How The Novel Factory helps writers
The Novel Factory is more than just a database that gives you plot templates and a streamlined word processor.
Part of our offering is to genuinely try to help writers learn the craft of writing, and to make their novels the best that they can be.
There are a few key ways in which we do that:
- The Roadmap
- Integrated writing guidance
- The Novel Factory Blog
- The Novel Factory Writers Community
You can find out more about each of these below.
The Roadmap
The Roadmap is a step-by-step guide to writing a novel that was created by Katja Kaine, Novel Factory founder, as she developed her own process for writing a novel. It follows a process where you start with the kernel 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, locations, 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.
If you then click the ‘i’ icon in the top right of the panel, a sidebar will appear with guidance which expands on each of the prompt questions, giving further information and examples.
Other panels explains different aspects of the craft of writing, with best practice and examples where appropriate.
The Novel Factory Blog
We write and host a blog which contains a huge number of articles on every aspect of novel writing, including outlining, anti-villains, secondary characters, inciting incidents, ‘show don’t tell’ and so much more. Every one of our articles is carefully researched and constructed, with the aim to provide clear explanations and practical advice. We also have guest articles written by published authors and other experts.
The Novel Factory Writers Community
Finally, we host a growing community of writers in a private Facebook group, where we discuss the craft of writing and share tips, advice and encouragement. Getting feedback and support from other writers can be extremely useful for 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.