Novella: How to Write it, Outline + 2 Examples

Do you have a story in your mind, but it's too short to write a novel? Don’t worry! There are stories shorter than novels.

Do not stop writing your story just because you have fewer words. You can compose your story in a novella, the shorter version of a novel.

Keep writing, just as William Somerset Maugham once said, “I write because I have something to say, not because I have to say something.”

Novellas are a kind of story where “less is more.” Once you think about writing short stories, then a novella is probably the best one for you.

So let’s discuss how you can compose a novella.

What is a novella?

You can say that a novella is in between a short story and a novel. It is longer than a short story but shorter than a novel.

A short story usually shows one scene or a few events happening close together. But a novella can have more scenes and include more characters.

You can complete it in just one sitting. And it would be a perfect thing to share your experiences in such a short piece of writing.

Characteristics of a Novella

You are going to need some more information about novellas to actually write one. So let’s have a look at some of its key features.

1. First is length, either short or long, and its writing style

A novella is a story written in simple language, not like a poem. Here the question arises how long is a novella? So it’s short, usually between 60-120 pages, and you can read it quickly, often in one or two sittings.

2. Writing structure and the discussion of the main character

Novellas usually focus on one main story and just a few main characters. They’re simpler than novels but have more details than short stories.

They often don’t have chapters, so the story flows without breaks.

3. Novellas give you a lot of fun in short stories

Novellas truly give you a lot of fun in short stories. That way, you really get to know the characters, the main events, and the hype in the scenes.

Novellas are also perfect for when you want a fun story but don't have a lot of time to read full-length novels. A short-length story provides you with entertainment in a small piece of writing.

4. Other elements of a novella that make it more engaging

Novellas aren't just about characters and plot! Writers also use techniques like symbolism (hidden meanings in objects or events), creative writing styles (like exploring ideas or concepts), and keeping things concise (focusing on important details).

What is the ideal word length for writing a Novella?

You have to come up with 20,000 to 50,000 words for your novella. This is a typical length of a novella, but it is not a hard and fast rule.

Let’s compare words of other story types vs novella:

Flash Fiction: This is very short, usually under 1,000 words, which is less than about 4 pages.

Short Story: These range from 1,000 to 10,000 words, roughly 5 to 50 pages.

Novelette: A bit longer, with 10,000 to 20,000 words, translating to about 40 to 80 pages.

Novella: As mentioned, they span 20,000 to 50,000 words, which means about 80 to 200 pages.

Novel: The longest form, with over 50,000 words, which will be more than 200 pages.

Types of Novella

Now that you know what a novella is and what’s its length, we will see what type of novella you are going to write:

There are three main types of novellas: literary, inspirational, and genre. Each one has its own unique style, let’s take a look one by one:

1. Literary Novella

A literary novella is the first type, which is known as a story. It is detailed and explores the complex emotions of the characters.

For example:

A novella, Mrs. Dalloway, by Virginia Woolf uses simple language to explain the characters’ thoughts and feelings.

These novellas are brief but rich, making big ideas more digestible.

Tip for writing a literary novella!

The language of this type might be sophisticated, but it deepens the understanding of the characters and themes.

2. Inspirational Novella

This one is a versatile type of novella, and it is perfect for all ages children, adolescents, and elders. These are often shorter and designed to evoke strong emotions. It truly inspires the reader and rushes their emotions.

For example:

Mitch Albom's Tuesdays with Morrie is a prime example. These novellas convey strong life lessons that resonate with readers of all ages, particularly younger ones.

A tip to write it!

They emphasize emotional impact over complex storytelling.

3. Genre Novella

Do you like to watch science fiction movies? It’s that type of novella. It is literally related to specific genres like sci-fi, fantasy, or romance. They provide quick, engaging narratives within a familiar setting.

For example:

A novella, Carroline, by Neil Gaiman is well-loved in this genre. These novellas are especially popular among teens who enjoy exploring different aspects of their favorite genres.

Special tip for understanding genre novella!

They blend traditional genre elements with innovative ideas to keep the stories fresh and appealing.

Novella outline

First, outline it properly, it will make it much easier for you. Here is a complete representation of the novella outline that will help you write it more effectively!

12 steps to writing a Novella more quickly than a short story

Now that you have an idea of what a novella is and know about its three main types, it's time to learn how to write a novella more quickly than a short story.

The step-by-step guide to writing a novella is as follows:

1. Find the idea or main plot points for your novella

The first step in a novella writing is to choose your main idea or plot points. Start by thinking about themes or stories that interest you. Such as:

• What type of story do you want to tell? Is it an exciting adventure, a romantic love story, or a mysterious tale?
• Next, outline the main events that will move your story along. These key events will help you keep your writing focused and make the process easier.

