First Principles Thinking and 5 Steps for Writing a Novel
“First principles is kind of a physics way of looking at the world. You boil things down to the most fundamental truths and then reason up from there.” — Elon Musk
For new, independent authors, the idea of writing a novel can feel overwhelming. The characters, plot, setting, and pacing all need to work together in harmony, but where do you start? What if you could approach the novel-writing process using techniques that innovators like Elon Musk use to solve complex problems?
By combining first principles thinking with Elon Musk’s 5-step design process, you can break down the novel-writing journey into manageable steps. This allows you to focus on the core elements of storytelling and streamline the creative process.
In this second part of our writer’s guide series on the principle and process, we’ll explore how to apply these techniques to writing a novel that captivates readers and stands out in a competitive market.
Start with First Principles Thinking
First principles thinking encourages you to strip away preconceived notions and assumptions about writing a novel. Instead of relying on common tropes or writing habits, this approach pushes you to dig deeper into what you truly want to convey in your story.
Ask yourself: What is the essence of my story? Why does this particular narrative need to be told? What are the core truths or messages I want my readers to take away? This method encourages you to question every aspect of your novel—characters, plot, and themes—until you’re left with only your story’s most fundamental building blocks. From there, you can develop a narrative that’s original, grounded in authentic ideas, and truly unique to your voice.
5-Step Design Process Applied to Writing a Novel
Once you’ve uncovered your story’s core elements, you can apply Elonn Musk’s 5-step design process to streamline the writing process and keep your novel focused.
1. Define the Requirements
Before you dive into writing, clearly define the requirements for your novel.
- What genre are you working in?
- Who is your target audience?
- What emotions do you want to evoke in your readers?
Avoid adding elements that don’t align with these requirements. Focusing on your story’s core goals will ensure tone, style, and message consistency.
2. Delete Part or Process
Many new writers fall into the trap of adding too many subplots, characters, or themes, thinking it will enrich the story. However, less can often be more. Delete anything that doesn’t directly serve your novel’s primary plot or character development. Streamlining your story keeps the pacing tight and ensures your readers stay engaged.
3. Simplify or Optimize
With only the essential parts of your story in place, look for ways to simplify and optimize.
- Can a long exposition be shortened?
- Could a complex character arc be communicated with fewer scenes?
The goal is to present your story in the clearest, most compelling way possible, without losing its emotional impact.
4. Accelerate Cycle Time
Writing a novel can be a long process, but it doesn’t have to be. Implementing a faster writing cycle can help you avoid getting stuck in endless drafts. Write a scene, get early feedback from a trusted reader or writer’s group, revise quickly, and move forward. This method allows you to maintain momentum and keep your creativity flowing.
5. Automate
Once your novel is simplified and optimized, you can automate repetitive processes, like editing and organizing your notes. Use tools to manage grammar checks, formatting, and even track character arcs across multiple drafts. By automating these smaller tasks, you can stay focused on your creative work—building your characters and refining your plot.
Combining These Approaches Helps Your Success
By applying first principles thinking and the 5-step design process, you’ll approach novel writing with a fresh perspective that challenges assumptions and cuts out unnecessary complexity. This method ensures your story stays true to its core, providing readers with a focused, engaging narrative.
You’ll also develop a faster, more efficient writing process, allowing you to overcome common roadblocks like slow pacing, too many subplots, or characters that don’t contribute to the overall arc. Instead of getting bogged down in endless revisions, you can move confidently from one draft to the next, bringing your novel closer to completion with each step.
Clear Framework
For independent authors, writing a novel can feel like a marathon. However, by employing first principles thinking and Elon Musk’s design process, you can break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. These approaches will help you focus on what truly matters in your story, streamline the writing process, and ultimately produce a novel that resonates with readers. With this clear framework, your novel won’t just be another book on the shelf—it’ll stand out for its originality and sharp, focused storytelling.
We trust you’ve found our writer’s guide strategies enlightening and inspirational. They are designed to equip you with the tools and insights to bolster your success as a burgeoning author.
For more help, read these other writer’s guides in the series: First Principles and 5 Steps for Writing Non-Fiction, First Principles and 5 Step Process for Book Publishing, AND Storytelling: 4 Secret to Building Your Author Business.
The path of writing is one filled with ceaseless learning and enhancement. You are not expected to tread this path solo. We’re thrilled to accompany you on this journey, offering support and motivation at every turn. We aim to deliver foundational knowledge and pragmatic guidance, enabling you to traverse the literary landscape with amplified confidence.
Don’t wait. Start today! How can we help? To let us know, please fill out our contact form. Happy writing!
If you have a draft you want to publish with the help of AI, read, Is Your Book Ready to Self-Publish? Lastly, for help writing a non-fiction book, read Write Your First Non-Fiction eBook: a 30-Day Workbook for Getting It Done.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know if my story is worth telling?
- Consider whether your story offers a new perspective, explores unique themes, or connects deeply with human experiences. If it feels meaningful to you, chances are it will resonate with others.
How can I overcome writer’s block while writing my novel?
- Try breaking the problem down to its simplest parts. Focus on one scene or character at a time and use feedback from readers to keep moving forward. You might also find it helpful to simplify your writing process.
How do I handle feedback from beta readers or editors?
- Stay open to constructive criticism, but use first principles to assess whether the feedback aligns with your core story. If it doesn’t, don’t be afraid to reject suggestions that stray too far from your vision.
Should I outline my entire novel before writing?
- Outlining can help you stay organized, but it’s not mandatory. If you prefer discovery writing, you can still apply Musk’s process by iterating and simplifying as you go, without needing a rigid outline.
How can I maintain consistency in character development throughout the novel?
- Use tools or software to track character arcs, relationships, and motivations across chapters. This will ensure that your characters’ development is cohesive and builds naturally with the story.
Additional Resources
1st Principles: Elon Musk on the Power of Thinking for Yourself (JamesClear.com)
