A Guide to Writing Your First Novel

A Straightforward, Field-Tested Approach to Writing Compelling, Realistic Fiction

Writing a book is no small task—but neither is leading a mission, commanding a unit, or confronting your past. At Black Trident Publishing, we believe writing should feel as real and raw as the stories that inspire it. Whether you’re a veteran putting pen to paper for the first time or a civilian writer chasing authentic grit, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to crafting a compelling, publishable novel—without the fluff.

1. Know What You’re Writing

Fiction or Nonfiction?

Start with clarity. Are you telling a true story, or are you fictionalizing events based on truth? Memoirs, biographies, and firsthand accounts fall into nonfiction. Novels, even if inspired by real events or missions, are fiction.

Ask yourself:

  • Am I protecting identities or crafting plausible deniability? (Fiction)

  • Am I sticking to fact-based timelines and documented experience? (Nonfiction)

If you’re uncertain, you’re likely writing fiction inspired by reality—our specialty.

2. Clarify Your Concept

Every solid mission starts with an objective. Writing is no different.

Ask:

  • What’s the big “what if” driving your story?

  • Who’s the protagonist, and what does he/she want?

  • What’s standing in their way?

Don’t overthink plot at this stage. Just know the terrain you’re covering.

3. Build Authentic Characters

Forget tropes. We want layered characters who feel real.

For each main character, answer:

  • What’s their background?

  • What have they survived?

  • What scares them?

  • What would they die for?

Start with a bio. Add a flaw. Give them a secret.

Bonus tip: If you served, dig into your own story. Composite characters are a goldmine of truth.

4. Choose the Right Structure

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Three-act structure works:

  • Act I: Set the stakes. Introduce the mission.

  • Act II: Escalate the conflict. Reveal deeper truths.

  • Act III: Bring it to a head. Victory—at a cost.

Keep scenes focused. If it doesn’t move the story or develop the character, cut it.

5. Write with Realism (But Don’t Overwhelm)

Detail matters—but balance is key. Readers want realism, not a field manual.

Tips:

  • Use real tactics, but don’t bog down the pacing.

  • Show emotion through action. Don’t explain—demonstrate.

  • Dialogue should reflect background and experience. Keep it sharp, tight, and true.

6. Develop Discipline: The Writing Routine

Set a word count goal. 200 words a day is better than none.

Suggested tools:

  • Stream-of-consciousness journaling (for character voices)

  • Weekly summary logs (to track story progress)

  • Chapter check-ins (where is the tension? what’s the payoff?)

7. Draft. Reread. Revise. Repeat.

Don’t expect perfection on the first pass. Instead:

  • Get the bones down.

  • Re-read with your reader in mind.

  • Cut mercilessly.

  • Build out where it matters.

Then put it away for a few weeks. Come back with new eyes.

8. Know When to Call for Backup

Every operator needs support. When you’re ready:

  • Beta readers can give fresh perspective.

  • Editors (like ours at Black Trident) can shape your manuscript into a professional product.

  • Cover designers and formatters are mission-critical.

You’re not alone in this.

9. Be Proud of Your Work

Writing a book is an act of courage. Publishing it is an act of faith. Whether your novel explores war, betrayal, espionage, or redemption—it matters. Your voice matters.

Black Trident Publishing is here to elevate your story. Let’s bring your mission to the page.