From Middle School Classroom to Novel Writing: Applying the Writing Process

Bringing a Novel to Life Like a 7th Grader, but Better

Writing a novel can seem like an insurmountable task, especially if you’ve never written one before. But what if I told you that the same principles I used to teach 7th graders how to write can be applied to crafting your first novel? Buckle up, because I’m about to dive into the writing process, complete with anecdotes from the classroom.

The Writing Process: A 7th Grade Classroom Approach

Let’s start with the basics. In a 7th grade classroom, the writing process looks something like this:

1. Prewriting
2. Drafting
3. Revising
4. Editing
5. Publishing

This straightforward approach breaks down writing into manageable steps. Now, let’s see how each of these stages can help you, a newbie novelist, tackle your first book.

Prewriting: The Foundation of Your Novel

In the Classroom: Prewriting in middle school often involves brainstorming sessions, mind maps, and graphic organizers. Students are encouraged to jot down ideas, think about their audience, and outline their main points.

For Your Novel: Think of prewriting as the blueprint for your book. This is where you brainstorm your plot, develop your characters, and outline the structure of your story. If you’re anything like me, you might find this stage both exhilarating and overwhelming. Here are some tips to get started:

• Brainstorming: Let your imagination run wild. Write down every idea that comes to mind, no matter how outlandish. Remember, you’re not committing to anything yet.
• Character Development: Create detailed profiles for your main characters. Think about their backgrounds, motivations, and how they’ll grow throughout the story.
• Plot Outlining: Map out the major events of your novel. A simple outline can help you see the big picture and ensure your story has a logical flow.

When I taught 7th graders, we’d spend a good chunk of time on prewriting. It’s like planning a road trip; you wouldn’t just jump in the car and drive aimlessly, would you? The same goes for writing a novel. Plan your route before you hit the road.

Drafting: Putting Pen to Paper

In the Classroom: Drafting is where students begin to translate their ideas into written form. It’s messy, full of cross-outs and margin notes, but it’s the first step towards creating a finished piece.

For Your Novel: This is where the magic happens—or at least, where it begins. Your first draft is your opportunity to let your story spill out onto the page. Don’t worry about perfection; focus on getting your ideas down. Here’s how to tackle the drafting phase:

• Set Goals: Aim for a certain word count each day. Writing a novel can feel like running a marathon, and daily goals keep you on track.
• Embrace the Mess: Your first draft won’t be perfect, and that’s okay. Give yourself permission to write badly. You can fix it later.
• Stay Consistent: Try to write every day. Consistency builds momentum and helps you stay connected to your story.

I used to tell my students, “The first draft is just you telling yourself the story.” It’s true for novels too. Your draft is the raw material you’ll refine later.

Revising: The Heart of the Writing Process

In the Classroom: Revising is all about refining and improving the draft. Students learn to add detail, reorganize content, and enhance their writing.

For Your Novel: Revision is where your novel starts to take shape. This stage is critical, as it transforms your rough draft into something more polished and cohesive. Here are some revision tips:

• Take a Break: After finishing your draft, step away from it for a while. Fresh eyes will help you see your work more objectively.
• Focus on Structure: Ensure your plot makes sense and that your characters’ actions are believable. Look for plot holes and inconsistencies.
• Enhance Your Prose: Work on your writing style. Add descriptive details, vary your sentence structure, and eliminate redundancy.

In my classroom, revising was often the most challenging part for students. They’d groan at the thought of reworking their drafts, but it was also where their writing improved the most. The same goes for your novel. Revision is where the real writing happens.

Editing: Polishing Your Work

In the Classroom: Editing involves correcting grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. It’s the final step before presenting the finished piece.

For Your Novel: Editing is your chance to polish your prose and ensure your writing is clear and error-free. This stage can be tedious, but it’s essential for a professional-looking manuscript. Here’s how to approach editing:

• Proofread: Look for typos, grammar mistakes, and awkward phrasing. Reading your work aloud can help you catch errors.
• Seek Feedback: Consider hiring a professional editor or asking a trusted friend to review your manuscript. Fresh perspectives can catch mistakes you might miss.
• Use Tools: There are plenty of editing tools available, like Grammarly or Hemingway, to help you refine your writing.

In 7th grade, editing was often a collaborative process. Students would exchange papers and help each other catch mistakes. For your novel, consider joining a writers’ group or finding a critique partner to help with this stage.

Publishing: Sharing Your Masterpiece

In the Classroom: Publishing can mean sharing a piece with the class, displaying it on a bulletin board, or submitting it to a school publication.

For Your Novel: Publishing a novel is a whole different ball game, but it’s the ultimate goal. Whether you choose traditional publishing or self-publishing, getting your book into readers’ hands is the final step. Here’s what to consider:

• Traditional Publishing: Research literary agents and publishers that fit your genre. Prepare a query letter and synopsis, and be prepared for rejection—it’s part of the process.
• Self-Publishing: Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) make it easier than ever to publish your book independently. You’ll have control over the process but will also handle all aspects of publishing and marketing.
• Marketing: No matter how you publish, marketing is crucial. Build an online presence, engage with your readers, and promote your book through social media, blogs, and book events.

When my students shared their work, the pride and excitement were palpable. Publishing your novel is no different. It’s a chance to share your hard work with the world.

Applying Middle School Lessons to Novel Writing

Writing a novel is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience, dedication, and a willingness to learn and adapt. By applying the writing process I used to teach 7th graders, you can break down the daunting task of novel writing into manageable steps. Here’s a recap of how to apply these lessons:

1. Prewriting: Brainstorm, develop your characters, and outline your plot.
2. Drafting: Set daily writing goals, embrace the mess, and stay consistent.
3. Revising: Take a break, focus on structure, and enhance your prose.
4. Editing: Proofread, seek feedback, and use editing tools.
5. Publishing: Choose your publishing path and market your book.

Remember, every writer’s process is unique. What works for one person might not work for another. The key is to find a rhythm that suits you and stick with it.

Final Thoughts

Writing a novel might seem intimidating, but if a room full of 7th graders can navigate the writing process, so can I. Embrace each stage, from prewriting to publishing, and allow yourself to learn and grow along the way. With patience, persistence, and a dash of middle school wisdom, I’m well on my way to finishing my first novel.

So, grab your notebook (or laptop), channel your inner 7th grader, and start writing. Who knows? This story might just be the next big thing.