How to write a novella

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How to write a novella
You can write a short novel or novella Novellas, also called short fiction, typically range somewhere between 15,000 and 50,000 words in length. You can learn to write short fiction for quality, as well as quantity, while steadily advancing your story and adding impact to your characters, plot, and theme. (Photo credit: kevinrosseel)
Instructions
Step 1 Record ideas Your initial spark of creativity may include an idea, event, piece of dialogue, or a setting. Start there. A good first draft is a creative mess that you will later craft into an attractive story form. Step 2 Choose viewpoint and tense Identify the main, point-of-view character. This will be the character whom the story is about and is usually the character who tells the story. This is also the character who will grow the most and who has the most to gain or lose during the course of the story. Further considerations include the choices of first or third-person and past or present tense. Make the choices that feel right for the story. Step 3 Develop the story After exhausting the initial rush of creativity, it is time to develop the original ideas. Read over what you have written. Identify the setting. Does it have a mood? Ask the characters questions. What do they want? What is happening? Why is it happening? How might the characters interact with what is happening to get what they want or to get in the way of what they want? Answer using all of the senses. Step 4 Formulate a Plan Record your ideas about what will happen to the characters. How are their stories likely to play out? Use a journal or story board for creating an outline of probabilities. Step 5 Clarify the theme Keep a journal for recording insights and ideas about the story as a whole. Make note of possible themes, including elements of universal appeal and reasons for writing the story. A story's theme is subtle rather than preachy. It is a reoccuring mood or feeling throughout the story and for the story as a whole. It is portrayed via symbolism and ambiance rather than overtly through statement. Step 6 Review and polish Set the first draft aside, perhaps to allow someone else to read it. After a brief break, read through the novella, making notes as you go. Make any final edits or changes.	Things Needed Writing tools, primitive or modern Notebook, audio recorder, or story board Imagination and creativity Tips & Warnings Keep your pencil moving Be open to making big changes Postpone worry over final form Set aside the first draft before revising Writer Resources Urbis Give and receive reviews on writing of all kinds. Authonomy Share reviews with other novel writers. iWriteit Free e-books, contests for writers.

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Sara Mcgrath
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