For example:

Consider Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, a novella that explores dreams, friendship, and tragedy through the story of two friends working on a farm with hopes of a better future.

This novella captures profound themes within a concise narrative, making it a powerful example of effective storytelling in a shorter literary form.

2. Outline or plan the main scenes you want in your novella

When writing a novella, it's important to plan out the main scenes. Start by setting up the:

• Beginning scene where you introduce your main character and the world they live in. This sets the mood and theme of your story.
• Then, bring in a big event that starts the main action—this is what gets your story really going.
• Add scenes that make things more complicated for your character and help the plot grow.
• Make sure to have key moments that lead up to the biggest part of your story, the climax, where everything comes to a head.
• End with a scene that wraps everything up and shows where your characters end up after their journey.

For example:

In The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, the opening scene introduces us to Gregor Samsa as he wakes up transformed into a giant insect, setting the stage for the conflicts and themes that follow.

3. Select the characters that play a vital role in every scene

It's important to pick the right characters for each scene. Start by figuring out:

• Who your main characters are and what their roles in the story will be?
• Then, for each scene, choose characters who help move the story along or show more about their relationships.
• Make sure every character in a scene has a reason to be there, like adding a challenge, helping, or creating problems.

For example:

In a mystery story, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold by John le Carré, renowned for its intricate plot and deep exploration of espionage and betrayal. You might have your detective, a key witness, and the bad guy in scenes that involve important clues or big moments.

4. Choose the point of view to connect with your reader

Selecting the right point of view (POV) will be a crucial step in your novella. It determines:

• How your readers experience the story and connect with your characters.
• Decide whether you'll tell your story in the first person, giving readers a direct look through the character's eyes.
• Or the third person, which offers a broader perspective on the events and characters.

For example:

Using the first person can make your narrative feel intimate and personal, drawing readers closer to the protagonist’s emotions and thoughts, much like Nick Carraway’s role in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.

Alternatively, the third person allows you to explore multiple characters' viewpoints and can build a more complex world, as seen in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. Choose the POV that best suits your story's tone and structure to effectively engage your audience.

5. Develop the key plot points and the climax of your character

The next step in writing your novella is to develop the key plot points and climax. This involves mapping out the crucial events that define your character's journey and building tension throughout the story. Begin by:

• Identifying challenges and obstacles that your character will face.
• Escalating these conflicts as the story progresses towards a dramatic peak.

For example:

Take Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn as an example. In this thriller, major plot points revolve around Amy's elaborate plan to disappear and frame her husband, culminating in a climax that dramatically reshapes the reader's understanding of the characters and their motives.

Make sure each event naturally leads to the next, maintaining a smooth and engaging narrative flow. This approach ensures your novella is not only compelling but also cohesive, keeping readers hooked until the final page.

6. Start writing to hook your reader at the start of novella

The next important step in writing your novella is to start with something that grabs your reader's attention.

• Begin with a strong opening scene that makes your reader want to know more.
• Use an exciting first line or an action that introduces the main problem or a character's challenge right away.

For example:

In the book Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, the opening line, "Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again," immediately creates a mysterious and inviting atmosphere.

Make sure your beginning is not only interesting but also gives a small peek into what the story will be about. This helps set the scene and builds curiosity, encouraging the reader to keep turning the pages.

Writing stories or novels becomes easier after inserting a key prompt into an AI story generator. This AI tool provides you with a well-written story that will help you complete your ideas and make your novella more interesting.

7. Write your first draft and give hints of upcoming events

After you start your novella, begin writing your first draft. As you write, include small hints about what will happen later in the story. This is called foreshadowing, and it keeps readers interested because they want to see if their guesses are right.

For example:

In the book The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown, the author drops little clues early on that set up bigger surprises later. This keeps the story exciting and makes readers keep guessing.

Make sure your story flows well from one chapter to the next. This helps your story make sense and keeps it interesting all the way through.

8. Take a break and avoid overwriting

It's good to take a break after you've been writing a lot. This stops you from adding too much unnecessary detail, which can make your story hard to follow. When you step away for a bit, you can come back with a clearer view.

Think about it like this: when you return to your novella after a break, you might notice things you didn't before—like parts that are too complicated or just perfect as they are. Taking breaks can really help keep your writing sharp.

So, take some time off. Relax, get some new ideas, and then go back to your writing. You'll probably find it easier to see what needs fixing and what's already great. This way, your novella stays interesting and on point.

