We all have stories we want to tell. The challenging part is translating them from our heads to paper. The story doesn’t always turn out how we thought it would, which can be incredibly discouraging. If it doesn’t flow, we may stop telling it.
As hard as it may be, the best thing you can do is push past that. Get over the hurdle and just write. Every day, it will get easier.
Start Writing Your Novel with These Tips
Many aspiring authors don’t know where to start when it comes to writing, and here are five tips you can follow to help you through the writing process.
1. Learn from Others
There are so many resources out there that can help you start writing your novel. Consider taking a class on how to write a novel. During these courses, you will learn how to start your book in an attention-grabbing way. You will set the scene, create a backstory, establish a plot, delve into character development, and more.
You’ll learn how to pace your story, create dialogue, and tie everything together in a way that makes sense. The best part is you learn from professional writers. Your teacher will share what worked for them, what they wish they knew when they started, and insider tips from the publishing industry. You’re also in a group of peers, so you can bounce ideas off one another, get critiques in a safe space, and hold each other accountable.
For those who aren’t ready for courses, you can also read articles, take webinars, and find other resources that work for you. When starting, you don’t know what you don’t know. Take the time to learn from others, making the process seem less intimidating.
2. Set A Goal
Setting a daily word count limit is a great way to help you complete your novel. Start small. On the first day, tell yourself you want to write 100 words, then build up each day. These initial word counts will hold you accountable to writing, even when you don’t feel like it.
Eventually, you won’t have to set a goal. You’ll have developed a routine that works for you, and you’ll look forward to writing. The goal will help you create a habit that fits your daily life, especially if you have a full-time job. It can be challenging to balance writing and working. Once you have the balance, toss your goal out the window. You don’t want to feel boxed in when creativity hits.
3. Write about your Experiences
To get started, write about things that you know. Many writers get caught up in creating something completely new, which can be intimidating. Use your life experience as inspiration. If you took a fun vacation to Mexico, use that as the setting. Flip through your old photos of Cancun for inspiration, or read travel guides to remind yourself of life on a resort.
If you took one path in life, imagine what it would be like if you took a different road. Revisit past relationships or jobs. Look to your life as inspiration. Your imagination can take you beyond your daily life and help you create something special. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel.
4. Write About Things You’re Passionate About
There’s that saying that if you do something you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. The same is true about your writing. Write things that you’re passionate about. It will make the blank pages feel less daunting. You will be inspired to plot your story, completing research to help build an added dimension.
Look at the market and see what’s already out there. You have something unique to add, so try to find your niche. It doesn’t always have to be fiction, either.
There are plenty of nonfiction opportunities for publishing, including interior design, professional development, personal style, audiobooks, and cookbooks. Your passion will shine through when you write, making you more likely to complete your novel.
5. Have Fun
Writing shouldn’t be a chore. If it is, you’re doing something wrong. You may be writing the wrong story, or it’s not the right time to write based on your situation. You can always come back to your book.
You want to have fun when you’re writing. You want your finished product to be something you’re proud of, even if you don’t plan on showing anyone your book.
Conclusion
The best way to start writing a book is to simply start. Not everything you write will be good at first, and that’s okay. That’s what the editing process is for. Take advantage of courses and tools to help improve your writing and have fun. You’ll get better in time.
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