If only there was a one stop shop that told you exactly how to write a novel. I've been writing since primary school and published for eleven years with seventeen traditionally published books out there and sales creeping towards a big milestone. But do I still ask myself this question when it's time to write a new book - absolutely!
I know authors with more experience than me who actually Google this very question. There are so many books on the subject and I guarantee most of us still refer to them. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, but it makes me smile that rather than pick up a how to guide we don't just look at the pile of books we've already written and tell ourselves 'You absolutely know how to do this!'
Writers with far less experience than I have are writing books on the subject and there are countless offers online from those who will offer you help and advice for a price. Whilst all these support tools have their place ultimately I don't think we need them and here's why.
If you are a reader, and I'm guessing 99.9% of writers are readers then you already know how to write a novel. Because you read, you know what characters grab and hold your attention, you know that the plot has to keep you turning the pages and you know it has to have a satisfactory and fulfilling ending whatever the genre. You know all these things and more!
Yes, you might need some help with the grammar (I know I do!), and your first draft will be a mess (they always are) and there will be a point in the middle where you will question what on earth you are doing and declare it a pile of poo (it's part of the process).
Fundamentally the most important thing to writing a novel is to start. It is the bum on seat and fingers on keyboard that are the most important. And post-it notes, I can't write without them but that might be a me problem. Someone cleverer than me said you can't edit a blank page and that's the truth. Whether you plan lots beforehand (plotter) or just sit down and go for it (pantser) it's all about getting words written. To distort a very famous Eric Morecambe line 'I'm writing all the right words, but not necessarily in the right order'. Because that's what editing is for!
So basically what I'm saying is you got this, which is a message as much for me as it is for you!
I know authors with more experience than me who actually Google this very question. There are so many books on the subject and I guarantee most of us still refer to them. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, but it makes me smile that rather than pick up a how to guide we don't just look at the pile of books we've already written and tell ourselves 'You absolutely know how to do this!'
Writers with far less experience than I have are writing books on the subject and there are countless offers online from those who will offer you help and advice for a price. Whilst all these support tools have their place ultimately I don't think we need them and here's why.
If you are a reader, and I'm guessing 99.9% of writers are readers then you already know how to write a novel. Because you read, you know what characters grab and hold your attention, you know that the plot has to keep you turning the pages and you know it has to have a satisfactory and fulfilling ending whatever the genre. You know all these things and more!
Yes, you might need some help with the grammar (I know I do!), and your first draft will be a mess (they always are) and there will be a point in the middle where you will question what on earth you are doing and declare it a pile of poo (it's part of the process).
Fundamentally the most important thing to writing a novel is to start. It is the bum on seat and fingers on keyboard that are the most important. And post-it notes, I can't write without them but that might be a me problem. Someone cleverer than me said you can't edit a blank page and that's the truth. Whether you plan lots beforehand (plotter) or just sit down and go for it (pantser) it's all about getting words written. To distort a very famous Eric Morecambe line 'I'm writing all the right words, but not necessarily in the right order'. Because that's what editing is for!
So basically what I'm saying is you got this, which is a message as much for me as it is for you!
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