A Novel Idea

Want to Write a Novel?

• pick a topic you really like - friendship, death, sex, cars, the ocean, etc. - and jot down words that come into your mind when you think of what you like about it.

• let that sit for a day or at least long enough to go get something to drink

• when you get back, sit down and write character sketches of the words you jotted down.

• if the words are living things, write a character sketch like it’s a description of that being - physical characteristics, personality, activities, relationships with others.

• if the words are non-living things, write the character sketch as though they are living things. Give them a name and a job and a girlfriend, give them a purpose in their life.

• when you’ve amassed enough of these things, read them out loud to yourself. All at the same time.

• notice what hangs them together. Write about that.
  

Now you have the beginnings of your novel. Keep going.