9. Revise and start editing from the beginning

After you take a break, it's time to revise and edit your novella from the beginning. Look at your draft like you're reading it for the first time. Check if everything is clear and if the characters and plot make sense.

Cut out parts that aren't needed or that make the story too complicated. Remember, sometimes less is more. Every scene and conversation should help tell your story or show more about your characters.

Also, look at how you're writing. Try to make your sentences simpler and clearer. This helps make your novella fun and easy to read. By editing carefully, you make sure your story is fictional and the best it can be.

10. Tick mark the checklist and all the details in a novella

The next important step is to check everything in your novella. Use a checklist to make sure you didn't miss any details. This means checking:

• If the story makes sense
• If the characters grow and change
• If the places feel real
• If the story moves smoothly from beginning to end

Look over your checklist to see if every part of your story is correct, like the timeline and reasons why characters do things. This helps fix any mistakes and makes your novella better.

Make sure you have checked everything off your list before you finish. This makes sure your novella is ready and well done, whether you are sending it to publishers or getting ready to publish it yourself. Going through your checklist carefully means your novella will be the best it can be.

11. Review and gather valuable feedback

After finishing your draft, the next step is to get feedback. Share your story with friends, other writers, or a writing group. Ask them to tell you what they think about the plot and characters, and if the story is easy to read.

Ask them to point out any parts that are confusing or boring. Feedback from others can help you see things you might have missed. Listen to their suggestions carefully; they can help enhance your story.

12. Finalize your draft and publish

After you use the feedback to improve your novella, it's time to finish it. Check your story one more time to make sure everything makes sense, and your characters and plot are clear. Then, decide how you want to publish it. You can send it to publishers or publish it yourself, which lets you control everything about your book.

When your novella is published, start sharing it on social media, at book readings, or through other ways to let people know about it. Well done! You've written and published your novella!

Let’s know about how to write a novella in this quick short video!

Now it's time to enjoy the advantages of reading this complete guide and see examples of novellas with all the important points.

Example of a novella with key points

Key Points	The Clockmaker's Secret
Main Idea	A young clockmaker discovers an ancient timepiece that can alter time.
Characters	Ella, the clockmaker; Old Mr. Hobbins, the previous mysterious owner.
Plot	Ella repairs the clock and experiences shifts in time, uncovering historical secrets.
Point of View	Third-person omniscient, offering insights into Ella’s thoughts and the story’s broader impacts.
Writing Process	Focuses on revelations and challenges related to the clock's powers and historical impacts.
Revision and Feedback	Incorporates feedback from a mentor and historical experts to refine the historical puzzle.
Publication	Shared at local history clubs and online platforms, targeting fans of history and magic.

A second example of the novella “Last Light”

Last Light is about a group of strangers stuck in a cabin after all the lights in the world go out. They have to figure out how to survive when they realize the power may never come back. The story is told by Lucy, a doctor who becomes the leader. She shares what she and the others, like Sam the troubled engineer, and Derek the mysterious traveler, go through as they face bad weather and dangerous people. The book takes a close look at how they learn to trust each other while they deal with one scary situation after another. Lucy's character grows stronger as the story goes on, thanks to feedback from others. This novella is perfect for readers who love thrillers and is advertised on blogs about survival and adventure.

Ready to write your novella?

You should keep inking pages even if the idea in your mind is not fully developed. Start writing and your story will start making sense with time.

And if it does not complete its length to a novel , you can call it a novella, which is a shorter format of story writing.

Just complete your characters, determine the main plot, draw outlines of your story, and craft your first draft. Then you just have to add in your drafts and improve it. You will have a better version each time you read it.

So, grab your pen or open your laptop and begin your storytelling adventure. Your novella could be the next big hit! Let's get writing and show your story to the world!

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a novella and a novel?

Most people know what a novel is. A novella is a shorter version of a novel, with a length of 17,500 to 40,000 words. It focuses on a single main plot and fewer characters.

What makes a novel, novella, or short story bad or unreadable in your opinion?

Having jargon in the story could be a major reason to make it unreadable. Other than that, characters that do not relate to the readers make it difficult for readers to carry on.

Inconsistent pacing or a lack of engaging conflict can also make any narrative form bad or unreadable.

Do novellas have chapters?

Yes, novellas can have chapters. But these stories are written mostly without breaks. They are focused on a single plot, so to keep the flow of reading constant, breaks are usually avoided.

Additional Information

• Top 7 Cute Short Love Stories That Will Make You Smile
• How to Write a Novel
• 11 Simple Ways to Write Inspirational Stories
• 24 Types of Story Writing
• How to Write a Story About Yourself