1. Start with the big picture and ask yourself some searching questions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- What is this book?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Where will it sit in bookshops? Is it crime, fantasy, romance? Literary or commercial?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Who are your target readers? What are you offering them that is different from every other novel in that genre?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Now zoom into the specifics of your book… <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Title<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Elevator pitch and blurb<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Synopsis.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
These things help you to define the identity of your novel \u2013 and everything in the draft should expand from that central identity. A synopsis is particularly useful for establishing the spine of your story, the pivots and the turning points \u2013 as well as highlighting any sub-plots and diversions you may decide to get rid of. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Look at the structure<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhere does your story start?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIf the first line of your synopsis refers to something that happens three or four chapters into your draft, that\u2019s probably a sign you have started your story too early and have written your way in. Don\u2019t panic! Nothing is ever wasted in creative writing. Those chapters were there because you, the author, needed them \u2013 but the reader doesn\u2019t, so they have to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s also possible to start your story too late, e.g., when you\u2019re desperate to grab the reader\u2019s attention on the first page – so the story starts with a bang but then the next chapter moves to backstory. The first chapter promises something which then isn\u2019t fulfilled. In this case, it might be better to start the story earlier in time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where does it end?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSomewhere close to the end, there should be a peak to your narrative arc: the point where everything is at its most endangered, when everything could be won or lost, and the stakes are at their highest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After that, the resolution has to be credible as a believable result of everything we\u2019ve seen so far. It also needs to satisfy your target readers. If you\u2019re writing crime, fans of the genre will expect the bad guys to be held to account at the end. In romance, fans want the happy couple to be together on the last page, having overcome all the obstacles you gave them to handle. But resist the temptation to tie up every thread too neatly. Allow readers to imagine that your characters carry on living after the story ends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How do you get from the beginning to the end?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nAre you writing in a linear, chronological timeline? This works well because things happen to the characters at the same time as the reader experiences them, giving us the best chance to relate to your main characters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re not showing the action chronologically (e.g., using parallel timelines, or a circular structure) make sure the reader always knows where they are in the timeline and how one scene fits in with the ones we\u2019ve seen before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Between the beginning and end of your novel, your plot should be a series of peaks and troughs. After any intense action, the characters \u2013 and the readers \u2013 need a chance to draw breath before they have to deal with a new obstacle. Think in terms of cause and effect, action and consequence, fortunately\/unfortunately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Identify the narrative drive<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nEvery scene has to push your story forward in some way or another. Look at each scene, or unit of action, and identify the narrative triangle by writing the following in three sentences:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Where you start<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What happens<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Where you end up.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If both the plot and the characters are in the same place at the end of the scene as they were at the beginning, that\u2019s a sign the pace has stalled and that scene is not earning its keep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Want to read the rest of this article? Log in<\/a> or join our free community to get the rest of our top tips, plus a truck-load of other resources. Whoever said you don’t get anything in this life for free?<\/h4>\n\n\n\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/jerichowriters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Writing-skills-Website-blocks.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n Want to sharpen your writing skills?<\/h2>\r\n Join our free community for instant access to: <\/p>\n<\/div>
\r\n \r\n <\/i><\/div> \r\n Digital tools like our character builder<\/div> <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n <\/i><\/div> \r\n Peer-to-peer support & feedback <\/div> <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n <\/i><\/div> \r\n Regular writing tips straight to your inbox <\/div> <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\r\n Please go to your inbox and verify your email address or click here to get started<\/a><\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n
Now zoom into the specifics of your book… <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n These things help you to define the identity of your novel \u2013 and everything in the draft should expand from that central identity. A synopsis is particularly useful for establishing the spine of your story, the pivots and the turning points \u2013 as well as highlighting any sub-plots and diversions you may decide to get rid of. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Where does your story start?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If the first line of your synopsis refers to something that happens three or four chapters into your draft, that\u2019s probably a sign you have started your story too early and have written your way in. Don\u2019t panic! Nothing is ever wasted in creative writing. Those chapters were there because you, the author, needed them \u2013 but the reader doesn\u2019t, so they have to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s also possible to start your story too late, e.g., when you\u2019re desperate to grab the reader\u2019s attention on the first page – so the story starts with a bang but then the next chapter moves to backstory. The first chapter promises something which then isn\u2019t fulfilled. In this case, it might be better to start the story earlier in time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where does it end?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Somewhere close to the end, there should be a peak to your narrative arc: the point where everything is at its most endangered, when everything could be won or lost, and the stakes are at their highest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After that, the resolution has to be credible as a believable result of everything we\u2019ve seen so far. It also needs to satisfy your target readers. If you\u2019re writing crime, fans of the genre will expect the bad guys to be held to account at the end. In romance, fans want the happy couple to be together on the last page, having overcome all the obstacles you gave them to handle. But resist the temptation to tie up every thread too neatly. Allow readers to imagine that your characters carry on living after the story ends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How do you get from the beginning to the end?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you writing in a linear, chronological timeline? This works well because things happen to the characters at the same time as the reader experiences them, giving us the best chance to relate to your main characters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re not showing the action chronologically (e.g., using parallel timelines, or a circular structure) make sure the reader always knows where they are in the timeline and how one scene fits in with the ones we\u2019ve seen before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Between the beginning and end of your novel, your plot should be a series of peaks and troughs. After any intense action, the characters \u2013 and the readers \u2013 need a chance to draw breath before they have to deal with a new obstacle. Think in terms of cause and effect, action and consequence, fortunately\/unfortunately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Every scene has to push your story forward in some way or another. Look at each scene, or unit of action, and identify the narrative triangle by writing the following in three sentences:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If both the plot and the characters are in the same place at the end of the scene as they were at the beginning, that\u2019s a sign the pace has stalled and that scene is not earning its keep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Join our free community for instant access to: <\/p>\n<\/div> \n
2. Look at the structure<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Identify the narrative drive<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Want to read the rest of this article? Log in<\/a> or join our free community to get the rest of our top tips, plus a truck-load of other resources. Whoever said you don’t get anything in this life for free?<\/h4>\n\n\n\r\n
\r\n <\/div>\r\n Want to sharpen your writing skills?<\/h2>\r\n
![](\"https:\/\/jerichowriters.com\/wp-content\/themes\/jw3.0-live\/resources\/assets\/images\/loader.gif\")
\r\n