Start with an Idea: The First Step Toward Writing Your Novel

Every novel — no matter how epic, intimate, thrilling, or quiet — begins the same way: With a single question.What if…?

That simple question is more powerful than you think.

It’s not just imagination — it’s ignition.

The Power of “What If”

Think about some of your favorite stories. Behind each one is a core idea that sparked the entire journey:

1. What if a young wizard discovered he was the key to defeating a dark lord?- What if love could survive across different timelines?

2. What if memories could be bought, stolen, or erased?Your own “what if” might be quieter, more personal:

3. What if grief could make you see the dead?- What if a girl who feels invisible suddenly became unforgettable?There are no limits. Don’t look for 'original.' Look for true to you.

   
   

Ask Yourself the Right Questions

If you don’t have a clear idea yet, don’t worry. Start by exploring these core questions:

1. What story do I want to tell — and why?

2. Who is the main character, and what do they want?

3. What stands in their way?

Desire drives story. Conflict is the heartbeat of a novel.

Tip: Build Your Idea Bank

Don’t wait for the “perfect” idea to strike like lightning. Instead, collect sparks every day.

- Keep a notebook, a note on your phone, or use an app like Notion, Milanote, or Evernote.

Write down: 

- Names you love 

- Snippets of overheard conversation 

- Dream fragments 

- Random “what if” questions 

- Images or quotes that give you a feeling

Over time, you’ll start to see patterns — a tone, a character, a voice — and that becomes the seed of your novel.

Your Idea Doesn’t Have to Be Big. It Just Has to Be Honest.

Don’t stress about originality. The most powerful stories often come from something small but true.

A moment.

A fear.

A memory.

A question you’ve never stopped asking yourself.

Start messy. Start soft. Start now.

Because that little flicker in your chest — the one that says, “I think this could be something” — is more than enough.

Your Turn

What’s your 'what if'?

Write it down. Share it. Say it out loud. That’s the beginning of your novel.

The First Step Toward Writing Your Novel

by Katrina De Milano