How the Novel Factory helps writers
The Novel Factory is more than just a database that keeps track of your characters and offers plot templates and a streamlined word processor.
Part of our offering, is to genuinely try to help writers learn the craft of writing, and make their novels the best that they can be.
There are a few key ways in which we do that:
The Roadmap
The Roadmap is a step-by-step guide to writing a novel that was created by Katja Kaine as she developed her own process for writing a novel. It follows a process where you start with the kerel of an idea and keep building on that foundation, expanding, exploring and developing.
It covers all aspects of writing a novel, from the spark of an idea, to the plot and character, locatiosn, editing and more.
The Roadmap is fully integrated into the software, so wherever there is a writing task to complete (such as creating your characters or reworking your plot) you can go to the relevant part of the software and easily complete the task using a carefully designed template or tool.
The Roadmap is also available completely free as an eBook if you sign up for our mailing list, or on our website here.
Integrated Writing Guidance
Throughout the software you can find little ‘i’ icons, which indicate there is further information about a given section. For example, in the Characters section there is a panel for entering details about how a character’s ‘voice’ will be unique.
The panel contains a list of prompt questions, to get you thinking about aspects of a character’s voice, which will help inspire and guide you to make the unique and charismatic.
But as well as that, inb the top right hand corner of that panel is a little ‘i’. If you click that icon, then a sidebar will appear with guidance which expands on each of the questions, giving further information and examples.
Other panels explains different aspects of the craft of writing, with best practice and examples where appropriate.
Blog
We write a host a blog which contains a huge number of articles on every aspect of writing including outlining, anti-villains, secondary characters, inciting incidents, show don’t tell and so much more. Each of our articles is very carefully researched and constructed, with the aim to provide clear definitions and explanations and practical advice.
Facebook Community
Finally, we host a growing Facebook community of writers. Getting feedback and support from other writers can be extremely useful in improving your craft and staying on track. All writers are welcome to join us there – whether you’re just starting out or publishing your 20th crime novel, and you don’t have to be a Novel Factory user to join us.
We discuss the craft of writing, and share tips, advice and encouragement.