From Blank Page to Bold Start

Evan Swensen
January 3, 2025

How do you start writing a novel? This question has haunted aspiring writers for centuries, and rightly so. The first step in creating a narrative that holds a reader’s attention is often the most daunting. It’s the leap from idea to execution—a chasm that, when bridged, can transform a mere concept into a compelling story.

Let’s unravel this mystery step by step.

Start with the Why

Before you put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard, ask yourself: Why do I want to write this novel? Is it to tell a story that’s been burning in your mind for years, to explore an idea, or to express a personal truth? Identifying your motivation can serve as your North Star throughout the writing process.

Consider J.R.R. Tolkien’s approach to The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien began with a deep love for language and mythology. His intricate world-building stemmed from his passion for philology, and his “why” was the desire to craft a mythology for England. Understanding this helped him navigate the labyrinth of Middle-earth’s creation.

Map Out Your World

Tolkien famously said, “I wisely started with a map and made the story fit.” While not all writers need a literal map, having a figurative one can be transformative. This map might be a detailed outline, a series of character sketches, or a loose chronology of major events.

For example, J.K. Rowling meticulously planned the Harry Potter series, creating charts for each character’s development and the overarching plot of all seven books. This planning didn’t stifle her creativity—it gave her the framework to let it flourish.

For your novel, consider sketching out these elements:

Who are your characters?
What is the setting?
What’s the central conflict?

Think of this process as laying the foundation for a house. Without it, you risk your structure collapsing before it’s even built.

Dive into Your Characters

Characters are the lifeblood of your story. They must breathe, think, and act like real people. Developing their backstories, motivations, and quirks can make them leap off the page.

Take Harper Lee’s iconic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. Scout Finch isn’t just a narrator; she’s a curious, observant child whose perspective shapes the reader’s understanding of the world around her. Atticus Finch isn’t just a lawyer; he’s a moral compass, unwavering in his pursuit of justice.

To build compelling characters, ask yourself:

What drives them?
What are their fears?
How do they change throughout the story?

Structure with Care

Your novel’s structure is its skeleton, holding the narrative together. You might choose a three-act structure, as commonly seen in films, or experiment with a nonlinear approach. Regardless, clarity and coherence are crucial.

Many writers find value in using tools like Joseph Campbell’s The Hero with a Thousand Faces, which outlines the “hero’s journey.” This framework has inspired countless narratives, from Star Wars to The Matrix.

For those wary of rigid templates, remember: structure doesn’t limit creativity; it enhances it. Structure provides rhythm and flow like a dance routine, ensuring your story moves purposefully.

Write, Don’t Wait

The perfect moment to start doesn’t exist. Waiting for inspiration often leads to procrastination. Instead, start writing. John Steinbeck offered this advice: “Abandon the idea that you are ever going to finish. Forget the 400 pages and write just one page for each day; it helps. Then, when it gets finished, you are always surprised.”

Edit with Ruthlessness, Revise with Love

Once you’ve completed your first draft, the real work begins. Editing and revising transform raw ideas into polished prose. When editing, consider Stephen King’s advice from On Writing: “Kill your darlings.” If a scene, character, or line doesn’t serve the story, let it go.

Learn from the Greats

Lastly, immerse yourself in the work of other novelists. Read widely—across genres, styles, and eras. Study how authors like Gabriel García Márquez weave magic into reality in One Hundred Years of Solitude or how Margaret Atwood builds dystopian tension in The Handmaid’s Tale.

Starting a novel is akin to embarking on a grand adventure. It’s thrilling, intimidating, and, at times, overwhelming. But with thoughtful preparation, a commitment to your craft, and a willingness to embrace imperfection, you can transform your ideas into a story worth telling.

And remember, every writer once stared at a blank page, wondering if they had what it took. By starting, you’re already ahead of the curve. Let the journey begin.

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