Spencer Lanoue
Writing a novella is like taking a road trip with just a few stops along the way. It’s long enough to develop complex characters and a gripping plot, but short enough to keep you from getting lost in the weeds. If you've ever found yourself struggling to either expand a short story or condense a novel, a novella might just be the perfect narrative format for you. Let’s unpack what makes a novella tick and how you can craft one that captures your readers' imaginations.
What Exactly Is a Novella?
Before diving into the mechanics of writing one, it’s helpful to know what a novella actually is. Think of it as the middle child between a short story and a novel. Typically, novellas range from 20,000 to 40,000 words, although there's some flexibility. This length allows for more plot development and character depth than a short story, but it doesn't require the extensive subplots and secondary characters often found in novels.
Famous examples include “The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka and “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck. Both manage to explore profound themes and complex characters within a relatively compact narrative. The novella format is particularly well-suited for exploring a single idea or theme with intensity and focus.
Finding Your Core Idea
A novella thrives on a strong central idea. Because you don’t have the room for multiple subplots, your main focus should be on developing a single, compelling narrative arc. Start by asking yourself, “What’s the one story I want to tell?”
Once you have that, consider how it can be expanded into a novella-length narrative. Can you deepen your characters or expand on the setting? Is there a conflict that can be explored in more layers? Your core idea should be something that can sustain interest over the span of your novella’s length without feeling stretched thin or overly padded.
For example, if your story idea is about a woman discovering her hidden talent for painting, you might expand it by delving into her personal struggles, her relationships, and the societal pressures she faces. Remember, the key is to keep the focus tight and the stakes high.
Creating a Strong Structure
Structure gives your novella a backbone. While novels often have multiple subplots and layers, a novella should maintain a clear, straightforward structure. Typically, this might look something like:
- Exposition: Introduce your characters and setting. Set up the stakes and the main conflict.
- Rising Action: Develop your main conflict. This is where your protagonist faces challenges, and their journey begins to unfold.
- Climax: Reach the peak of your story. The main conflict comes to a head here, resulting in a turning point for your protagonist.
- Falling Action: Address the aftermath of the climax. How do your characters adjust to the changes?
- Resolution: Tie up loose ends. Provide closure for your characters and readers.
Interestingly enough, this structure is similar to what you’d use in a short story or novel but condensed to fit the novella’s shorter length. Maintaining this structure helps keep your story focused and ensures pacing that keeps readers engaged.
Developing Compelling Characters
Characters are the heart of your novella. Because you have limited space, each character should serve a clear purpose. Readers don’t have the time to get to know a sprawling cast, so focus on a few well-developed characters who drive the narrative.
Your protagonist should be relatable and complex. They need to want something, struggle to get it, and change by the end of the story. Secondary characters should support the main plot and help illuminate aspects of the protagonist’s personality or the story’s themes.
Let’s say your novella’s protagonist is a young scientist trying to prove herself in a male-dominated field. Her mentor might challenge her in ways that force her to confront her insecurities, while a rival character could add layers to her professional journey. Keeping your cast small allows you to delve deeper into their motivations and relationships.
Setting That Enhances the Story
A well-crafted setting is more than just a backdrop for your story; it can actively influence the plot and characters. Novellas provide the space to explore a setting in greater depth than a short story but without the exhaustive detail a novel might require.
Consider how your setting can reflect or contrast with your characters’ inner lives. Is the setting a bustling city that mirrors your protagonist’s chaotic thoughts, or a quiet town that contrasts with their turbulent emotions? Use sensory details to immerse readers in the world you’re creating.
For instance, if your novella is set in a small coastal town, describe the salty breeze, the sound of seagulls, and the constant hum of the ocean. These details can evoke a specific mood and enrich the reader’s experience.
Crafting Dialogue That Feels Real
Dialogue is a powerful tool for revealing character and advancing your plot. In a novella, every line of dialogue should serve a purpose, whether it’s to reveal key information, develop character relationships, or heighten tension.
To make your dialogue authentic, listen to how people speak in real life. Pay attention to their speech patterns, the pauses, and the subtext. Remember, people don’t always say exactly what they mean, and sometimes what’s left unsaid is just as important.
Here's a brief example of engaging dialogue:
"Why do you always have to be right?" she snapped, crossing her arms.
"It's not about being right," he replied, his voice softening. "It's about us seeing eye to eye for once."
This snippet not only advances the conversation but also reveals tension and a desire for understanding between the characters.
The Importance of a Strong Opening
Your opening sets the tone for your entire novella. It’s your chance to hook readers and give them a reason to keep turning the pages. The first few paragraphs should introduce your protagonist, the setting, and hint at the central conflict.
A strong opening might start in the middle of action or with a compelling character moment. It should immediately raise questions in the reader’s mind and set them up for the journey ahead.
For example, your novella might begin with a scene where a character finds an old, mysterious letter tucked away in an attic. This immediately creates intrigue and sets the stage for the unfolding mystery.
Editing and Refining Your Draft
Once your first draft is complete, the real work begins. Editing is where you refine your novella, cutting unnecessary scenes, tightening the prose, and ensuring every element serves the story’s purpose.
Read through your draft with a critical eye, looking for inconsistencies, plot holes, and areas where the pacing lags. Don’t be afraid to make big changes if something isn’t working.
Consider using Spell to help streamline this process. With AI-powered editing tools, you can get a fresh perspective on your work and polish your writing more efficiently, allowing you to focus on what matters. Telling a great story.
Getting Feedback
Before finalizing your novella, seek feedback from trusted readers or writing groups. They can provide valuable insights into areas that may need improvement and highlight aspects of your story that resonate well.
When receiving feedback, remain open and willing to consider different perspectives. You don’t have to accept every suggestion, but thoughtful critiques can help you see your work from new angles and spot issues you might have missed.
Remember, feedback isn’t just about pointing out flaws. It’s also about recognizing what’s working well. Use it to build on your strengths and address any weaknesses in your narrative.
Final Thoughts
Writing a novella offers a unique opportunity to dive deep into a story without the commitment of a full-length novel. With a strong idea, well-developed characters, and focused narrative structure, you can craft a novella that captivates readers. For those looking to streamline their writing process, Spell provides AI-powered tools to help you create, edit, and refine your work more efficiently, keeping your story’s heart and soul intact.
