If you have written a story that is around 50,000 words long, you might be wondering if you can turn it into a novel. A novel is usually defined as a work of fiction that is at least 60000 words long, but many novels are much longer than that. In fact, some genres, such as fantasy and science fiction, often require novels to be at least 80000 or 10,0000 words long to be considered marketable.
So how can you turn your 50,000 word story into a 10,0000 word novel? Here are some tips that might help you expand your story without losing its essence or quality.
1. Add subplots. One of the easiest ways to add more words to your story is to introduce subplots that are related to the main plot, but explore different aspects of your characters, themes, or setting. Subplots can also create more tension, suspense, or interest for your readers, as they wonder how the different threads will come together in the end. For example, if your main plot is about a detective solving a murder case, you could add subplots about their personal life, their relationship with their partner, or their backstory.
2. Add more scenes that show rather than tell what is happening. Instead of summarizing or skipping over important events, you could write them out in detail, using dialogue, action, and description. Ttheir will not only make your story longer, but also more immersive and engaging for your readers. For example, if your story is about a girl who falls in love with a vampire, you could add more scenes that show how they met, how they interacted, how they faced challenges, etc.
3. Add more characters that have a role or an impact on the main plot or the subplots. You could introduce new allies, enemies, friends, family members, or other people that your protagonist encounters along their journey. Adding more characters can also create more opportunities for dialogue, conflict, and development for your main character and others. For example, if your story is about a boy who goes on a quest to find a magical artifact, you could add more characters that join him, help him, hinder him, or betray him.
4. Add more description of your setting, characters, and actions. You could use more sensory details, metaphors, similes, and other literary devices to make your writing more vivid and colourful. You could also use more backstory, flashbacks, foreshadowing, and other techniques to add more depth and complexity to your story. For example, if your story is about a woman who travels to a foreign country for work, you could add more description of the culture, the landscape, the people, and her experiences.
5. Add more conflict between your characters and their goals. You could make their obstacles harder, their enemies stronger, their choices tougher, and their consequences worse. You could also add more internal conflict for your characters, such as doubts, fears, guilt, or regrets. Adding more conflict can also make your story more dramatic, exciting, and emotional for your readers. For example, if your story is about a man who wants to become a famous singer, you could add more conflict with their rivals, their family, their fans, or himself.
6. Add more themes that explore the meaning or message of your story. You could use symbols, motifs, allusions, or other devices to convey your themes throughout your story. You could also use different perspectives, voices, or styles to express your themes in different ways. Adding more themes can also make your story more meaningful, thought-provoking, and memorable for your readers. For example, if your story is about a group of rebels fighting against a tyrannical regime, you could add more themes about freedom, justice, power, or loyalty.
7. Add more twists that surprise or shock your readers. You could change the direction of your plot, reveal new information, introduce new complications, or expose hidden secrets. Adding more twists can also make your story more unpredictable, intriguing, and satisfying for your readers. For example, if your story is about a woman who inherits a haunted house from her grandmother, you could add more twists about the origin of the haunting, the identity of the ghost, or the fate of the woman.
8. Add more humour that makes your readers laugh or smile. You could use jokes, puns, irony, sarcasm, or other forms of humour to lighten up the mood of your story. You could also use humour to contrast with the seriousness or darkness of your story, to create relief or balance for your readers. Adding more humour can also make your story more enjoyable, funny, and relatable for your readers. For example, if your story is about a zombie apocalypse survivor who tries to find other survivors, you could add more humour about their encounters with zombies, their survival skills, or their personality.
9. Add an epilogue that shows what happens after the main plot ends. You could use an epilogue to wrap up any loose ends, to show the consequences of the main plot, to give closure or satisfaction to your readers. You could also use an epilogue to hint at a sequel or a spin-off of your story, to create curiosity or anticipation for your readers. Adding an epilogue can also make your story longer without affecting its pace or structure too much. For example, if your story is about a spy who saves the world from a nuclear threat, you could add an epilogue that shows their retirement, their new life, or their next mission.
10. Add a prologue that shows what happens before the main plot begins. You could use a prologue to set up the context, the background, or the inciting incident of your story. You could also use a prologue to hook, intrigue, or puzzle your readers. Adding a prologue can also make your story longer without affecting its pace or structure too much. For example, if your story is about a wizard who discovers a hidden world of magic, you could add a prologue that shows their childhood, their first encounter with magic, or their invitation to join the wizarding world.