Top 5 Tips for Novel Writing

Are you interested in writing a novel? Maybe you have had a great idea for a novel for a long time, but you just haven’t known where to start. Sometimes, we only see the big picture; we know what we want, but that goal can seem so far removed from us that we just give up right at the start. I don’t know how many times I have started a story but never finished it. There are writers everywhere who have this same problem. If we were to pile up all of the unfinished stories in this world, we’d probably reach the moon, or even further. If you want to write a novel, you have to be motivated to stay on track and continue.

No great novel was written without a little bit of pre-planning. I know there are lots of folks out there who would say, “I don’t brainstorm, I just start writing.” However, I can’t stress enough the value of brainstorming and outlining when it comes to a story. Let’s say that you just decide to write whatever comes to mind and dive right into your story. Sooner or later, you might come upon a crossroads in your story; maybe you don’t know what to write next, or you’ve discovered a loophole in your storyline. That’s why it is so crucial to outline beforehand. You can solve a lot of problems ahead of time just by having a plan for your story. Consider using a plot diagram to help you get a sense of where you want your story to go. Focus on creating character profiles so that you can really get to know your characters before you start writing about them.

For those of us that like to spend hours and hours on a project, this might seem like a daunting task. Some days we are motivated to spend a lot of time on our writing, while other days it just feels like we can’t get anything out at all. Consider scheduling a little bit of time every day to write so that you will stay consistent. Even if you have writers block, that day, try to write something. You can even go back and work on editing things that you previously wrote. As long as you are taking the time every day to work toward your ultimate goal, finishing your novel, than you are better off than the day before. If you have a deadline in mind or any amount of time that you would like to have the novel finished, keep a record of it. Have that deadline written somewhere important so you can refer to it and use it as motivation to continue working on your masterpiece.

No one can just seamlessly write a novel without having to go back and edit or change things. Make sure you take the time to go back and proofread your writing, as well as edit any changes you think you should make. Personally, I have gone through so many different drafts of the stories that I have written. When I take a fresh look at a story, I always see ways that I can improve or change the story to make it even better. This is why it’s good to take your time. You might notice something a week from now that you didn’t notice before. The more you edit and proofread, the stronger your writing will ultimately become.

In all of the chaos of writing and working, you might be forgetting something crucial and essential to the process; taking the time to relax and reflect upon what you have achieved so far. Sometimes it is okay to take a break from your writing for a day. You might be making coffee, taking a shower, driving, and upon reflecting on your story, you could possibly come up with another good idea. Let your mind wander and see if you have an epiphany moment. These moments are honestly the best for writers because you can become so inspired just by taking the time to reflect back on what you’ve accomplished so far. In addition, if you are feeling defeated, take some time to yourself to really think about how far you have come. Chances are, you will feel even better about your progress and be ready to start back up again the next day.

Some people can write a novel in a month, and others take years, even decades to finally write that story they have always been wanting to write. Trust your process and don’t give up. If it seems impossible now, think about ways that you can make that dream happen for you. Don’t throw in the towel just because things get difficult. Instead, see this as an opportunity to push yourself even further than you thought you could go. When I am feeling down about my writing, I like to go to the bookstore and browse around. Sometimes this helps me see the bigger picture and understand why I am doing what I set out to do. I want to make an impact on the world around me and share my story with the world. That ultimate goal and purpose should motivate you to want to continue and succeed in writing your novel.

Writing a novel can be a difficult task; there is so much work that goes into it, that it sometimes can feel overwhelming. The important thing to remember is that you are the one who is in control of your own destiny. Take the time to plan, focus, and reflect on how you can achieve your ultimate goal. With a little bit of thought, time, and persistence, you can write that novel that you’ve always been wanting to write.