The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (2009, Hachette Book Group) is a light novel.

Ever hated novels because they were too long? Maybe because they were boring, perhaps? Well get this! There is a new trend in the writing scene which emerged in Japan in the 90's. This writing trend is a new type of novel called, light novels.

Light novels are under 20,000 words, just like your average novella, but even better. Anime series such as The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya and Shakugan No Shana have also been adaptations of light novels, so get started while you still can!

Steps

1. Read a light novel. If ever you want to get started on writing a light novel, you better read, if not analyze one first. Only one fully and faithfully translated light novel has been released in the United States (i.e. Suzumiya Haruhi), so analyze the writing style of that light novel. And light novels are reliant on dialogue, so look at quotes from characters, and basically how the characters say what they say.
2. Plan out your light novel. Of course, every great novel comes from an idea. Same with light novels. Try a question you want to write about, and one that you can think of answering. Like say, what if the world can be changed by one person and that person just doesn't know it? And don't forget your characters. Every novel has characters, points of view, as well as a setting, plot and theme.
3. Set a schedule. If you want to try getting over writer's block, here's how. Try writing a chapter every 10 days, better if you write it down on a word processor, like Microsoft Word or OpenOffice. If you travel and don't want to use a USB, Google Docs is a good idea for writing on the spot, as well as backing up your stories, characters and info if ever you lose them in some sort of incident or accident where they get deleted.
4. Write your first draft. Sure, the first draft is boldly full of mistakes, spelling errors as well as grammatical errors, yet it works, right? Besides, the first draft is a first draft. You can always re-tool it at your own pace, as much as you want. And after constant re-tooling, you have your first chapter. And do the same with other chapters, until you think they're good enough to be read, if not published.
5. Maintain continuity. What's continuity? Continuity is the consistency, as well as the flow of the light novel when it comes to information, events, or just about anything in your light novel. You don't want fans to say that one event was simply forgotten by the character who knew a lot about it, so keep going back to your chapters for reference. Better if you re-read or analyze important parts of other chapters.
6. Publish it onto a computer. But only do this step when you're really sure that the chapters of your light novel are the best if not, good enough to be published. Type and save your light novel onto a computer, and if there's anything your computer says what's wrong, then right your wrongs on the computer. Better if you proofread before even typing to avoid any more work and stress.
7. Send that work to a publisher. If you can, try to publish it yourself if you don't want to go through any sort of legal matters. Just do your first copy, and then check for a company that can publish 500-2000 copies of your light novel. YOU advertise the book, if ever you manage to bring it to retail. Retailers only market the light novel for you, so talk up your novel with friends or relatives.

Tips

• If ever you want to see common occurrences in literature called tropes, TV Tropes Wiki is a good wiki for understanding all sorts of tropes, and they also provide details on how they are integrated into types of media like Anime, and even reality.
• If ever you want a light novel to have illustrations, manga-esque illustrations are good ways to complement a light novel. Since various light novels have been adapted into manga and anime, why not join in on the fun?
  • Unless of course you want something more realistic, that's a different story.
• Remember that a light novel is under 20,000 words but more than 15,000 words, so if ever wanting to publish it, be sure to convince the publisher that this is not a kid's book. Also, make sure your chapters are under 3,000 words.

Warnings

• DO. NOT. PLAGIARIZE. Three words are enough to sum up a point there.
• Don't obsess over a chapter. Remember that there must be distractions that keep you away from writing. These distractions may even serve as inspiration for you to continue writing your light novel.

Things You'll Need

• A pen/pencil
• A notebook or two
• A computer, preferably a laptop
• An open mind
• An imagination
• A light novel (The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is a great start)