So, You Want to Write a Novel? Here’s How to Get Started

Have you ever felt that spark of inspiration—the deep desire to write a novel but weren’t sure where to begin? If so, you’re not alone! Whether you have a clear story idea or are still searching for inspiration, this blog is packed with practical tips to help you take that first step.

Step 1: Identify Your “Why”

Before diving into writing, ask yourself: Why do I want to write a novel?

📌 Is it because you have a story that you feel must be told?
📌 Do you dream of making a career out of writing?
📌 Is it simply the love of storytelling?
📌 Or maybe it’s a combination of these things?

Understanding your motivation will help sustain you when writing gets tough—because it will get tough at times! Your “why” will keep you going when doubts creep in.

Step 2: Finding Your Story Idea

Once you know you want to write a novel, the next question is: What should I write about?

Where Do Ideas Come From?

Inspiration is everywhere! We’ve discussed this in-depth in past episodes (Episode 10: Inspiration and Episode 93: Inspiration is Everywhere). Some of the best sources of ideas include:

🔹 “What if” questions – K.M. Weiland and other great authors recommend playing the “what if?” game to generate story concepts. (Example: What if a woman in the 1800s suddenly found herself widowed on the frontier? – Jen’s Widows of the West series was born from this!)
🔹 Writing prompts & sprints – These exercises can spark new ideas or expand existing ones.
🔹 Starting with genre – Deciding on a genre first can help narrow your focus. Reading within your genre can also provide inspiration.
🔹 Visual inspiration – Some writers, like Rhonda, find story ideas through visual art or photography.

Some aspiring writers already have a story in mind, while others are still searching. Either way, the important thing is to start exploring and brainstorming!

Step 3: Building Your Story Skeleton

Once you have an idea, it’s time to develop it. Every novel needs certain core elements, including:

🖊️ Characters – Who is your protagonist? What do they want? What obstacles do they face? (Want more on Characters? See Episodes 87, 133, and 81.)
🖊️ Theme – What central message or idea will your novel explore?
🖊️ Plot – What is the major conflict, and how does it unfold?
🖊️ Story Structure – Will you follow a three-act structure? A hero’s journey? Something else?

Some writers, like Tina, use brainstorming techniques such as scene cards to organize ideas. Others, like Jen, prefer outlining in detail (she even has a romance plot sheet!). If outlining feels overwhelming, Jamie suggests starting with the parts you know and building from there.

Step 4: Writing That First Draft

Now comes the fun (and sometimes daunting) part: actually writing the novel!

✍️ Make writing a habit – Write every day, even if you don’t use everything you create.
✍️ Consider a writing challenge – Many online writing groups, including our own community of writers, offer writing challenges throughout the year. These challenges force you to “just do it” and get words on the page. Check out our Facebook group for support and more information on upcoming challenges!
✍️ Use writing sprints – Writing prompts and timed sprints can help you stay consistent. Need a little inspiration? Check out our book on the subject, 30 Days of Writing Sprint Prompts!
✍️ Find accountability – A writing group can offer support, encouragement, and motivation.

A word of caution: Protect your first draft! (Episode 82: Protecting Your First Draft). Be selective about who you share it with—early feedback can be helpful, but it can also shake your confidence if given too soon.

Final Thoughts: Just Start Writing!

At some point, you have to stop planning and just write. Your first draft won’t be perfect (no first draft is!), but the key is to keep going.

Are you ready to take the plunge into writing your novel? Tune in to Episode 175 of the Christian Indie Writers Podcast for even more insights, tips, and encouragement to help you on your journey!