

   • Where were they born, and where have they lived since then (and why)?

   • Where did they come from, and what led them here?

   • Who are the significant people in their lives?

   • Do they have any pets?

   • What foods do they like or dislike? 

   • What kinds of activities do they love or hate doing?

   • What’s their relationship history and status?

   • What secrets do they have?

   If you’re anything like me, you might have an extensive character profile and only use half of it in the manuscript. That’s okay! Knowing all this information will shape the way you write. 

2. Physical appearance

   Next, you’ll visualize your protagonist and antagonist. Consider these qualities: 

   • Body type, height, weight, fitness, and activity level 

   • Ethnic background, religious and political beliefs, and manner of dress

   • Eye and hair color, hairstyle, facial features, and distinguishing marks 

   • Key strengths and weaknesses

   • Physical mannerisms, limitations, and quirks

3. Personality traits

   Now you’ll want to flesh out what makes them tick. Ask yourself:

   • Are they funny, tempermental, soft-hearted, or malevolent?

   • Do they have any fears or phobias?

   • What are their annoying habits?

   • What’s their personality like?

   • What is their code of conduct?

   • What’s their level of education and manner of speaking?

   • What immediate obstacles stand in their way?

   • What motivates or drives them in your story, and how do they further that?

Writing a novel will change your life. And it’s one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do. The best advice I can give you is to work at it consistently, one step at a time. You’ll quickly build confidence and gain momentum as you write your novel.

These first three steps will get you started with picking a genre, choosing a setting, and creating character profiles for your protagonist and antagonist. In my next article, we’ll discuss the next steps you’ll take to add depth to your novel.