How to Write a Breakout Novel
- 1). Give your protagonist a goal. Elements of human longing, exploration and ambition are important in any breakout novel. Readers want to find segments of themselves in what they read, and there are few better ways to speak to your audience than through our human nature to strive. Whether your main character dreams of writing a number-one hit record or breaking away from home and family, the motivation to do so must be present in the story. Tell your readers why this motivation exists, and inform them of the steps taken to accomplish the goal.
- 2). Develop weaknesses and flaws in your characters. Just as the reader wants to find motivation and determination in a story, a transformation is crucial in keeping the audience interested. Write about how your protagonist grows and changes throughout the story. Give your main character a flaw and show how it is overcome. Without an initial flaw, there will not be a conflict, and without a conflict, it is difficult to keep the reader intrigued.
- 3). Build on a conflict. A breakout novel must have a conflict. A conflict is what keeps the reader compelled and keen to keep reading. Try to keep the reader wondering what might happen by using tension, argument and disagreement. A good way to create a clear and interesting conflict is to present your characters with entirely different goals and opposing opinions, giving you plenty of ideas for great plot.
- 4). Remember the importance of emotion. Readers do not want to sit around and guess what a character is feeling at a certain time. It is not enough just to describe what the character is doing. Readers want to be pulled into the novel, laugh with each character, cry with each character and completely forget the real world. Focus on your characters' emotions at all times and convey them through your writing. Think about how you might feel in a certain situation and express that feeling through your characters.