An Author's 101 | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

An Author's 101

How to write a novel, coming from a published author.

17
An Author's 101
QuoteAddicts.com

Being an author may sound intriguing to different people. Some of them ask, "Where do you begin?" Others ask, "Where and how do you create a story line?" How do I explain being a creative writer?

You start off with their names. What is the relationship with the other characters? You need a hero and a villain. No, that doesn't mean Batman and the Joker. The villain doesn't even have to be an actual character. It can be an emotion such as anger or depression. It basically has to battle against the main character's weakness. Obviously, if someone is a recovered alcoholic, alcohol would be their weakness since one sip could tempt them back into alcoholism again. But if you choose such an intense weakness I would suggest researching as much information as you can find. Though you might know tons of the consequences that follow up on the character who made a poor decision, I strongly suggest you look into it anyway.

If your character struggles with a deep issue, Google detailed symptoms and really think about getting into the mind of your character. Why did they become like this way? What hurt them so deeply that they now have an honest struggling habit with it? If it's because of family or a friend, what did they do to hurt them that terribly? You literally have to become best friends with each character if they're a huge part of your storyline. Characters only in a scene or two don't really need much background given about them. Maybe introduce them and have a quirky character feeling about them.

Make it funny! Put in some sarcastic humor to allow the storyline to flow if it isn't a comical book. I have written stories with many dramatic occasions to constantly keep the reader's interest strong. But too many dramatic scenes will exhaust your reader. Resolve most inconveniences throughout your novel and when the character is settled down from the first storm, let them have a breather.

As the character trudges through the problem, have them search for help while you explain their stress or depression or any other emotions being felt. How do they tolerate the strong feelings? Do they grieve? Do they shut everyone out? It also depends on their age. From childhood to early teenagehood, personalities change. Realistically, younger ones are more likely to share their emotions with their parents or friends whereas a teenager would shut their parents out and vent on their own. Why are they shutting them out? Why did they pick a certain person to grieve to? Why do they feel a connection with that person? Through dealing with whatever the issue is, keep describing what is rambling through their minds and what are they learning from the issues.

With these considerations, you should be able to write your novel!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

2198
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less
Jenna Pizzi and her mom smiling by a waterfront with a historic ship in the background.
Jenna Pizzi

There is always a time in the semester when you have about three papers, four tests, five assignments and two projects due within the same time period. Isn't that just the best?

It's almost as if the professors all plot against you just to make college even more stressful than it already is. No matter how many people try to make you feel better, no one ever compares to your mom. Moms always know exactly what to say.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

7 Jobs Your Roommate Has

She's got your back with everything that college throws at you.

2040
Cristina Yang and Meredith Grey in scrubs sit against a wall, smiling and enjoying a break.

If you are anything like my roommate and I, you have a friendship with your roomie. You’re lucky to have gotten a roommate that is easy to get along with and more importantly cool to live with. Whether you found her on Facebook or went random, a roommate is a big part of life in college. This list goes through some of the jobs that a roommate has that help you get through college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

35 Things I Wish I Learned In My Freshman Year Of College

Just some relatable college student advice! Yes, you aren’t the only one!

1655
Towson University
YouTube

Freshman year can either be the greatest year, or the roughest year. It depends on your transition and how you adjust. For me, freshman year in college was one of the best years of my life. However, looking back, there are a few things that I wish I learned.

Now that I am a sophomore, I can finally do things a little differently. Here are a few things that I wish I learned my freshman year of college!

Keep Reading...Show less
Woman in field with a red heart-shaped balloon under a colorful sky.

Being single can be great and awful at the same time. Yeah, it's awesome to have time to yourself to figure out who you are and make your own decisions. It would also be nice to have someone to go through life with, but it needs to be the right person. I haven't found that person yet and here's a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments