How Do I Start Writing My First Novel? A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

January 13, 2025

So, you’ve decided to write your first novel. Exciting, isn’t it? But now that you’re staring at a blank page, it feels more like a giant mountain you have no idea how to climb. Where do you even begin?

Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Every writer starts here, and with the right approach, you can go from a blank page to a full-fledged novel. Let’s break it down, step by step.

One of the biggest challenges new writers face is the blank page. You’ve got ideas swimming in your head, but when it’s time to put them into words, your mind goes blank, or worse, you second-guess every thought.

You might think, What if my story isn’t good enough? Or, What if I’m not creative enough to write a novel?

This self-doubt can paralyze you before you even start. But here’s the good news: it’s not about being perfect—it’s about getting started and learning as you go.

Imagine starting your novel without a clear idea of your characters, your plot, or even your opening line. You write a few pages, but something feels off. Your characters are flat, your scenes lack direction, and you can’t figure out why your story isn’t working. Frustrating, isn’t it?

This is where so many aspiring authors get stuck. They try to wing it, thinking the story will magically come together. But without a plan, it’s like trying to build a house without a blueprint. You end up wasting time, feeling overwhelmed, and maybe even giving up altogether.

What if I told you there’s a way to start your novel that makes the process feel exciting instead of overwhelming? What if you could:

Unlock your creativity and brainstorm unique, captivating ideas effortlessly?
Create characters so real they practically write the story for you?
Outline your plot in a way that keeps you focused and motivated?

That’s exactly what the 30 Day Novels Program is designed to help you do.

With this step-by-step guide, you’ll go from struggling to develop ideas to having a clear, structured plan for your novel.

This isn’t just another writing resource—it’s your complete program to:

Breaking down the massive goal of writing a book into manageable, daily steps.
Writing with confidence using daily prompts designed to spark creativity.
Staying on track with clear goals, timelines, and guidance for every single day.

Step-by-Step Guide to Start Your Novel

Here’s a sneak peek at the process to get you started:

1. Brainstorm Your Big Idea

What’s the heart of your story? A gripping mystery? A sweeping romance? Start by jotting down everything that excites you. Don’t censor yourself—just let the ideas flow.

Pro Tip: If you’re feeling stuck, the 30 Day Novels includes prompts to spark fresh, original ideas you’d never think of on your own.

2. Create Your Characters

Great stories start with great characters. Think about their goals, fears, and motivations. What do they want more than anything, and what’s standing in their way?

Pro Tip: My Character Crafting Toolkit’s Templates guide you through this step, so you can create well-rounded characters in minutes.

3. Outline Your Plot

Now that you’ve got your characters, think about the journey they’ll take. What’s the beginning, middle, and end? Break it down into manageable steps.

Insider Hack: Use the Conflict Maps from the Character Crafting Toolkit to structure your story’s tension and ensure every scene has purpose.

4. Start Writing (Even if It’s Messy)

The most important step? Just start. Your first draft doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to exist. Focus on getting your ideas down. You can always revise later.

This isn’t just another generic writing guide.

The 30 Day Novels is like having a personal coach to walk you through the hardest parts of writing a novel. It’s practical, easy to use, and designed for writers at any stage—whether you’re starting fresh or struggling to finish.

Don’t waste hours Googling random advice or piecing together tips that don’t work. With this program, you’ll have everything you need to: