10 Steps on How To Write a Novel From Start to Finish

That blank page is staring at you again. Maybe you’ve had an idea brewing for months, or perhaps you’ve just decided it’s finally time to write that novel.

Either way, you’re ready to join the ranks of storytellers who’ve shaped our world through fiction. But where do you start?

Do you still remember sitting down to write your first project novel in college?

The cursor blinked mockingly, and you had no idea how to transform the ideas in your head into something readers would want to devour. 

We’ve learned that novel writing isn’t about waiting for inspiration to strike – it’s about having a solid game plan and the right tools in your arsenal.

This guide isn’t just another theoretical handbook. We’re going to walk through the actual steps that successful authors use to turn their ideas into finished novels.

No fluff, no “just write from your heart” platitudes – just practical, actionable steps that work in the real world. 

Whether you’re drafting your first chapter or your fifth novel, these techniques will help you craft a story that keeps readers turning pages well past their bedtime.

Step 1: Choose the Right Genre for Your Novel

All can agree—picking your genre isn’t just about writing what you know. It’s about finding the sweet spot between your passions and what readers actually want to read.

Think of genre as a promise to your reader. When someone picks up a thriller, they’re expecting heart-pounding suspense, not a leisurely romance.

Start by asking yourself three questions:

• What books do you lose yourself in?
• Which stories keep you up at night?
• What topics make you lose track of time when you research them?

Your answers will point you toward your natural genre fit. But don’t stop there. Dig into current market trends.

Check bestseller lists. Join reader groups on Goodreads. The goal isn’t to copy what’s popular, but to understand where your story might find its home.

Pro tip: Read the recent releases in your chosen genre. The fantasy that worked in the 90s isn’t what readers expect today.

Markets evolve, and your novel needs to speak to current readers. The average lifespan of genres is around 25-30 years, similar to a human generation.

This historical rhythm results from generational turnover in readers.

Step 2: Decide on Your Point of View

Point of view can make or break your novel. I once rewrote an entire manuscript because I realized the first person wasn’t serving my story. Save yourself that headache by making this decision early.

What are the Types of POV in Novel Writing?

1. First Person: “I walked into the room.” Intimate, immediate, but limited to one perspective. Perfect for deep character studies or unreliable narrator stories.
2. Third Person Limited: “Sarah walked into the room.” Follows one character closely but offers more flexibility in narration. Think Harry Potter – we’re following Harry, but we’re not in his head.
3. Third Person Omniscient: “Sarah walked into the room, unaware that John was hiding behind the curtains.” The all-seeing narrator knows everyone’s thoughts and secrets. Tricky to master but powerful when done right.
4. Second Person: “You walk into the room.” Rarely used in novels, but can be incredibly effective for experimental fiction or choose-your-own-adventure stories.

Step 3: Create a Detailed Outline for Your Novel

“But outlining kills creativity!” I hear this all the time. Truth is, an outline is like a GPS for your story – you can still take scenic detours, but you won’t get completely lost. 

For example, The Expanding Outline, often called The Snowflake Method, is designed for flexibility; it lets you build out your story in layers, giving structure without stifling creativity.

Use the Three-Act Structure Effectively

1. Act One: Set up your world and characters. Introduce the main conflict. End with a bang that forces your protagonist to act.
2. Act Two: This is where most novels go to die. Keep the tension high with escalating conflicts. Your character tries to solve problems but makes things worse.
3. Act Three: Everything comes together. Stakes reach their peak. Your character faces their biggest challenge and changes as a result.

How to Develop Subplots to Add Depth

Think of subplots like seasoning – they enhance your main story without overpowering it. A good subplot:

• Connects to your main plot somehow
• Reveals something about your characters
• Adds complexity without confusion
• Resolves before or during the main climax

Step 4: Create Believable, Compelling Characters

Characters aren’t just names on a page – they’re the heart of your story. Your protagonist needs to be someone readers want to follow for 300+ pages.

• Start with their desire. What do they want more than anything? What do they need (which might differ from their want)? This tension between want and need creates internal conflict, which is just as important as external conflict. As Kurt Vonnegut wisely said, “Every character should want something, even if it is only a glass of water.”
• Give them flaws. Perfect characters are boring. Maybe your hero is brilliant but arrogant or kind but conflict-avoidant. These flaws should create problems in your story.

Step 5: Build a Gripping Plot with Strong Conflict

Conflict is the engine that drives your story forward. Without it, you’ve got a series of events, not a plot.

