Writing a novella can be an exciting and rewarding experience for aspiring authors. A novella is a piece of prose fiction that falls between a short story and a full-length novel, generally ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 words. In this article, we’ll walk you through 13 steps to help you write an engaging novella.

1. Choose your genre: First, decide on the genre you want your novella to be in. Popular genres include mystery, romance, science fiction, and historical fiction. Pick one that genuinely interests you and has ample potential for captivating plotlines.

2. Develop the main characters: Create compelling and relatable characters who will drive the narrative forward. Develop their backgrounds, conflicts, appearances, and personalities.

3. Outline your plot: Craft a concise outline for your novella which details the story’s beginning, middle, and end. Keep in mind that because it’s shorter than a novel, your plot should be leaner and more focused.

4. Establish the setting: Describe the time period and location in which your novella takes place. Make sure to provide enough detail to paint a vivid picture for your readers.

5. Determine your point of view: Choose whether you want your story to be told from the first-person or third-person perspective. First-person allows for greater intimacy with the protagonist but limits insight into other characters’ thoughts; third-person offers more narrative freedom but can feel less personal.

6. Write the opening scene: Your opening scene should intrigue readers and encourage them to keep reading. Hint at some of the story’s conflicts while introducing key characters and setting up their motivations.

7. Build tension throughout: Keep readers on their toes by progressively heightening tension as your story unfolds. Introduce new challenges and obstacles for your characters to overcome as they work toward their goals.

8. Maintain pacing: Be mindful of keeping a steady pace throughout your novella by balancing action, dialogue, and description. Remember, you have limited space to engage and impress your readers, so avoid unnecessary filler.

9. Write clear and engaging prose: Brevity is key in a novella; make sure your writing is easy to follow, concise, and engaging. Consider using varied sentence structures and descriptive language to hold the reader’s attention.

10. Craft believable dialogue: Make sure your characters’ dialogue resonates with their personalities, backgrounds, and motivations. Strive to create a natural feel while keeping it purposeful for moving the story forward.

11. Edit ruthlessly: Given its limited length, it’s crucial for every word in your novella to earn its place. Cut any scenes or passages that don’t directly contribute to the story while being careful not to sacrifice important character development or plot points.

12. Revise and polish: After editing your initial draft(s), revise your work until it feels polished – focusing on grammar, accuracy, and overall flow. Consider enlisting the help of beta readers or writing peers for additional feedback.

13. Submit or self-publish: Once you’re satisfied with your final draft, you can either submit it to publishers or literary magazines that accept novellas or consider self-publishing via online platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing.

By following these 13 steps, you’ll be well on your way to crafting an exceptional novella that captivates readers and showcases your skills as an author.