Have you always dreamed of writing a novel, or do you just have a killer idea for one that won’t leave you alone? Now is
the time to start.
Often, starting is the hardest part, but once you do start, you’ll soon be wondering why you didn’t do it sooner.
Here are five simple tips to get you started:
Have a rough idea of what you’re going to write
I don’t do detailed plot outlines, there’s little point because often as I’m writing, the story changes and ends up going somewhere completely different. If you think a plot outline will help you, then write that first. You now have something concrete to work off.
I do recommend having an idea of where you want to go though. A beginning, the conflict building, and the end if nothing more. Sitting looking at a blank screen with no idea of what you want to write about will make starting so much harder.
Don’t get too bogged down in the details
As you are writing, don’t worry about everything being perfect. This is only a first draft. You will go back later to edit and change things. The most important part of a first draft is getting the story down. Have fun with it and just write as you think – over thinking at this stage can block creativity and that fabulous ending that comes to you mid-writing may not come if you over think everything.
Have a schedule
Make yourself a writing schedule. Think about how much time you can realistically dedicate to writing in any given week. Allocate that time to writing and try to stick to it as much as possible.
Write your first line in your head before you start
Often the first line is the hardest to write. It is so easy to sit looking at a blank page, knowing where you want to go, but having that first line elude you. Remember, you can always go back and change it. What’s important at this stage is just getting going. Even if you resort to something generic like “It was a warm sunny day” it’s worth doing it to start. Obviously you don’t want that as the opening line to your novel, but you’ll find it’s enough to get the words flowing and you can remove it or change it to something more attention grabbing later on.
Know your end goal
This may seem a bit premature, but having an end goal in mind now will help motivate you to start (and finish) your novel. Do you want a traditional publishing deal? Do you want to self publish? Whatever your goal is, think about it when you feel like you’ll never start and it may just get you fired up to go. Try visualising the moment you achieve your goal and use that positive energy to fuel your writing.
I also find making the plan to write a novel public can be helpful. If you’re like me, once you’ve committed to something publicly, you’re in. That thought alone will drive you to start.
If this sounds like you, a lot of people swear by #nanowrimo which runs through November. You aim to write your novel in the month of November, and you can keep share your word count and chat to other writers to offer mutual support.
Do you have any tips to add? Let me know in the comments 🙂
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These are great tips. I have wanted to write my own novel for a long time, but I get hung up on the fact that I have a basic outline but no end goal.. I don’t know where it is going or what would happen at the end, which puts me off of writing it. I will keep thinking about it.. maybe I can figure it out one day.
Go for it! I often find once I get started, the rest just sort of comes to me as I go. Maybe it will be the same for you 🙂
Someday…
Go for it!
I love your writing posts as they really help me feel that motivation. I finally got back to editing after reading your posts. I had the idea for my book for years and years so I always knew where it started and where it would end. It flowed so fast which was great but like I’ve mentioned before I just need build my confidence and believe in myself #anythinggoes
Thank you, I’m really glad they’re helping you. I think the confidence thing is a big hurdle for us all. I am going to write a post about it next month 🙂
Great advice 🙂 I would love to write a book but need a good idea first! My sister has done nanowrimo and she managed to write a fab ghost story in a month, I don’t know why she never published it. You make writing sound so easy xx #anythinggoes p.s I’ve finished reading your book!
Thank you 🙂 I think you do need a rough idea before you start, but sometimes I find just starting is enough to get an idea flowing. She’s done the hard bit, she should go for it. Oh, I hope you liked it 🙂 x
Great tips. I often find the first line horrendously difficult to write. I often go for walks, as part of my writing process, as that really helps me re-focus and clear my mind. Thanks for hosting #anythinggoes.
Thank you 🙂 I often find walking helps too if you’re a bit blocked. I usually go and make a coffee. You’re welcome, thanks for linking up
These are great tips. My problem has always been that I can’t keep a narrative going long enough. I was good at short stories but after 50 pages or so I was all wrapped up. Maybe when I retire I’ll give it another go. No time now
Thank you 🙂 I think it depends on the story – if it tells itself in 50 pages then you are right to stop, there’s nothing worse than a story filled with fluff and filler!
I would love to write my own novel. I’m just waiting for the right idea to come along…I could be waiting a long time! #anythinggoes
Go for it! You never know when that idea will pop up 🙂
These are great tips for writing in general. Really useful. #anythinggoes
Thank you 🙂
Much of my writing already follows these guidelines. Not that I think I will ever write a novel but, who knows? #AnythingGoes
Never say never!
Thanks for sharing that tips:) I’ve always dreamed about my own novel so I will keep it my mind
#AnythingGoes
I hope it helps 🙂 Good luck with your novel!
Great tips, it is always to keep an eye on the prize and think of the end goal #AnythingGoes
Thank you 🙂 Yes, that’s for sure!
I have written SO many first lines. But not a lot more 🙂
#AnythingGoes
Keep going, you’ll get there 🙂