Your main conflict should be:

• Big enough to sustain a novel
• Personal to your protagonist
• Difficult but not impossible to resolve
• Connected to your theme

Layer your conflicts. While your hero is trying to save the world, they might also be struggling with trust issues or fighting with their best friend.

Step 6: Write Natural, Engaging Dialogue

How you write a short story differs from crafting a novel. Good dialogue does multiple jobs: it moves the plot forward, reveals character, and provides information – all while sounding natural. 

The secret? Listen to how people actually talk. They use incomplete sentences. They interrupt each other. They rarely say exactly what they mean.

But don’t copy real conversation exactly – real dialogue is full of ums, ahs, and boring exchanges. Your job is to capture the feeling of natural speech while making every line count.

Step 7: Develop an Immersive Setting for Your Story

The setting isn’t just a backdrop – it’s another character in your story. Whether you’re writing about a small town in Maine or a planet in the Andromeda galaxy, your setting should feel real.

Use all five senses. Don’t just tell us what things look like. What does your world smell like? What sounds fill the air? What textures would your character notice?

Remember, the setting affects your characters. A person who grew up in a war zone will see the world differently than someone raised in peaceful suburbs.

Step 8: Explore the Central Themes of Your Novel

Theme isn’t something you tack on at the end – it emerges from your story’s DNA. It’s the deeper layer that gives your narrative substance, asking questions or presenting ideas that resonate beyond the plot.

Themes delve into the bigger questions your plot explores and the truths about human nature you’re revealing

Your theme might be:

• Love conquers fear
• Power corrupts
• Identity is fluid
• Family shapes destiny

Let your theme emerge naturally through your characters’ choices and the consequences they face.

It’s essential to distinguish theme from morals. While a theme offers insights into complex human experiences without judgment, a moral explicitly guides the reader toward a lesson or ethical perspective. 

For instance, a theme like “the cost of ambition” suggests a view on ambition’s consequences without prescribing right or wrong, whereas a moral might conclude, “ambition leads to ruin.” 

Let your theme emerge naturally through your characters’ choices and the consequences they face, so readers can engage with the ideas themselves.

Step 9: Use AI to Brainstorm and Enhance Writing

AI isn’t here to replace your creativity – it’s here to amplify it. Think of it as a brainstorming partner who never gets tired, offering new perspectives on demand.

AI tools don’t just help you write a book; they support you through the entire creative process, from generating ideas to refining your prose. 

One standout tool is Undetectable AI, which helps maintain your unique writing style while subtly enhancing readability and flow.

Enhance Your Writing with Undetectable AI

When you’re stuck on a scene or need fresh ideas, Humanizer AI within Undetectable AI can help you explore different angles. 

It’s particularly good at generating character backstories, suggesting unexpected plot twists, and rephrasing awkward sentences that might disrupt the flow.

Undetectable AI also ensures that your writing remains fresh and original, without compromising the authenticity of your voice.

So, if you want to maximize the use of AI in your writing, consider it an enhancement tool, not a crutch. The key is to let Undetectable AI support your natural writing style without overshadowing your creativity. 

Used effectively, it can help you overcome writer’s block, maintain consistency in tone, and refine each chapter – all while preserving the unique essence of your storytelling.

Try Undetectable AI with just one click on the widget below and let your creativity flow seamlessly!

Rated #1 AI Detector by Forbes

Step 10: Revise and Edit Your Novel Thoroughly

First drafts are meant to be rough. The magic happens in revision. But don’t just start fixing typos – approach revision in layers:

1. Story structure (Does the plot work?)
2. Character arcs (Do your characters grow?)
3. Pacing (Does the story move well?)
4. Scene-level editing (Is each scene necessary?)
5. Line editing (Is your prose strong?)
6. Proofreading (Are there technical errors?)

Ready to Start Your Novel?

Writing a novel is a journey, and every writer’s path looks different.

These steps aren’t rules set in stone – they’re tools in your toolbox. Use what works for you, modify what doesn’t.

Remember, the best writing is authentic writing. While AI tools like Humanizer can help polish your work, your unique voice is what will make your story unforgettable.

Start your novel today, and let your voice shine through every page.

Ready to ensure your writing stands out? Try Undetectable’s Humanizer AI and discover how it can enhance your natural writing style while keeping your unique voice intact.

Your story deserves to be told in your own words—let’s make sure it sounds like you.