Photo by Todoran Bogdan

Do you want to know how to write winning novels? Then, we’re more than happy to provide everyone with some helpful tips they’re actually going to need.

It’s critical to keep in mind that each book, prize, and judge is distinct. Furthermore, a book’s eligibility for an award is mostly arbitrary. With that said, the secret to writing an award-winning book is more than just setting up twists and turns that save a story from predictability. Being a Colorado Gold Contest 2014 finalist author, Jill Flateland knows how valuable the tips we’ll be listing here truly are.

Without further ado, let’s go ahead and take a look at some pointers that’ll genuinely elevate your writing and novel.

1. Write a Bestselling Novel by Cultivating Your Idea

Every book begins with an idea, like a grain of sand. However, time is required to transform that grain of sand into a beautiful pearl. Pearls develop gradually. The good thing is that a winning combination is time plus diligent research. Make sure you research your idea before letting it develop on its own.

Since books are composed of other books, read everything about the subject. Allow your concept to interact with others.

2. Know What Is Considered Research When Looking for Winning Novel Ideas

Novels can be derived from various sources, including newspapers, magazines, the backside of cereal boxes, the Internet, rumors, gossip, legend, old fables, folklore, photos, other novels, nonfiction books, academic literature, and much more.

After using everything at your disposal, continue digging. A novel isn’t truly created using your knowledge and imagination. You have to get out there and do the following: dig, harvest, rummage, and forage.

You might even read some 1950s political pamphlets, vintage calypsos, and family portraits.

image of woman practicing how to write winning novels by writing down some words on her notebook
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto

3. Create Some Stepping Stones When Crafting a Compelling Novel

Before they begin writing, most authors have, at least, somewhat roughed out their tale. Though it’s not a strict guideline, this one seems to work for a lot of people. You practically risk flying your plane into the pavement if you just begin to write and go willy-nilly about it.

First, try organizing your story’s beginning, middle, and end. Consider your rising, climax, and falling action while examining Freytag’s Triangle. Have you drawn out the triangle’s five parts? These are the bare minimum that you should begin with.

When it comes to learning how to write winning novels, preparation is very important. Jill Flateland, the author of Until We Meet Again, was writing the book that helped her become a Colorado Gold Contest 2014 finalist author; she planned every minute detail. If it’s about how to write an award-winning novel, you need to be prepared for one hundred and ten percent.

4. Type Away and Bash Every Word Out

An average novel has 90,000 words. That equates to 1,000 words every day for 90 days. Don’t play around or mess around; just get it out. Aim for 1,000 words per day for ninety days.

If it isn’t enough, try 500 words every day throughout 180 days. That’s 3 to 6 months of work, which is an incredibly motivating and fulfilling approach to producing a first manuscript. Set your alarm for 1 or 2 hours prior to writing, get up early, settle in at your desk, and then give yourself permission to go.

5. Don’t Stop and Look Back Once You Start Writing

1,000 words is a lot, but remember, it’s just the first draft. It’s unnecessary to generate “fine literature” every day; what matters is to create something. Your goal is to pour what’s inside of you onto the paper.

To put it briefly, you desire to manifest; it’s similar to weaving a web. Start whirling. You have a plot outline and have conducted research. You now have the choice.

Never mind if you think your writing isn’t up to par; just keep going. Keep your eyes forward. Never forget that this is just an initial draft.

image of woman listening to some music while taking notes and studying the art of how to write winning novels
Photo by Ivan Samkov

Apply What You’ve Learned About How to Write Winning Novels

Hundreds of websites can provide you with the information you require. Do your homework before writing your next book or rewriting your existing manuscript, or you risk having a book that receives negative reviews and never finds a home.

If you’re planning on making a book about the supernatural, then Jill Flateland’s book Until We Meet Again is a good source of inspiration. Check out our other articles, too, and how authors can bolster their motivations motivation that might help them create a novel like Jill’s work that helped her a Colorado Gold Contest 2014 finalist author!

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