Crafting Your Masterpiece
What are the essential skills for aspiring novelists? Here are 10 skills to help you become a successful novelist.
In this point, I’m halfway through writing my book. I’m no expert on what it takes to become an aspiring writer. I’m not pulling from my experience and wisdom, but from those of successful writers.
In researching how to become a successful writer, I’ve found several books. They can give any new writer a significant edge. I’m currently reading and re-reading several books. I’ll be sure to provide in-depth reviews for each of these books. If you’re a follower of my blog or on Medium you’ll also get my notes from various online courses.
Books on Writing Include:
- The Random House Guide to Good Writing by Mitchell Ivers
- Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody
- This Year You Write Your Novel by Walter Mosley
- Elements of Fiction by Walter Mosley
- The Elements of Style by E.B. White and Strunk
- On Writing by C.S. Lewis
- The Complete Handbook of Novel Writing by the Editors of Writer’s Digest.
- And many other books on writing.
Becoming a successful novelist is a journey. One journey that I, along with others, am embarking. It requires more than a flair for storytelling. It involves mastering many skills. They help you bring your ideas to life and connect with your readers. Here are ten essential skills you need to develop.
1. Imagination and Creativity
I recently read the book “Until the Streetlights Come On.” It’s by Ginny Yurich. One fascinating study from the book was about the types of genius. It covered which types most determine future success in children.
I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world. ~Albert Einstein
A rich imagination and creativity are at the heart of novel writing.
You need to create interesting characters. You also need to develop well-paced plots. And you need to create captivating settings. Your capacity to convey your imaginative world defines your uniqueness.
2. Strong Writing Skills
Excellent writing skills are crucial. This includes a solid grasp of grammar, punctuation, form, and composition. You need to develop a writing style. It should reflect your voice. Your style is how you keep readers engaged. Many authors recommend keeping a grammar book on your desk. This is for when you edit the second or third draft of your book. I recommend having a copy of the Elements of Style by E.B. White and Strunk. Also, the Random House Guide to Good Writing by Mitchell Ivers.
3. Storytelling
“The mind travels faster than the pen; consequently, writing becomes a question of learning to make occasional wing shots, bringing down the bird of thought as it flashes by. A writer is a gunner, sometimes waiting in the blind for something to come in, sometimes roaming the countryside hoping to scare something up.”
― E.B. White, The Elements of Style
Good storytelling involves more than just writing well. You need to understand narrative structure, pacing, and tension. A successful novel often follows a well-crafted arc with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Learn how to weave in subplots and build up to a satisfying climax. I recommend the book Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody.
4. Research Skills
Even fiction often requires a significant amount of research. All genres of fiction need some level of research. Many people think that only historical fiction or science fiction books need research. That assumption is false. Every book should be well researched, even a contemporary novel. Accurate details add truth to your story. Learn how to do thorough research. Integrate your discoveries seamlessly into your narrative. If you don’t do your research, readers will not be happy with your story.
“You should write not what you know, but what you can find out about.”
— Robert J. Sawyer, author, The Terminal Experiment
5. Discipline and Persistence
Writing a novel is a marathon, not a sprint. Demanding self-control enables steady writing despite fading creativity. Set a writing schedule and stick to it. Persistence is key, as you will face challenges and setbacks along the way. Overcoming these obstacles will make you a stronger writer.
My daily routine is simple. I plan to write no less than 850 words per day. Most days I write much more, but the least I’ll force myself to write is 850 words. Find a rate that is comfortable for you. Author R.L. Stine writes 2,000 words per day. Author Walter Mosley recommends that writers spend three hours a day writing. Author Brandon Sanderson recommends two hours per day. Different authors have different daily goals for their writing. Pick something and stick to it.
6. Editing and Revision
First drafts are rarely perfect. Effective editing and revision skills are essential to refine your work. Learn to self-edit, and consider hiring a professional editor. Be open to helpful criticism. Be willing to make necessary changes. My favorite self-editing practice is to narrate your book after you’ve written it.
“Let the reader find that he cannot afford to omit any line of your writing because you have omitted every word that he can spare.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
7. Understanding of Genre and Audience
Know the conventions of the genre. Understand the expectations of your audience. This knowledge will guide your writing. It will help you create a novel that resonates with readers. Stay current with genre trends.
“Good writing is good writing. In many ways, it’s the audience and their expectations that define a genre. A reader of literary fiction expects the writing to illuminate the human condition, some aspect of our world and our role in it. A reader of genre fiction likes that, too, as long as it doesn’t get in the way of the story.”― Rosemary Clement-Moore
8. Marketing and Networking Skills
Don’t overthink marketing and networking. Your main goal is to introduce yourself to your readers. There are many ways get in touch with readers online. You can share your thoughts on social media and a blog.
Networking with other writers is another way to connect with readers. Some authors team up to host social media tours and interviews. They share email giveaways. They can even give shoutouts and tell their readers about your book.
Some ways to connect with other authors is to attend writing conferences. Writers’ conferences can be online or in your area. A little networking goes a long way in book marketing. By having a blog and social media following, you can also share your audience with other authors.
Lastly, consider paid advertisements as part of your marketing strategy. I recommend investing time in building a social media following. Also, in gaining blog readers and networking. Do those things before utilizing paid advertising. This way, you don’t fall into the trap of endless advertising spending.
Even if you aren’t self-publishing, an online audience will help your books succeed.
9. Resilience and Adaptability
The traditional publishing world is competitive, and rejection is part of the process. Ask any successful author. No one has had an easy time getting their first work published. It’s important to learn from criticism. Stay adaptable and open to new opportunities. This may mean exploring self-publishing and marketing your work on your own.
“Q. Your original, self-published version of The Martian became a phenomenon online. Were you expecting the overwhelmingly positive reception the book received? A. I had no idea it was going to do so well. The story had been available for free on my website for months, and I assumed anyone who wanted to read it had already read it. A few readers had requested I post a Kindle version because it’s easier to download that way. So I went ahead and did it, setting the price to the minimum Amazon would allow. As it sold more and more copies I just watched in awe.”
― Andy Weir, The Martian
10. Reading Habit
Great writers are avid readers. Reading can inspire you and teach you new techniques. Analyze what works in other novels and apply those lessons to your own writing.
Succeeding as a novelist requires dedication. It also requires continual learning and a love of storytelling. By mastering these skills. You’ll be well on your way to writing successful novels.
“Whenever you are fed up with life, start writing: ink is the great cure for all human ills, as I have found out long ago.” C.S. Lewis
I hope you have found value in these 10 essential skills for aspiring novelists. I recently shared my first blog post about my current writing journey, what my first book is about. Be sure to follow me on Medium or here on my blog if found value in this post.
Best,
Ana K. Perez