The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

Reverend Cecil Williams was best known as the radically inclusive pastor of Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco.
Cecil Williams, pastor and civil rights activist, dies at 94
Libby Dorin, Contributor • May 2, 2024
SMU police the campus at night, looking to keep the students, grounds and buildings safe.
Behind the Badge
April 29, 2024
Instagram

So You Want to Be a Writer: 3 Tips for the Aspiring Novelist

So+You+Want+to+Be+a+Writer%3A+3+Tips+for+the+Aspiring+Novelist

If you’re wondering how to become a novelist, look no further.

Becoming a novelist isn’t as hard as people make it out to be. In fact, all you have to do is start writing. The problem is that people try to look for a format to follow instead of writing about the things they enjoy.

Fortunately, there are many tips for aspiring novelists that will help you improve your content. You’ll soon be on your way to creating novels that people enjoy reading.

Read on to learn about 3 essential tips for anyone that would like to start writing.

1. There Are No Rules

One of the most important things that aspiring novelists should know is that there aren’t any rules when it comes to writing. When you’re writing novels, you should be prepared to open your mind and write whatever you’d like. If you’re looking for a model to follow, check out FANBOYS writing.

There are things to consider, like grammar and formality, but these can be corrected later on. You don’t have to adhere to a certain formality if you’re creating novels for yourself. If you’re writing for someone else, you can still bend the rules. When there are rules put in place, it’s difficult for novelists to write.

2. Your First Sentence

The first sentence of any form of writing is what allows writers to set the tone. Bloggers attract readers with a quick hook whereas novelists attract readers with an opening sentence that should plunge readers into the story.

You don’t want your first page to contain the entire story. Instead, you should let the story unfold through the novel. You can think of your first page as a doorway. Your first sentence is the door handle and the rest of the page is the door. As a reader progresses through the page, they’re slowly opening the door.

3. Get Creative

Good writing is done by those with a creative mindset. You should be writing about anything that comes to your mind, even if it’s something you don’t know much about. As a novelist, you’ll learn a lot throughout your journey just as a reader will when they read your novel.

While you can’t provide factual information about things you don’t know about, you can write towards them. As you’re writing towards them, you can learn about them and better your writing. Remember, there are no rules, so you can get as creative as you want.

If You’re an Aspiring Novelist, Start Writing Today

Many aspiring novelists prevent themselves from reaching their potential because they overthink the things that they’re writing. Instead of looking for rules and formats to follow, you simply need to start writing.

We encourage you to start writing about anything. Start today. Whatever you’re thinking about, lay your thoughts out. Give readers something to get involved in and share your creative side with the world.

More to Discover