While “long-form” articles aren’t exactly novels, they are a way to practice writing that is longer than, say, a blog post. It’s also a way to turn research for a novel into something that a) you might be able to sell, or b) you could use to build an audience for your later work. This article has a few tips about “long-form” articles.
The Secrets of Writing Smart, Long-Form Articles That Go Absolutely Viral