Write a novel: start with danger

When you write a novel, you’re writing about people in danger.

If you’re a new writer, you may be reluctant to dump trouble all over your story people. However, unless you get them into serious trouble, no one will be interested in reading about them.

What kind of danger? Think about this before you starting writing your book, and consider various forms of danger: physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual.

Here’s a couple of exercises to help you to start thinking “danger” when you write your novel.

Exercise 1: physical danger

Choose two characters. Give each character a profession, and a way of viewing the world. For example, you could choose a business woman, and a professional athlete. Decide how each one views the world before you start writing.

Your two story people are on a plane, and the plane is about to crash. Write 500 words.

Exercise 2: Emotional danger – rejection

Your character is at the altar. As the moments pass, it becomes obvious that he/ she has been jilted. Write 300 words about what happens.

Hint: Involve the senses. What are the characters hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, touching and thinking?