Novel Writing Techniques and Hacks

Brandon Sanderson discusses National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), a challenge to write a 50,000-word novel in a month. He shares five hacks to help writers start their novels: borrowing structure from existing stories, beginning with a character monologue, focusing on character wants and needs, choosing a type of story progress, and priming the mind before writing. These strategies aim to help writers overcome creative blocks and develop their storytelling skills.

What is the main goal of National Novel Writing Month?

• To write a novel in a year

• To write a novel in a month

• To edit a novel in a month

• To publish a novel in a month

How many words define a novel in the NaNoWriMo challenge?

• 40,000 words

• 60,000 words

• 30,000 words

• 50,000 words

What is one of the benefits of participating in NaNoWriMo according to Brandon?

• It provides a writing mentor

• It ensures a bestseller

• It helps overcome writer's block

• It guarantees publication

Which of Brandon's books was originally written during NaNoWriMo?

• Warbreaker

• The Way of Kings

• Elantris

• Mistborn

What should you do if NaNoWriMo doesn't suit your writing style?

• Abandon the challenge

• Seek professional help

• Force yourself to continue

• Change your writing style

What is the first hack Brandon suggests for writing a novel?

• Focus on character needs

• Choose your progress type

• Start with a monologue

• Borrow your structure

What is a common source of inspiration for borrowing structure?

• Watching a movie

• Browsing social media

• Reading a dictionary

• Listening to music

What is the second hack for starting a novel?

• Focus on dialogue

• Write the ending first

• Start with a character monologue

• Create a detailed outline

What can a character monologue help you discover?

• The antagonist

• The plot twist

• The setting

• Character's inner thoughts

What is the third hack about understanding characters?

• Their physical appearance

• Their hobbies

• Their wants and needs

• Their favorite color