It is said that we all have a novel within us. The problem is that we have to start writing if we want to make others read. Action novels, with their intense pace and high-risk chases, may seem particularly difficult, but it's time to break the delay and get started.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Planning the Novel
Step 1. Write down your ideas
Before you start writing, you should have a general idea of what the book is about. You don't have to go into detail yet, but try to summarize the concept behind the novel in one sentence. By limiting your immense aspiration to a single sentence, you can refine the story and focus on the main conflict.
- Don't write about a boring topic that would make you want to read off after a few seconds. Many action books and movies are interesting from the very first sentence.
- Make sure your idea is truly original. Do not base the whole novel on existing works, but feel free to take and modify some aspects of the works that have impressed you.
Step 2. Do your research
To write an action novel, it's a good idea to learn about the various types of weapons, vehicles, and technologies that will be used throughout the book. You should become familiar with rifles, military services, survival techniques, computer programs, and fighting styles. This allows you to write more precisely and create perfect action scenes.
- You can do your research in museums, libraries and archives. If the book requires technical knowledge, try contacting an expert on the subject. Find out about people to talk to on university websites, newspapers, and government agencies.
- While it's best to do as much research as possible, you don't have to include them all in the book. Too much information can overwhelm the reader. Decide what items you need as you write the novel.
Step 3. Travel to places similar to those in your setting
Maybe your story is an adventure that takes place in places around the world, or it is set in your hometown. If you have the chance, try to visit the places you want to write about. On your travels, write down the most important details about the environment. How is the climate? Where are the most important streets and the most characteristic places located? Use all your senses: what smells do you smell? What can you see? Is there a lot of noise? What kind of sounds do you hear?
You probably can't afford a trip to Mount Everest, but you can hike a local mountain. Or you don't have time to visit Miami, but you can go to a beach near you. You can still search for places without traveling around the world
Step 4. Create a concept map of your ideas
This technique is great for writers who learn best using sight. Try writing the main conflict in the center of a sheet of paper. Draw a circle around it, then draw lines to connect that central circle to all the major events in the plot. As you come up with ideas for the novel, add lines to see how they relate to the existing narrative. The lines can intertwine, move in a zigzag or even divide themselves into multiple circles. Your concept map can take on the appearance of a spider web, a tree, or even a spreadsheet.
Step 5. Write the structure of the plot
Not only does this text allow you to create a rough draft of the main plot before you start writing the novel, it also helps you spot any gaps in the script. Write the list of events in your novel in chronological order. Titles should be short descriptions of each scene. You can use bulleted lists and subsections to note the details of each scene, such as which characters are present, where the action takes place, and how it resolves.
Step 6. Write the story on some cards
Write down each plot event on a ticket. All available on one table, so you can view the whole story. Tidy them up as you make room for ideas. You can chronologically move events, or reorder certain scenes. When you are ready to put the cards away, be careful to keep them in the correct order, so that the next time you consult them, they will be arranged as you wish.
Step 7. Use the snowflake method
Write an idea in one sentence. Once finished, expand that sentence into a paragraph describing the main conflict, important events and obstacles, then the ending. Slowly expand the summary, from one paragraph to one page, then to four pages. Keep adding material until you are ready to write the novel itself.
Step 8. Create profiles for each character
To write compelling characters, you need to know all the ins and outs of their lives. Write a list or summary for each of them, noting their physical characteristics, history, motivations, relationships, personality traits, habits, and flaws. The most important questions include:
- What abilities does this character possess that make him useful in the book? Is he proficient in a certain fighting style? Is he a hacker or can he drive helicopters? How did you learn those skills? Have you had military experiences or a tragic past?
- Why is the character involved in the events of the book? What motivates him to participate in the action? What does he have to lose or gain?
- How do you cope with anger? How does he behave when a tragedy happens to him? How do you react to danger, fear, disgust and excitement?
- How do you treat the people you love? How does he deal with those he hates?
Step 9. Create an idea journal
Always have a notebook handy to write in when you feel inspiration coming. Write down any interesting details that come to your mind. When doing research, keep complete notes of everything you discover. Later, when you are seated at your desk, you can use the diary as a reference point.
Part 2 of 4: Start Writing
Step 1. Write freewheeling
In this technique, write down everything that comes to your mind for fifteen minutes. You can ignore grammar, punctuation, or even logic. At this stage, never stop the pen. This process helps you to start writing and to overcome the mental block that prevents you from starting.
You don't necessarily have to write about your novel. In fact, if you're distracted, writing about your distractions can help clear your mind so you can focus on the work
Step 2. Try a write prompt
There are tons of websites, books, and forums that offer writing prompts to help you express your creativity. They can be very useful tools to start writing your story.
Step 3. Write a brilliant opening
The first few lines of a book are especially important for action novels. The best introductions present the action without overwhelming the reader with too many descriptions, dialogue or revelations. There are a few different types of effective incipits.
