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in your readers mind about whether or not the ending will be happy. Having one central conflict within a novel is the most traditional way to go.

Use Subplots

No one's life is focused on only one event. Even when there is something huge going on, people still go to work, have friendships, and encounter smaller problems. Using subplots can be a good way to develop your characters or create tension in your writing. By having small conflicts that are resolved in the subplots, you can play with the pacing of your story.

Make Them Change

Your characters should grow and develop as they face the obstacles on their journey. Some of the most dynamic stories ever told feature main characters who start off weak, but gradually build the skills to accomplish their goals. They learn who they are, and the reader learns along with them.

Satisfying Ending

Although some people will argue that negative or sad endings can work, it takes great talent to make these unsatisfying conclusions work. The ending to your novel should grow naturally from the story you have told. Many people still prefer the "happy ending" in whatever capacity that is appropriate for your characters.

Writing a novel is a fun and rewarding project, but it takes an extraordinary amount of work to finish. Do not worry if your first draft does not come out the way you would like it to. First drafts are created to get the story down on the page. Then you can use these tips to revise and rewrite your novel until it shines.

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