How to Write a School Novel for Teens

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Research names or think up a name that is not used a lot in books for your characters.

   At the same time, you don't want your name to be completely ridiculous, so look for a good balance.
2. 2

   Step 2: Determine your characters.

   Look at the cliques at your school to help you at.
   
   Try not to follow stereotypes, though: it's okay to have a jock who loves to read or a depressed cheerleader.
   
   Sometimes, it helps if you draw them (or get a picture online) and write a short summary of their personality so you get a feel for them. , Maybe it's an all-girls private school, or a school for 'troubled children.' You also will need a name for the school: you can name it after a famous person (Abraham Lincoln High), the town (Hollywood Academy for the Preforming Arts), or a made-up person (Jessica Sydney High School). , Don't go in without an escape route
   - some vague idea of how or where you want the book to end up.
   
   At least know the sub-genre: drama, romance, action? Fantasy? , Your first sentences should hook the reader.
   
   By the first or second chapter, you should have revealed a little bit about the main character and a little bit of the school.
   
   A chapter can be anywhere from a page to thirty pages
   - whatever you do best. , Maybe the main character lost her popularity due to a rumor; maybe she was framed for some rule-breaking.
   
   Keep it original, but also believable.
   
   Ask yourself: could I see this happening in my school? , If you plan on writing a second book, you can leave loose ends or cliffhangers, which is a suspenseful ending, in the last pages. , Tell them to not just give you a positive critique.
   
   I would recommend staying away from parents (They probably will give you a 'Oh I'm so proud!' response).
   
   A good friend, English teacher, older sibling or someone else you're close to would be a good choice. , You can do this yourself, or ask someone you know (see above) to help you, or both. , The book Eragon was written by a fifteen year old boy.
   
   At the same time, remember that publication is a tricky business and it takes an undefinable amount of effort just to get someone to look at your manuscript.
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   Step 3: Choose a setting.

4. 4

   Step 4: Come up with a general idea in your head.

5. 5

   Step 5: Commence writing.

6. 6

   Step 6: Add a major drama or conflict.

7. 7

   Step 7: Resolve the conflict

8. 8

   Step 8: preferably in some unexpected way.

9. 9

   Step 9: Get someone who you know very well to read your work.

10. 10

    Step 10: Reread and edit!

11. 11

    Step 11: If you want to

12. 12

    Step 12: try to get it published.

Detailed Guide

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