How to Write a Novel As a Kid

Last Updated: December 22, 2021 Approved

Starting your first novel as a kid makes great sense––you've got the time, the imagination and the guts to get on with it. It's also important to think of this as a learning experience––most first novels as a kid are not going to turn into runaway bestsellers. That said, writing a novel is going to be a great project that will teach you how to achieve something from start to finish, an experience that can inform you for the rest of your life. With all that in mind, there are some great ways to get stuck into your first novel.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:
Finding Story Ideas

1
Think of an interesting plot. This is the most important action in writing a novel. If you don't have an interesting plot, then the whole story will fall apart. No one likes a story without any structure.
- Be inspired by the things in your everyday life. This can be interactions with others, movies you've watched, stories you've listened to within your family, books you've read, things you see when people watching, your imagination, etc.
- What do you want to write about? There are so many possibilities, including fantasy, relationships, school, exploration, personal journeys of discovery, mystery, detective work, treasure hunts, rockstar/movie fame, rich kids and poor kids, family issues, adventure, action, etc.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:
Writing Your First Novel

1
Begin with a hook. Compare "Once upon a time..." to "Michael's sports car whizzed around the corner. He and Paulo were neck and neck. Who would win? It was uncertain; Paulo had trained for years, yet Michael had talent. " Which opening was more interesting to you? Chances are, you chose the second one. It was descriptive, it set up a tension from the start and it begged you to read on and learn more.
2
Don't place all of your interesting plot material at the beginning. Keep up the level of interest throughout the story by doling out new twists, ideas, information, etc. as the novel proceeds. A good way to do this is to end chapters with a cliffhanger or a moral dilemma.
3
Let your emotions show in your writing; lead with what you know. If you lost a loved one, write about that. If you're crushing hard, write about that.
- Use thoughts and feelings: Your characters have feelings too. Try to think how you would react to being in that situation and express this through your writing.
4
Add sufficient detail to bring the story to life and to make the character seem truly real. If it is a sad book, add enough detail to bring the reader to tears. Add different ideas throughout the book and in every different idea, add a different way to describe it. Details attract readers to your book and keep them riveted.
- Develop good, in-depth characters. Make sure to include flaws; no single person is perfect or all-good, even if they kid themselves that they're perfect. Readers will be turned off by a totally perfect character.
5
Reread your work now and then. How is it flowing? Does the flow seem natural or do the chapters or sections seem a little jilted? Flow is important so that the reader doesn't feel that things have come at them from left field or that there is no connection between the chapters.
- Avoid using vocabulary that you're not familiar with; there can be a pressure to make it work too hard and sound out of place.
6
Keep writing. Step away from the advice here and just get on with it. Don't rely on tutorials and other people to write the book for you, let your imagination flow through the book and watch as a simple idea becomes an entire novel, all of your own doing.
7
Have your friends and family read the finished result. Take constructive suggestions on board where you think they will improve the book. Print the book out, bind it and place it on the bookshelf as a family treasure. If it's really good, you might even consider getting it published, either through a publisher or by vanity publishing, but that's a whole other tale.

Community Q&A

Question

Is it right to follow the methods of other writers?

Community Answer

Following a similar method is a good way to learn the ropes and to get your writing flowing well. Just don't copy the words or stories.
Question

I want to write a story, but nothing in my life is that interesting to write a fantasy book about. What should I do?

Grace Libucha

Community Answer

You don't have to base it off of your life. Make up characters and an interesting story for them.
Question

What is the best way to start my novel?

Community Answer

The best way to start your novel is in the thick of the action, such as a thrilling car chase or an important conversation. Avoid starting your story with too much backstory, as it won't really draw your reader in like an action scene would. You can always add in any relevant backstory as flashbacks or such later on.
Question

How should I pick an idea for my book?

Community Answer

Pick an interesting idea that you are comfortable developing into a longer story and ask family and friends to give you feedback on the story.
Question

Does a 250 page (50,000 word) story qualify as a novel or a short story?

Community Answer

Yes. Any work of long fiction over 40,000 words is considered to be a novel, although publishers tend to only consider works of at least 80,000 words.
Question

Every time I start a story, I always get stuck in the middle of it! What should I do?

Community Answer

Try writing short stories instead of long ones, and then make them into a collection. This makes it easier to finish a story and eventually you can build up your stories into a book. Once you get the hang of writing short stories you can move on to longer ones.
Question

Would writing about my dream life make a good novel?

Community Answer

It could! It's definitely a good place to start, you will probably have to tweak some things and use your imagination to expand the story but creative people often get ideas from their dreams.
Question

What kind of story should I write?

Community Answer

What do you feel familiar with? Write about what you know and like, as focusing on what you know best will make it easier for you. This also ensures that people will relate well to it because it's genuine.
Question

How do I publish my book?

Community Answer

There are many websites that you can use. Some of them cost money. Some of them include Scribblet or Fast Pencil.
Question

Does it cost money to publish a book?

Community Answer

Sometimes, but not always. It depends on how you're going to publish it. Self-publishing a book can be more expensive since a publishing company will often cover the costs of publication for you. However, if you want to go through a publishing company, you will still have to pay to mail them your manuscript. (Some publishing companies even charge you a submission fee.)