Dana's Novel Writing 101
I've had a lot of readers and aspiring writers ask me how to write a novel.
Since I've written five so far - with dozens more planned - I know a little bit about novel writing. I'm not an expert by any means - nor will I ever be - but I'd still like to share with you what I've learned.
I call this Dana's Novel Writing 101 - and class is in session.
Writing a Novel is Different For Everyone
This is true. How I write a novel is probably different from how you'll write one. The best thing you can do is find out what works for you and your schedule. Try writing at different times and in different styles. You'll learn which one suits you best and makes you the most productive.
Remember: Writing is a learning process. You will discover things about yourself you never knew before. You'll learn which stories interest you and ones which bore you to death - and then you'll have story ideas that demand you write them, right now. Those are always fun to write - the desperation makes it better.
Take it slowly. One word at a time, one sentence at a time, one chapter at a time. Don't rush it, and don't force yourself to plot out the entire novel in one day. As you write, everything will become clearer
The Nike slogan rings true - Just Do It. Seriously, just sit down at your desk (or wherever you write) and start writing. See what comes out. Maybe it'll be awful, or maybe you'll be onto something great. Overthinking will ruin you every time. Just write. Don't worry about running out of things to write or not being interesting enough.
"Write, and the ideas will flow" is my motto. I barely outline my novel. It's an "in the moment" kind of thing - and it works out for me every time. Why? Because I'm not afraid. I trust in my creativity and my imagination to keep the story moving. Most importantly, I'm dedicated to finishing my story. Which brings me to my next point...
Don't Leave Your Story Unfinished.
Seriously - it saddens me when someone tells me they tried writing - maybe they reached chapter three of their novel - and gave up. They ran out of ideas, they were bored, they were lazy...the excuses stack up like a phone-book.
The story is your baby and you are its parent. Don't walk away from it when it needs you to survive. Nurture it and it will become something beautiful. Since most people struggle with finishing projects, completing yours will put you MILES ahead of everyone else. Set realistic deadlines for yourself, and reward yourself when you meet them.
If you're struggling, take a long walk. Write something else. Go to the library and peruse the books. Just don't EVER give up. (That's how you truly fail in life - when you walk away from something you really wanted because it was too difficult or you feared failure.) Busy yourself with something else and a great idea will come to you. Some of my greatest ideas have come in the shower, in bed, or on a nice hike. It happens when you least expect it and when you're not trying at all (so always keep a notepad with you.)
Also, don't be sad if you reach some roadblocks. If writing were meant to be easy, more people would be bestselling authors. (It's normal to feel a little down sometimes, but don't stay down. Get up and try again.)
Don't worry about publishing it or writing a bestseller. If that happens, that's great! If not, it's no big deal. Right now, the focus is on writing a novel and getting those ideas onto the page. Editing, querying literary agents, and trying to sell it comes much later. Don't stress about those details right now.
Learn from the best. Read help books and watch interviews about the world's greatest writers, their process, and how they became such legends. Stephen King's book ON WRITING is a great guide. You can learn a lot from others.
And of course, the best news is...
With everything you write - novel or not - you get better at it. Writing is like a muscle - you need to flex it everyday in order to get better. If I quit writing for 20 years, I'd be rusty and out of touch. Don't be afraid to make mistakes or write terribly early on - this will set you up for improvement later on down the road.
I hope these points were helpful. Whatever you want to write, do it now. You have the power...if only you believe in yourself.
I'm rooting for you.
Sincerely,
Dana
Since I've written five so far - with dozens more planned - I know a little bit about novel writing. I'm not an expert by any means - nor will I ever be - but I'd still like to share with you what I've learned.
I call this Dana's Novel Writing 101 - and class is in session.
Writing a Novel is Different For Everyone
This is true. How I write a novel is probably different from how you'll write one. The best thing you can do is find out what works for you and your schedule. Try writing at different times and in different styles. You'll learn which one suits you best and makes you the most productive.
Remember: Writing is a learning process. You will discover things about yourself you never knew before. You'll learn which stories interest you and ones which bore you to death - and then you'll have story ideas that demand you write them, right now. Those are always fun to write - the desperation makes it better.
Take it slowly. One word at a time, one sentence at a time, one chapter at a time. Don't rush it, and don't force yourself to plot out the entire novel in one day. As you write, everything will become clearer
The Nike slogan rings true - Just Do It. Seriously, just sit down at your desk (or wherever you write) and start writing. See what comes out. Maybe it'll be awful, or maybe you'll be onto something great. Overthinking will ruin you every time. Just write. Don't worry about running out of things to write or not being interesting enough.
"Write, and the ideas will flow" is my motto. I barely outline my novel. It's an "in the moment" kind of thing - and it works out for me every time. Why? Because I'm not afraid. I trust in my creativity and my imagination to keep the story moving. Most importantly, I'm dedicated to finishing my story. Which brings me to my next point...
Don't Leave Your Story Unfinished.
Seriously - it saddens me when someone tells me they tried writing - maybe they reached chapter three of their novel - and gave up. They ran out of ideas, they were bored, they were lazy...the excuses stack up like a phone-book.
The story is your baby and you are its parent. Don't walk away from it when it needs you to survive. Nurture it and it will become something beautiful. Since most people struggle with finishing projects, completing yours will put you MILES ahead of everyone else. Set realistic deadlines for yourself, and reward yourself when you meet them.
If you're struggling, take a long walk. Write something else. Go to the library and peruse the books. Just don't EVER give up. (That's how you truly fail in life - when you walk away from something you really wanted because it was too difficult or you feared failure.) Busy yourself with something else and a great idea will come to you. Some of my greatest ideas have come in the shower, in bed, or on a nice hike. It happens when you least expect it and when you're not trying at all (so always keep a notepad with you.)
Also, don't be sad if you reach some roadblocks. If writing were meant to be easy, more people would be bestselling authors. (It's normal to feel a little down sometimes, but don't stay down. Get up and try again.)
Don't worry about publishing it or writing a bestseller. If that happens, that's great! If not, it's no big deal. Right now, the focus is on writing a novel and getting those ideas onto the page. Editing, querying literary agents, and trying to sell it comes much later. Don't stress about those details right now.
Learn from the best. Read help books and watch interviews about the world's greatest writers, their process, and how they became such legends. Stephen King's book ON WRITING is a great guide. You can learn a lot from others.
And of course, the best news is...
With everything you write - novel or not - you get better at it. Writing is like a muscle - you need to flex it everyday in order to get better. If I quit writing for 20 years, I'd be rusty and out of touch. Don't be afraid to make mistakes or write terribly early on - this will set you up for improvement later on down the road.
I hope these points were helpful. Whatever you want to write, do it now. You have the power...if only you believe in yourself.
I'm rooting for you.
Sincerely,
Dana
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