10 Ways to Start Writing a Novel for Beginners: Tips & Techniques for Book Writing Success

Having a knack for writing is a great advantage, making it easier to express yourself and tell stories. Writing talent often means being able to clearly express thoughts, capture emotions, or tell stories that really connect with people. Most writers are also big readers, which helps them understand language and storytelling better. A 2020 study found that reading a lot not only boosts vocabulary but also empathy, both key for writers to connect with their audience.

However, just having talent and loving to read isn’t enough. Developing writing skills, especially in book writing, is another thing. In this part, you also need to learn how to engage and keep an audience interested. This is where discipline and principles come in. Writing a book is more than just writing words; it’s about understanding the process, finding your voice, and sticking to the principles of writing.

Discipline and Principles Are Crucial for Writing a Book

Writing a book is no small feat. It’s a process that requires persistence, focus, and structure. Discipline keeps you consistent, ensuring you dedicate time to your work and make steady progress even when motivation wanes. Principles, on the other hand, act as your guide—they help shape your story, refine your characters, and keep your plot coherent.

Together, discipline and adherence to essential writing principles transform the overwhelming idea of writing a book into a manageable, step-by-step endeavor. Without discipline, a story may remain unfinished; without principles, the end result may fail to engage readers.

10 Ways to Get Started Writing a Book for Beginners

For aspiring authors, the hardest part of writing a book can often be just knowing where to start. If you’re feeling unsure, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Breaking the process into manageable steps and understanding some technical aspects, like how to craft your plot or develop themes, can help you move forward with confidence. Here’s how to get started:

1. Set a Dedicated Writing Schedule

A regular schedule is crucial for building momentum. Decide on a time of day that works best for you—mornings, evenings, or weekends—and stick to it. For example, you might allocate 30 minutes every morning to write. Use timers like the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focus, 5 minutes of break) to stay productive. Treat this as an appointment, and protect it from interruptions.

2. Define Your Goals and Word Count

Setting clear, realistic goals ensures steady progress. Aiming to write 500 to 1,000 words a day is a solid start. If your book is 80,000 words, break it down into manageable sections—like 10 chapters of 8,000 words each. Use tools like Google Sheets or apps like Aeon Timeline to map out your progress visually.

3. Develop and Outline Your Plot Structure

Every great story begins with a solid structure. Start with the three-act structure:

• Act One: Set up your world and introduce the conflict.
• Act Two: Develop complications and escalate tension.
• Act Three: Resolve the story in a satisfying way.

Break these acts into smaller scenes. Tools like Plottr help visually map out your story arc. List key plot points, like the inciting incident, major turning points, and climax. Consider subplots to add depth, and make sure they tie into your main theme.

4. Learn About Your Audience

Understanding your readers will help guide your writing. Who are they? What genres and themes do they enjoy? For example, if you’re writing a middle-grade fantasy, you might research popular books like Harry Potter or Percy Jackson to understand what resonates with that age group. Pay attention to pacing, themes, and relatable characters that appeal to your demographic.

5. Develop Strong Themes

Themes give depth to your story and help readers connect on a personal level. Decide on one or two key themes. For example, your book may explore redemption or the power of friendship. Weave these themes into the plot naturally, such as showing a character struggling and ultimately overcoming self-doubt. Revisit your themes during revisions and ensure they are consistent throughout.

6. Create Detailed Character Profiles

Lifelike characters are essential for a compelling story. Write a profile for each main character, including their backstory, motivations, and flaws. Use tools like Campfire or make spreadsheets to track each character’s development. For example, if your protagonist is afraid of failure, show moments where this fear influences their actions and plan how they’ll overcome it by the climax.

7. Work on Narrative Coherence

A coherent narrative ensures your story flows smoothly from start to finish. Check your scenes to ensure cause and effect—each event should lead logically to the next. For example, if your heroine loses an important map, it might force her to trust a stranger for guidance. Tools like Scrivener’s storyboard feature can help keep events organized and coherent.

8. Start with Freewriting to Brainstorm Ideas

If you’re stuck on how to start, freewrite for 15 minutes about your book idea. Write anything that comes to mind about the setting, characters, or conflict. For instance, if your story involves a small mountain town, describe the atmosphere, its people, and how the conflict begins. Often, this uncovers hidden details and sparks creativity.

9. Seek Constructive Feedback Early

Feedback helps improve your story and identify blind spots. Share a chapter with a writing group, beta readers, or join online communities like Scribophile or Reddit’s r/writing. When asking for feedback, be specific—e.g., “Does the climax feel impactful?” Remember, feedback is about growth, not criticism, so keep an open mind.

10. Edit for Consistency and Flow

Understand that your first draft will never be perfect—it’s just the starting point. After finishing your draft, set it aside for a few weeks, then revisit it with fresh eyes. Look for inconsistent character behavior, loose plot threads, or pacing issues. Use tools like ProWritingAid to polish sentences and eliminate errors. Edit scene by scene to ensure each contributes to the story’s progression.

What Readers Expect from a Great Book

Readers have certain expectations when they pick up a book, and meeting these can make your story truly memorable. They want characters who feel real, with genuine emotions and clear goals. A gripping plot that keeps them hooked from start to finish is also key.

Clear and smooth writing helps readers dive into your world. They appreciate dialogue that sounds natural and pacing that feels just right, with every scene adding to the story.

On the other hand, there are things readers don’t enjoy. Avoid plot holes or leaving storylines unresolved, as these can be frustrating. Keep the pacing steady—don’t rush important parts or drag out unnecessary details. While exploring complex ideas is great, make sure your writing isn’t too complicated or confusing.

Here are some tips to keep readers happy:

• Stay consistent by making sure characters, settings, and tone remain steady throughout the book.
• Use purposeful dialogue to ensure conversations reveal character details or move the story forward.
• Be concise by avoiding long descriptions that don’t add to the story, ensuring every word counts.
• Aim for satisfying endings that wrap things up but also leave readers thinking about your story.

You can write a book that enthralls and pleases readers by concentrating on what they want and avoiding what they don’t.