Tips for Writing a Novel

Writing a novel is not only arduous work, it’s very time consuming. But, if it’s your dream, don’t let anyone stand in your way.

Here are some tips for writing that novel:

1. Make sure you are passionate about your novel’s subject matter. Vampire books are extremely popular right now, but if you aren’t passionate about vampires, you’ll have a difficult time maintaining the momentum you need to write a novel. Closely tied to this is to not run after “the next big idea” but rather write about what moves you. The more passionate you are about your novel, the easier it will be to write it.

2. While you write the rough draft, tell you inner editor to take a hike. There will be plenty of time for revision, but don’t sabotage your efforts by demanding that your first draft be publication ready. Give yourself permission to write a terrible first draft while you find the heart of your story.

3. Schedule regular time to write. As with the story of the tortoise and the hare, consistency wins the race. Even if you can only dedicate a few minutes a day to your novel, you will eventually finish it. If you write one page per day (250 words average), you will finish a manuscript within a year. Commit to your writing and it will commit to you.

4. Join writing groups. With the internet, you can now be part of a group online that can keep you motivated and excited to write. Trusted writing partners can help you improve your manuscript by pointing out your strengths and weaknesses as well as pushing you to write your best.

5. Develop a very thick skin. Not everyone will love what you write. Even after publication, you will find people who don’t like, or understand, your writing. That’s okay. Believe in your work, but be prepared for criticism, even if you think you don’t deserve it. When someone gives you feedback on your work, be sure to analyze it to see if it has merit before discarding it.

6. Write the story that’s in your heart. Whether you outline or not, write in the mornings or evenings, edit one time or multiple times, write that story that’s burning in your heart and is yearning to be free. Tips and techniques are fine, but the most important advice is to simply write that story.