The moment you become a writer (published or not) the floodgates open: it seems that everyone you meet either wants to write a book, or has a good idea for one. And this is a good thing: I fully support creativity. Just don’t expect me to write your book for you. Anyone who has a great idea (which they usually explain to me at length, and in detail), I’m going to tell the same thing: “That sounds awesome! You should write that!”
And it’s true: you totally should!
There’s no quick and easy way to write a novel, but if you ever want to give it a shot, here are some tips that will help:
Get a Plan
What kind of novel do you want to write? How much time are you willing to spend working on it? Can you get a character sketch together in advance? How about an outline? Do you know where your story is headed, or are you a “fly by the seat of your pants” kind of writer? Will you write longhand or use a computer? There’s no wrong way to go about writing a book, but it helps to map out your strategy in advance.
Start Small and Set Specific, Concrete Goals
“I’m going to write today” doesn’t cut it. Neither does “I’m going to write an entire novel today.” Be sure you set realistic goals. Try to write a chapter a day. Or set a word count. When I’m working on a novel, I’m happy if write 1,000 words a day. Some days will be better, some won’t go quite as well. Which brings me to. . . .
Keep a Positive Outlook
Let’s face it. There are some days when you’ll feel like everything you read is miraculous and everything you write is total crap, and there is no way you will ever compare. Try to eliminate this negativity from your life. Focus on the good: you’re writing your novel! You’re stretching your creative wings! That should be motivation in itself to keep pressing on. Besides, everyone knows that first drafts usually look pathetic: that’s what revisions are for!
Beware of Obstacles
What is going to keep you from writing this book? A hectic schedule? Demands from family and friends? Sit down and note your daily activities. Where does most of your time go? Is there anything you can cut out of your schedule? If not, many writers sacrifice sleep, burning the midnight oil while everyone else is in bed. Or maybe you’d rather wake up early. Give up TV time. Whatever you decide, keep in mind that there are things in our lives that will suck time away from us if we’re not careful. You might have to start saying “No.”
Find a Support System
There are many local and online writers’ groups. Do some research and find one worth joining. Camaraderie is a necessity. You’re going to need a friend to bounce ideas around with; someone to vent to; an extra pair of eyes to proofread for you. Only a writer will understand what you’re going through as you write a draft, and chances are you’re going to need the insight.
Use Public Accountability
The fact is that you’re more likely to keep working towards your goals if you’re actively discussing them. Consider starting a blog and holding yourself accountable for a certain word count per day. If you know that your followers are waiting for an update on your progress, you will be more likely to follow through.
Get Up and Try Again
Life happens. Sometimes things don’t go as planned. It’s important to remember, though, that no novel was ever written where the author quit. Keep pushing forward. Don’t beat yourself up. Sure, you might have fallen behind, but you’re not a failure. Pick back up try again. When you reach “The End,” you’ll be glad you did.
By the way: National Novel Writing Month is coming soon. Consider signing up (www.nanowrimo.org). See if you (like thousands of other participants each year) can get your novel cranked out in November. It’s only 1,666 words a day! Totally manageable!
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