Disclaimer: I am no expert, nor a novice. I am like you, constantly learning about writing novels, because, one cannot become better without three things; practice, research, and more practice.
"Everyone can write a novel. Not everyone will write a good novel. " - authors everywhere
Since you are searching for how to start a novel or how can I write a novel or what do I need to know to write a novel, I believe you are one of those who will end up writing a Good novel. Learning how to create a novel is more important than knowing how. Who would have thought?
You want to write a novel?
That's amazing! Welcome to the group of daydreamers and hard workers who might never get paid. Let's jump to an agreement. Writing is hard. Writing a novel is harder. Yet, so many have done it before you, so I believe you can do it too. Learning about the process of bringing a story to a finished novel can be very overwhelming. I really hope these blog posts can make your journey a little easier.
Things to Know Before You Start
You need to know your WHY. Why do you want to write your novel? Do you have a story in mind that you just have to tell? Do you want to be a bestseller on the New York Times Bestseller list? Do you want to live off of writing? Do you have a story that just has to be told? The why is what will keep you going when things get tough. And trust me, it WILL get tough.
Writing is a mental game. There will be many times in your author journey when you will doubt yourself. The more you learn about the process the more you wonder if you can do it. Second-guessing is the end of many authors' careers. But if you know your why you can push through and reach the X on the map. You just have to believe in yourself and your imaginary crew.
Be Realistic
If I were to tell you to just start, I would be doing you a disservice, especially if you want to make writing a career. Please don't get me wrong. Write the story. I know you can do that, and you should if that is your goal, your why. But writing is only 5% of a writing career. A story is not enough. It is only the beginning. Prepare to be like Naruto or Katniss, meet extreme challenges at every turn, get up and push forward.
If you want to make a living and get rich from writing, you should reconsider. Very few can quit their jobs to write full-time. I highly recommend keeping that day job while you aim for your dream. Prepare to write in your free time and every opportunity.
Writing a book is hard and time-consuming. It can take years. Writing a book is not glamorous. It can be lonely, frustrating, and disappointing. After spending years on that story, no one will love the story more than you. So be prepared to defend it, fight for it, stand by it, and show others why they should love it too.
Very few hit the bestseller lists and usually, those who do have many books and short stories behind them. Even if you hit the bestseller list it might not be a sustainable income. I write this not to stop you from writing. I write this to prepare your expectations. If you still want to write that book then you are ready to start.
With Time Everything is Possible
Writing is a skill. Sure storytelling, can to some, be more innate. But even Stephen King had to work on his craft. The more hours spent on writing and learning the craft of storytelling, the more likely you will be to fulfill your why. So take your time. It does not have to happen overnight. Slow and steady finishes a book.
If Others Can, So Can You
You don’t have to be a trained writer. You don’t need a literary degree, and you don’t even have to be the best at what you do. Writing and finishing a novel is all persistence and hard work. It’s not only a passion, it’s a job. You have to show up and do it. It doesn’t matter if your sentence structure and prose are perfect if you don’t write. You don’t feel like you've got what it takes? Don’t worry, you can learn. Just show up and do the work. Before you know it you will have a published novel.
It's Going to Suck
You're going to hate your own story, your writing, your world-building. Be prepared to be your own worst enemy. You will have plenty of days where you want to quit and this is why your WHY is so important. The why is what will help you show up and push through. So what if your first book is not the best thing ever written? You wrote it! And the next one is sure to be even better!
Don’t Worry About Criticism
Because you will be the biggest critic anyway. Sure some might tell you your story sucks and some will tell you it’s the best thing they have ever read. Your why is what matters. Don’t forget why you write and no one can stop you!
Learn Marketing Along the Way
Already have this skill and a platform to build from? Heck yeah. If not. You will have to get over your fear of self-promotion. Even the best authors that sign with large traditional publishers need to market themselves. Start slow. Write a blog. Study up which social platforms you want to be on. Learn marketing strategies. Do what you find less intrusive to your life, then build from there. It’s not the end of the world. It is just another skill of writing a novel.
Learn From Others!
This might be the most important advice. Others have paved the way so you can run. As always, take any information from the interweb with a dash of caution. Make informed decisions based on what you think will work for you and the genres you want to write. Knowing the rules is important. That way we can break them.
Here are some resources that helped me when I started my writing journey:
YouTube
Abbie Emmons - She has some very informed and refreshing takes on writing, storytelling, and publishing. Link.
Diana Callahan - She gives very thorough and motivating posts about writing. Link.
Brandon Sanderson - the king of publishing, has shared so much valuable material on how to write novels on YouTube. I highly recommend watching all of them. Link.
Books
On Writing by Stephen King - I highly recommend reading this small memoir/writing tips, by King. It was the book that helped me push past my perfectionism and just start.
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Broder based on Blake Snyder. This book should be a staple. A reference to every book you write. GET THIS NOW!
When should you start writing?
You can start right now. If you have the story in mind, nothing can stop you. Sit down and write. Learn the process as you go. Writing is an individual journey. However, I recommend learning a little more about storytelling before you fully dive in. Doing some research now will save you a lot of stress and time later. At least the fundamentals. Which is what I will write about in the next blog posts. But again, I want to preface. Your author journey is your own. No one can tell you how it should go or what it should look like. It is up to you to find your path. To unlock the next level, your special move. Like Karate Kid taught us. Nothing comes without hard work and persistence.
This blog series will focus on each step in the writing process: from starting your first draft to your polished manuscript.
These are some of the topics I will write about:
Uncovering the Power of Storytelling: Finding Your Story
How to Create a Compelling Story: Save The Cat!
"Crafting Compelling Worlds: Tips for Developing Your World, Places, and Rules"
"Exploring the Importance of Genres: Understanding Literature and Film"
"How to Build Believable Characters in Your Writing: Tips and Techniques"
"How to Create a Novel Outline and Plan Like a Pro"
"Breaking Down The Craft of Writing: A Closer Look at Technique and Style"
"Mastering the Art of Consistent Writing: Tips and Strategies"
Curious about my journey as an author? Sign up for my newsletter to get exclusive content I only share with subscribers—like special discounts, early access to new releases, and a behind-the-scenes look at my writing process.
Comments