- Introduce a character. The figure should do something important. There is no need to describe his personality or his physical appearance.
- Open with a dialogue. An interesting exchange can be the perfect way to start a novel. It allows you to introduce a character while also presenting the situation.
- Start with a bang. Your story could open with a catastrophic event or a disaster that the protagonist must solve.
- Don't waste too much time with the introduction. While it can be helpful to start with the first sentence, if you can't write the beginning, feel free to skip ahead. The right words will come to you later.
Step 4. Start with action
In an action novel, this is often the best way to start writing the story. In the first few sentences, something should happen. You can enter an explosion, a robbery or a murder. The character can answer the phone, drive or chase someone. The action does not necessarily have to be related to the main conflict in the book, as long as it reveals something about the protagonist or the conflict itself.
You can also start in medias res. For example, a series of murders may have just occurred and the police have just found the latest victim. Or you can start with a high-speed car chase after a crime has been committed. Regardless of your choice, you can open the book with an exciting event before the main conflict develops
Step 5. Write ten scenes
Choose the most important ones from the novel. They will be the backbone of the story. The first is the opening one. The second and third should mark the point of no return for the protagonist. The following ones should help to increase the tension until the climax, which should take place in the seventh or eighth scene; the latter should reduce the intensity of the action until the final resolution.
Step 6. Bring the story to life
After you've written a few main scenes, fill in the blanks between these chapters. How does the character move from point A to point B? Where does he find the weapons or tools that allow him to defeat the antagonist? How do you unravel the mystery behind the main scenes?
Part 3 of 4: Create a Writing Table
Step 1. Take time to write every day
By writing a few lines every day, you will quickly develop a habit and when you start thinking about the novel, the words will come out more easily. Find a time when you have a chance to write every day. Set yourself a minimum number of words that you must reach for each session.
Some writers can write better early in the morning or late at night. Find the best time for you compatible with your schedule
Step 2. Join a writing club
There are many groups and clubs where people gather to discuss their works. These groups can encourage you to keep writing, offer constructive criticism, and support you when you are having difficulties. You may even find groups dedicated exclusively to action novels. If you can't find one in your area, you can make it yourself!
Step 3. Set yourself goals
Write a list each week of the goals you want to achieve. They should be achievable goals. How many words do you want to write between now and Friday? What scenes do you want to complete? Are you having difficulty with a certain character or with a part of the novel? As you complete the goals, tick them off the list.
Part 4 of 4: Overcoming Writer's Block
Step 1. Take a break
Get away from your notebook or computer to rest. Distract yourself for thirty minutes with another activity. Prepare dinner, write freewheeling, make phone calls or watch an episode of your favorite TV show. It will be especially helpful for you to engage in other creative pursuits. You can draw, play an instrument, embroider or make a scrapbook. Whatever you do, don't think about the novel during the break. When you return to your work, you should feel regenerated.
Step 2. Talk about your problems
Writing is an activity that can make you feel isolated. If you are having trouble with a particular element of the novel, ask a friend to talk to you for half an hour and discuss your work. The simple act of talking can help your brain overcome problems, and your friend may be able to give you helpful advice.
Step 3. Go out for a walk
Physical activity has been shown to increase productivity. People who play sports regularly also have higher levels of creativity. Since you're writing an action novel, it can help to get out there and be active!
Step 4. Try an RPG
Imagine being the protagonist. How would you behave in the situation described in the book? During the day, imagine what he would do in your place. If you like running, imagine running away from the enemy or being involved in a high-speed chase. If you love hiking, you can imagine that one of your characters got lost in the woods. Always keep your diary handy and write down your experiences when you get the chance.
Advice
- Reading other action novels can give you an idea of what the conventions of the genre are. While you shouldn't plagiarize the work of others, you can find inspiration for your work. This allows you to improve your writing and general cognitive skills.
- The first draft doesn't have to be perfect. Do the corrections and rewrites at the end of the creative process, not at the beginning. Try not to worry about grammar or choice of vocabulary; you can always correct these stylistic details later. The most important thing is to put your ideas in black and white.
- If it helps, you can write the scenes in non-chronological order. There is no rule that says you have to write the novel from start to finish. Start with the parts that work best and you can go back to filling in the blanks later.
- Never write "Suddenly… (continue with something that causes action)". Your readers wouldn't be surprised. You have to find creative ways to put them into action.
Warnings
- Writing is not easy. Don't be put off by negative comments. Use them to enhance your story in the review stage. All the great authors modify and rewrite their works.
- If you don't follow a regular writing schedule, you may have a hard time writing every day. Don't abandon your novel. Read the diary of ideas and dedicate yourself to free writing to find the creative mindset.
- It may seem impossible to get over writer's block, but the best way to do it is to force yourself to write anyway. Try free writing, writing prompts, and composing short scenes, gradually progressing to full chapters.
