The WMF Archives

By Rebecca Sebek


Many people want to write a novel, but don't know how to get started. It can be daunting to write 400 or more pages. However, it doesn't have to be a scary process. You can begin with a short story and turn it into a novel.


If you have a short story, you can easily turn it into a novel with dedication and time. Schedule a chapter per week or night. You can even write on the weekends. It makes no difference if you write for one hour or more -- just write!


Short story resource

The Creative Copy Challenge is a great place to begin your journey from short story to novel. Shane Arthur is the creator of the Creative Copy Challenge. It's a wonderful resource to hone your writing skills. Shane provides readers with 10 words to incorporate into a short story. If you don't use all 10 words, you'll be asked to try again. Incorporating the words does stretch you as a writer because some of the words may be difficult to weave into a story. That's the challenge!

Shane encouraged me to continue with one of my short stories titled The Homecoming. Writing a novel crossed my mind, but so did the amount of time and effort that goes into it. Needless to say, thanks to the short story challenge, chapter one of my novel is complete! Hurray!


Tips to turn your short story into a novel

1. Participate in the Creative Copy Challenge -- it's free!
2. Be passionate about what it is you're writing.
3. Write for one hour or more during the week or on the weekend.
   
4. Create a writing schedule.
   
   
   
5. Ask for family and friends for feedback. Does your book hold their interest? Would they buy your book?
6. Join a writer's group and ask for feedback.

You can create a novel from your short story. Here's a tip: create an outline. Some writers don't like to use outlines, but they can help determine where your story is going and how it will end. An outline doesn't have to be that formal, but having a general guideline can speed up the writing the process. Plus, you won't feel overwhelmed.


Review your short stories and see which one could be turned into a novel. Going through the writing process could be the "boost" you need to turn your short story into a novel. You may consider entering short story contests. If you win a contest or receive honorable mention, you'll know that your idea has the potential for a book. Good luck!

Create a Novel from Your Short Story