How To Prepare Before Writing Your Novel (And Avoid Future Failure)

5 ways to boost your chances of reaching the finish line.

Benjamin Franklin once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

That quote was thrown my way more than once during exam time in my school days.

But it doesn’t just apply to that geography test you “forgot” to revise for. It applies to everything you do.

Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.

I’ve already shared the story about my attempt to complete the Seven Sevens challenge in the Mourne Mountains that ultimately ended in me pulling out early. That one was entirely down to a failure to prepare in advance (by not eating right beforehand).

The same goes for your novel.

Writing a book is a serious, time-consuming undertaking; if you fail to properly prepare for that monumental effort before diving into the story, you’ll harm your chances of ever getting to type those two coveted, glorious words: The End.

You have to plan how you’ll approach writing your novel just as carefully as the actual contents of the story itself (including the plot, character outlines, and much more). That plan has to be manageable, sustainable, and flexible enough to ensure you make it to the end.

Planning in advance can also be a lifesaver when it comes to avoiding (or punching straight through) writer’s block when it steps into your path. It’ll help keep your narrative compelling, your writing voice consistent, and your plot cohesive.

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