Secrets to Writing a Novel

By K Stanley and L O'Donnell

How do you write a novel from start to finish? Write a structurally sound first draft.

Most writers don't fail because they lack talent. They stall because the task feels like a mountain. Imagine a first draft as strong as another writer's fourth or fifth. You skip the hot mess stage and go straight to a good story. Inch by inch, it's a cinch.

Secrets to Writing a Novel: The Fictionary Method is a step-by-step guide to writing a first draft. Pure discovery writer, comprehensive plotter, or somewhere in between, there's an outline built for you.

You'll learn:

What to decide before you write: your story vault, word count goal, outline, and narrative strategyWhich of four writer types you are, and the outline that fits youThe five story arc scenes that are the spine of your novelHow story arc cluster scenes show character motivation and growthThe five-point scene structure: entry hook, POV goal, scene middle, scene climax, exit hookHow to keep every scene helping or hindering your protagonistWhat to do when you're stuck

You'll create:

A story vault and skeleton blurbAn outline that fits how you writeA complete, structurally sound first draftA process you can use for every novel you write

We show the method at work in five genres, using The Bodyguard, Spark of the Everflame, All Systems Red, The Housemaid, and Mean Streak.

Like every book in the Write Novels That Sell series, we give you the theory-the why behind our recommendations-and actionable advice you can use right away.

Stop thinking about your novel. Start writing it.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1067726225
• ISBN13: 9781067726225
• Release Date: June 2026
• Publisher: Fictionary Press
• Length: 354 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.5"