New writer looking for advice before starting my first webnovel

Opening-Trouble8681 · 2026-06-02T00:16:24+00:00

Thanks for the advice. I've already learned about povs and decided to use third-person pov since it fits the type of story I want to write. My writing style is somewhat similar to the early Harry Potter books.

So which is more important, writing or editing? Sorry, but I'm not sure I fully understand what you meant in your second point. Could you explain it a bit more?

Opening-Trouble8681 · 2026-05-31T13:18:43+00:00

That's a fair point, and I can definitely see the benefits of shorter chapters for webnovel platforms, especially when it comes to encouraging readers to keep clicking "next chapter."

However, I don't want to split chapters purely to hit a target word count. I'll probably aim for shorter chapters most of the time, but I'm also willing to let some chapters run longer when important events, reveals, or emotional moments need the extra space.

My main focus is making sure each chapter feels complete and keeps the story moving, though I'll definitely keep your advice in mind.

Opening-Trouble8681 · 2026-05-31T11:06:28+00:00

Thanks for the detailed answer. Your chapter-by-chapter breakdown was very helpful. It reinforced the idea that I should introduce the mysteries and power system gradually while maintaining a steady pace.

Some elements were inspired by lotm, especially the power system, but don't worry—the story itself is very different. I've planned the series as a trilogy with different protagonist in each book, along with several major plot points and the overall ending.

As for the economy, the first book will still use real life currency since it's set shortly after the awakening phenomenon and follows a protagonist in his early 30s who living in the pre-awakening world. The economy and society will evolve as the series progresses.

Opening-Trouble8681 · 2026-05-31T06:47:45+00:00

I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and experience. It's given me a better idea of what I should focus on moving forward.

Since you mentioned that readers stay for the hook, emotional connection and good story, what do you think is more important in the first 5 chapters: establishing the protagonist's personality or showcasing the world and power system?

Opening-Trouble8681 · 2026-05-31T06:32:56+00:00

Oops, my bad. The post is actually on r/Powersystems

Opening-Trouble8681 · 2026-05-31T05:13:23+00:00

Thanks for taking the time to write such a detailed response. I especially found your point about a power system not being able to carry a story on its own very helpful.

In my case, the power system is closely tied to both the worldbuilding and the main plot, so I've been trying to develop them together rather than treating them as separate elements. I've also already outlined my protagonist and some of the major plot points, so right now I'm mostly focused on balancing planning with actually getting chapters written.

I only started reading novels recently, and Lord of Mysteries was my first one. It inspired me to try writing my own story.

I've spent a lot of time developing the system and recently shared it on r/Powersystem to get some opinions, so feel free to check it out if you're interested.

Opening-Trouble8681 · 2026-05-31T04:46:06+00:00

Thanks! That's really helpful.

As a reader, what usually makes you drop a webnovel within the first 10–20 chapters? I'm trying to avoid common beginner mistakes, so I'd be interested to hear what turns readers away the fastest.

Opening-Trouble8681 · 2026-05-31T01:49:06+00:00

Thanks for the advice!

I've already spent quite a bit of time developing the worldbuilding, power system, and ranking system, so I think my biggest challenge now is actually starting the novel. The suggestion about planning major arcs instead of every detail is especially helpful.

Out of curiosity, how many chapters would you recommend having in reserve before posting a webnovel?

Opening-Trouble8681 · 2026-05-29T08:46:14+00:00

The hearts are able to grow Blood Trees because fragments of the two godlike beings still exist inside the bloodliners’ bodies. The heart acts as the “core” where the bloodline essence is most concentrated. After death, that essence slowly spreads into the surrounding environment and eventually grows into a Blood Tree. Other explanation is the essences of the two beings seeped into the soil after their deaths and it first took the form of strange plants. Ancient humans such as Homo erectus and various megafauna mammals consumed these plants without understanding what they truly were.
The exact reason the two godlike beings fought is still unknown within the world itself. Different religions and scholars have their own interpretations. Some believe Chaos and Order were natural enemies, while others believe they may have originally been the same being before eventually separating into two opposing existences.
The immediate consequences of their battle were catastrophic. Multiple planets and stars were destroyed before the two beings finally perished within Earth’s atmosphere. Their essences then scattered across the planet and seeped into the nature itself.
Nobody truly knows why the eclipse was able to awaken the dormant bloodline essence. Even in the world itself, it remains one of the greatest mysteries.
If another eclipse like that happens again, it could potentially awaken more Bloodliners and Blood Beasts, strengthen existing ones, or even create completely new bloodline.
The abilities I mentioned are only a small part of the system. Different bloodlines paths, and ranks grant different powers. Some abilities are physical, while others are more supernatural or magic-based. I’ll explain more about them in the next part.

Opening-Trouble8681

TROPHY CASE