What do I do now, for a novel?

-Okay so I just came up with a GREAT idea for a novel, but I don't know what to do now.. should I start writing? Or write a plot? How do you do it? Thanks!Once an idea has been gathered, PLAN.

You could try writing a synopsis of the whole story first but you have to . . .

PLAN the characters

PLAN the chapters

PLAN the locations if fantasy world try this website . . .

http://larseighner.com/world_builder/ind鈥?/a> if not research them, it鈥檚 got to be accurate

but don鈥檛 OVER PLAN or you will lose all your imagination and it will become a bore to you. Instead of writing whole paragraphs of character profiles, bullet a few rough notes and expand when you finally decide to write



If you have any ideas, write them down. You may need them later. This way if any over planning is done, you can find a purpose for them, or at least have an idea. Who knows, it may be the perfect idea for another part of your novel or even a completely new story.



Try not to dwell on these thoughts, nothing can stop you thinking them, but don't make that your main focus. Also, let the story tell itself. Surprises that you didn't plan can sometimes be the best part of your whole novel.



Keep thinking of new ideas to add to add, no matter where you are and make sure you write them down. If you don't have paper, use your hands. Try and always have a pen.



You could write short extracts that aren't in chronological order if you don't think you can write for long



Do a chapter by chapter plan. Then put pen to paper or fingers to keyboards and begin to write.I usually make an outline, like so:



1) Place

2) What transpired

3) additional details



Fill that out until you have your basic ideas down. Then, go and find a character sheet, like so:

http://www.suspense.net/profile.htm



Fill this out to create some nice, round characters.



Now, look at your outline. What's your story about? What's the genre? Who are the characters, and what are their motivations and goals? Once this is figured out, THROW ROCKS AT THEM!!



Conflict drives your plot. A story where everything comes together and makes sence is lame. You need a villan with opposite desires who wants to stop your protagonist(s). If your story is romance, make the father hate the bf or make another character to fall in love with the girl. You know those books where the author throws in something disasterous to the characters and you flip the page shouting "HOW IN THE WORLD ARE THEY GOING TO SURVIVE THIS?!?!?"



That's what you want :D



hope that helps!
Well i always do an outline so i know whats going to happen, then start wright. So i suggest an outline then write, so u dont get confused and can make the story flow better...
Mmm, you could just start on the page with 'Chapter One,' or if you think it will work better, jot down your ideas and try to make an outline. Either works. :)
Write an outline, if you want. Or just start writing.



I don't see what's so hard about this.