How to Write a Novel: My Proven 12-Step Process

In this video, I share with you the 12-step novel-writing process that’s helped me write more than 130 novels over the past 40 years.

Even if you’re a beginner, you can use this plan to write the best fiction you can imagine and avoid years of trial-and-error.

You’ll learn…

- The fool-proof story structure I use for all my novels
- Three questions to ask yourself about each potential character in your novel
- Four types of openers you can use for your story
- The engine of fiction (If your scenes fall flat, I guarantee you need this)
- One thing that will make or break you as a novelist
- And more!

[theShaunus]

“Don't tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.”
― Anton Chekhov

[william.the.writer]

"Research adds flavor, it's not the main course. Your story is the main course."👍

[unstoppablegirl]

1.A winning story idea
2.Outliner or pantser?
3. Unforgettable Characters
4. Conduct through research
5. Your point of view character
6. Begin in medias res
7. Trigger the theatre of your reader's mind
8. Ramp up your main character's trouble
9. Make your hero's predicament appear hopeless
10. Bring it all to a head
11. leave your reader wholly satisfied
12. Separate writing from editing

[Vernonplace]

This was like a college course in 21 minutes.

[darienyeager]

Unbelievable advice, this is Bible all of us who are working on our first novel

[fatosirrelevantes]

I say this with the utmost respect and love but your video is an accidental ASMR, such a calming voice lol

[ronicad]

One of the best 20mins and 34 secs I have spent on YouTube so far this year. Honestly, step 11 was really applied to this video😂.

[redronn]

" Cat is sitting on the mat. " is not a story. But, " Cat is sitting on the dogs mat. " is a story. 😁😁😁😂

[gray_mara]

The part of the video about plotting a novel starts at 4:50 and ends at 5:39.

1. A winning story idea
2. Outliner or pantser
3. Unforgettable character
4. Conduct thorough research
5. Your POV character
6. Begin in medias res
7. Trigger the theatre of your reader's mind
8. Ramp up your character's trouble
9. Make your hero's predicament feel hopeless
10. Bring it all to a head
11. Leave your reader wholly satisfied
12. Separate writing from editing

Final (Bonus! Get excited!) call is to click a link to subscribe to his emails.

[BurstTheAnimeFan]

I’ve been writing since I was nine (fourteen now) and I’ve always enjoyed it. I’ve been trying to write a book ever since then, and I’ve been working on a current project for the past three years. I plan to rewrite the first half or so chapters and this video will definitely help me make it the best it can possibly be.

[theShaunus]

Remember: plot is no more than footprints in the snow after your characters have run on their way to incredible destinations.
~Ray Bradbury

[BellsRidesAboardSeaBoss]

Hello Sir,
I watched this segment three or four days ago, I didn’t comment at the time but wanted to be sure to reach out to you after receiving an email from you to let you know you have helped at least one budding author.

I’m not big on using my personal email address but I took a chance and here is why.
I started watching your channel about four weeks ago, I only had about 13, 000 words written in my novel. The following two weeks I increased my word count to 27, 000. The story grew and the characters emerged. Following a quote you shared, I created an interesting character and I’m writing to see what happens.
I took the next week to edit what I had so far. Then got on track with editing each day of what I had written the day before. This system works well for me, I thrive when I’m organized, this tip you shared in a previous segment has helped me immensely. For that, Thank you..
Michelle

[reinhartt]

Here is for the peeps who want to go back and check, or for the ones who want to go straight into making the novel :

2:00 1# Winning Story Idea
3:43 2# Outliner or Pantser?
5:40 3# Unforgettable Characters
7:37 4# Conduct thorough Research
8:52 5# Your Point-Of-View Character
11:09 6# Begin in Media Res
13:14 7# Trigger the Theater of your Reader's Mind
14:59 8# Ramp up your Character's Trouble
16:32 9# Make your Hero's Predicament appear Hopeless
17:46 10# Bring it all to an End
18:21 11# Leave your Reader wholly Satisfied
19:07 12# Separate Writing from Editing

Wish you all luck for your Works and Progresses!

[JustAlex]

I'm struggling from poor grammar and vocabulary words. And sometimes i fail at deadlines. But that doesn't stop me from making my ideas come to life. This video really helped me. Thankyou so much.

[Hwaigon]

"...tell my inner critic to shut up." Bravo, sir. Bravo! Your video is packed full with one liners and wisecracks and true gems.
If I'm not completing my short story after this, nothing will help me ever.

[honeybunheadc]

I've watched so many different tips on how to write a novel I've literally lost count. This is the absolute "BEST" one I've seen thus far! Thank you🙏

[advithganesh]

Sir, I am not a writer and never thought of doing it. But after watching this video, I can certainly say why some books were very interesting but not others!!

[ShirleyCurryTheOlderGamer]

Mr. Jenkins, I feel that this outline of how to write a novel is the best, of several that I've read! Thank you!

[beyoutifulthatfasttravel]

This man is absolutely brilliant. Ground breaking articulation at its best. He is a gifted man. Blessed beyond measure.

[johnecoapollo]

Besides giving kickass advice, this man has one of the most soothing voices I've ever heard.