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wikiHow to Write a Novel While at School

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Have you wanted to write a novel, but find that schoolwork gets in the way? No worries! As long as you follow these guidelines and don't give up, you'll have a completed book in no time!


  1. 1
    Have an idea of what you're going to write. You don't need to have the whole novel planned out,yet you need some sort of idea of what your story is going to be about. Try figuring out the genre, plot, and point of view of your novel. It'll make things easier for when you actually start the novel.
  2. 2
    Write a brief description of your characters. Like perhaps the personality, appearance, and background history of a specific character.
  3. 3
    Write a brief description of the plot or main conflict. This is one of the biggest parts in creating a novel. But as long as you have your main characters and a basic outline of what your novel's gonna be about, it won't be too hard to figure out.
  4. 4
    Find time to write. This may be one of the toughest things to do. Between school and the homework you get from it, you may have a hard time getting a break! Try these next steps for extra time.
  5. 5
    Take a writing notebook to class. Inspiration can hit you at any time! If you suddenly get the perfect idea for your novel, start writing. Teachers will think you're taking notes about the class or doing homework.
  6. 6
    If you finish a class assignment on the computer, use the rest of the class period to type your novel on Google Docs or a Word document.
  7. 7
    Finish homework at school, if possible. Then you'll have time to write at home instead of doing work.
  8. 8
    Talk to your English/Reading teacher about your writing. If you tell them you're writing a novel, they're usually more than happy to offer help and advice. You could even learn a new writing technique this way!
  9. 9
    Don't overload yourself with work! If you feel dragged down with assignments and projects, don't feel pressured to work on your novel, too.
  10. 10
    Always value schoolwork above novel work! A novel can wait as long as you like, but most teachers don't have this sort of patience. Finish assignments first!
  11. 11
    Most of all, have fun! Remember that writing a novel isn't like boring homework that must be done. It's something you do in your free time because you enjoy it.

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    • Keep a notebook on you at all times. You never know when inspiration will strike!


    • If you have a strict teacher that won't allow students to write during class, do not try writing in their class for any reason! They could confiscate your precious notebook and keep it. Or, worse yet, he/she could read it aloud to the class or throw it away!
    • If your grades are...less than desirable, put your novel aside for a while and try to focus on school a little more. On the other hand, if it's English class that you're lagging in, writing could help improve your performance in class!

    Things You'll Need

    • A notebook
    • A pencil

    Article Info

    Categories: Novels


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