Short, Sharp, and Impactful: The Novella

Writing a Novella

Writing a novella can be an exciting journey for any writer, but it’s often misunderstood as just a “shorter novel.” In reality, a novella has unique requirements and offers distinct advantages. In this guide, we’ll delve into what makes a novella special, explore the specific structure and pacing novellas demand, and provide strategies to help you create a compelling story. Whether you’re exploring novellas as a standalone option or as a way to expand your writing repertoire, this guide offers the practical steps to get started.

What Is a Novella?

A novella is typically a narrative work between 20,000 and 40,000 words. Novellas sit between short stories and full-length novels, requiring the depth of character and thematic exploration of a novel but with the concise focus of a short story. Famous novellas like The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote showcase the impact and appeal of the form, demonstrating that novellas can be both concise and resonant.

How Is Writing a Novella Different from Writing a Novel?

A novella isn’t just a novel with fewer words; it often has a narrower scope, a tighter cast of characters, and a singular focus on theme or event. Where novels can explore multiple subplots and broader character development, novellas require precision in storytelling.

Focused Narrative Arc

Novellas often revolve around a single conflict, theme, or transformation, avoiding the subplots and layered storylines typical in novels.

Economy of Characters

Due to the concise word count, novellas usually have fewer characters, each of whom plays a significant role in advancing the story or themes.

Pacing and Structure

Unlike novels that might build tension over several chapters, novellas require swift pacing and can often follow simpler structures, like the “three-act” structure.

The structure and scope of a novella make it especially suitable for stories that don’t need the expansive length of a novel but demand more room for development than a short story.

Is a Novella Right for Your Story?

For authors, a novella may be the perfect choice when:

You have a high-concept idea that doesn’t require extensive worldbuilding or character development.

The story centers on one main character or a small cast and a singular plotline.

You want a quicker publication turnaround—novellas are often published faster than novels, making them ideal if you’re experimenting with new ideas or reaching new audiences.

One misconception about novellas is that they’re “easier” to write due to their shorter length. However, writing a novella demands discipline, especially since every word counts! With limited space, each scene, character, and plot point must be intentional and focused.

Ideal Structures and Formats for Writing a Novella

Just because novellas are shorter doesn’t mean they require less structure. Several story structures can help create a well-paced, engaging novella. Here are a few popular formats:

1. Three-Act Structure

The three-act structure is one of the simplest and most effective frameworks for novellas. The first act introduces the character and conflict, the second act complicates or escalates the situation, and the third act brings resolution.

Act One: Introduce the protagonist, setting, and core conflict. The inciting incident should come quickly, often within the first 1,000–2,000 words.

Act Two: Heighten the stakes, introducing obstacles that challenge the protagonist’s goal. This should occupy roughly 60% of the story.

Act Three: The protagonist reaches a turning point, resulting in either victory or defeat. Endings in novellas often resonate on an emotional level, leaving a strong impression.

2. Hero’s Journey

The Hero’s Journey, a classic structure popularized by Joseph Campbell, can also be effective for novellas, though it may need to be streamlined. This structure is ideal for transformation stories where a protagonist undergoes significant change or growth.

3. In Media Res

Beginning the novella “in media res” (in the middle of the action) allows the story to start with momentum, immediately drawing readers in. This structure often works well for thrillers or mysteries where the conflict is introduced immediately, and the protagonist must backtrack to uncover causes or motivations.

How to Outline a Novella

Once you have a story idea and have chosen a structure, the next step (if you’re a planner, that is) is outlining. Here’s a methodical approach to organizing your novella:

1. Define Your Core Concept and Theme

Unlike novels, which can explore multiple themes, novellas are usually centered around a single theme or idea. This theme should be clear from the outset, influencing both character motivations and plot direction. For example, in Animal Farm by George Orwell, the theme of power and corruption is central to every scene and character choice.

2. Identify Key Plot Points

If you’re using the three-act structure, sketch out the essential plot points:

Inciting Incident: What propels the protagonist into the central conflict?

Midpoint: What twist or revelation changes the stakes or direction of the story?

Climax: What decision or action defines the protagonist’s outcome?

Outlining these milestones ensures your novella remains focused and progresses toward a conclusion.

3. Outline Each Scene with Purpose

Each scene in a novella must move the story forward, either by developing the character, escalating conflict, or adding to the theme. A simple way to outline scenes is using the “Scene and Sequel” method:

Scene: Present a goal, conflict, and outcome.

Sequel: Allow the character to react, process, or make decisions based on the scene.

4. Create Character Arcs

In novellas, characters typically undergo one primary transformation or realization. This transformation should align closely with your theme, giving the novella a cohesive feel. Outline the “before” and “after” states for your protagonist and determine how each key scene propels this change.

5. End with Impact

A novella’s ending should feel definitive, even if it’s ambiguous. Since novellas focus on a central theme or emotion, endings often resonate emotionally rather than tying up every loose end. Aim for an ending that feels satisfying and reflective of the novella’s core message.

Tips and Tools for Writing a Novella

Writing a novella may feel like a sprint compared to the marathon of novel writing, but it still requires planning and discipline. Here are some additional tips and resources to support your writing:

Limit the POV: Novellas are often written from a single point of view to maintain focus. If you choose multiple POVs, keep them limited and purposeful.

Set Word Count Goals: A typical novella chapter is around 1,500–2,500 words. Set daily or weekly word count goals to complete each chapter on schedule.

Editing: Since every word in a novella counts, editing is critical. Aim to cut any scenes or descriptions that don’t advance the plot or develop the character.

Resources for Writing a Novella

For writers ready to begin their novella journey, these resources offer valuable insights and tools:

Books: Structuring Your Novel by K.M. Weiland offers great advice on structure that can be applied to novellas.

Online Courses: Platforms like MasterClass and Skillshare have courses on story structure and editing, which are helpful for learning novella pacing.

Writing Software: Programs like Scrivener are ideal for organizing and outlining, while Hemingway Editor helps maintain concise prose.

Embrace the Power of Concise Storytelling

Novellas are an opportunity for writers to explore shorter, intense narratives that resonate with readers. By understanding the unique demands of the form and using an organized approach to outlining, you can create a novella that leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re an experienced novelist looking for a change or a new writer wanting to experiment, the novella format offers an exciting, achievable project to broaden your storytelling skills. Embrace the novella’s compact power and start crafting a story that captivates from beginning to end.

Reading novellas in your target genre can be an invaluable way to hone your craft, offering insight into concise storytelling, tight pacing, and powerful character arcs. Here are a few of my favorite novellas that exemplify the unique strengths of this form!

Erin K. Larson-Burnett, Production Manager at Atmosphere Press (submit your manuscript here!), is a born-and-raised Southerner currently living in Katy, Texas, with her husband and their small domestic zoo. She is an avid ink drinker who lives and breathes books—during the day, she works remotely with authors around the world, honing and perfecting books published through Atmosphere Press. By night, she crafts her own stories…or at least tries to. The Bear & the Rose is her debut novel.