In 2007, a friend posed a challenge: write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo.). Since I already had an idea in mind, and since I had 10 months to prepare before the start of NaNoWriMo I accepted the challenge. I spent the full 10 months developing my characters, writing a chapter-by-chapter plot synopsis, and carefully mapping out my character's story arcs. By the time November 1, 2007 rolled around, I was ready. I knew my characters well, I followed my synopsis and wrote about 3000 words per day (I didn't write every day) to get to the finish line by the end of November.
This experience led me to document the process of taking an idea and turning into a novel. To begin, you can choose an idea you've been kicking around for awhile, or come up with a new one. The trick is to formalize the idea so that you can develop a plotline, characters, setting, and story out of it:
1. Write down your idea. Get it down on paper so you can see it. Sometimes it helps to start with the words "What if..." and see where it goes. Read it out loud and see what you think. Let it jell for awhile, then play with it and see what it becomes.
2. Develop and write down the who, what, where, when, and why. This helps you put some bounds on the idea, while at the same time, makes the idea bigger.
3. Extract the keys. What are the essential elements you want to develop in your idea? What do you think the theme of your story going to be?
4. Conceptualize the conflict. Another good time to try the "what if" approach. Conflict should spring organically, but try the what if and see where it goes.
5. Put yourself in the idea and take it on a journey. Fantasize and see where the idea takes you. Brainstorm - What stories can you imagine? Jot them down, see what works, what doesn't.
6. Test it. Can you write three sentences about your idea? One that states the beginning, one that states the main conflict, and one that states the end?
Writing the Novel II: Developing Characters
Writing the Novel III: Constructing Plot
Writing the Novel IV: Developing Sense of Place
Writing the Novel V: Putting the Pieces Together
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