How to Write a Novel
Make a Commitment
Nothing will happen if you don’t commit to making it happen. And nothing will happen if you keep it to yourself. Make a commitment to write your novel, then write it down. Be as detailed as possible and share it with someone. The more people the better so when those seeds of doubt start to sprout or procrastination rears its head, you have backup from people who are committed to your goal of writing a novel this year.
Start Where You Are
No matter where you are in the novel writing process, start now. Don’t make excuses like “First I need to do this before I can write.” or “My kids need to be grown before I can write.” No, you need to start wherever you are in life. Maybe you have no idea about what you want to write. Start to brainstorm. Maybe you have an idea of who you’re characters are. Develop them further and think about a plot that might be perfect for your characters. Maybe you have a plot, but don’t know where to start. Just start writing. If you wait for things to be perfect, you will never write a novel. If you wait until you learn everything about writing, you’ll never write anything. Start where you are now and at the same time continue to learn about the writing process. If you’d like help getting started on your novel, or some coaching on your book idea, contact me at releasethewritergina (at) gmail (dot) com and register here.
Write Anywhere
If you’re writing a novel, chances are it’s not your full time job. You’re busy. You may have a full time job or two, maybe even a house load of kids to care for. It will be easy to find excuses not to write. However, if you look at your life, you’ll see that you do have time to write, especially if you adapt the attitude that you can write anywhere.
If writing a novel is important to you then consider waking up early or going to bed late to write. Bring your notebook or laptop with you wherever you go so you can write at lunch or when you’re waiting in the school pick up line. I often get ideas for my novels when I’m driving home from dropping kids off from school. I think it’s because it’s the one time in the car it’s quiet and that’s when my characters start to talk to me. So instead of losing some great plot ideas and dialogue, when I’m at a stop light I speak into my phone and record my thoughts and ideas. Then when I have time to actually write, I already have a scene for my novel.
Remember to write anywhere and don’t make excuses. Even a paragraph or page a day is one more than the day before. If you keep at it, by the end of the year you will have a complete novel.
Don’t Write Alone
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been writing for years, you need a community of people that share your goals and will encourage you towards them. If you can’t find a community or writers group to join, search for one dependable writing partner, or consider hiring a writing coach to keep you on track. Feel free to contact me via email.
Writing a novel attainable goal. All you need is a commitment, a plan, and people that will help you spur you on to finishing your novel this year. Then the rest is up to you to write that novel! I know you can, and I’m rooting for you!
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Pre-register here for the next course.
“You have a novel inside of you. A dream to tell your story. But you don’t know where to start? Maybe you don’t even know what to write. Perfect! This course will release the novel in you, guaranteed. As your instructor, I commit to creating an environment where your voice can be released to tell the story only you can. I’ll provide the tools and motivation for you to make your writing dream come true. My guidance will inspire your voice to be released and the lectures will shape your ideas into a cohesive and impactful message. When you commit and do the work, you will release your story within and your book will become reality.
Everything you need to get started on writing your story is in this course. Don’t put your dream off another day.
Gina
