How to write my first novel?
It’s a question I have been asked many times before. So here is my answer.
1. It starts with YOU
Nobody can teach you how to write a novel. I repeat my words. Nobody can teach you how to write a novel. IT’S ONLY YOU.
Yes, you heard me correct. Only you can teach yourself to write a novel. The reason is writing a novel is all about dedication and discipline and frankly, nobody can teach you that. It comes from within. However, many can motivate you to write or even inspire you. But the ultimate fire has to be within you. That’s the first step towards writing your first novel.
2. Not just a plot, you need characters too
I have come across many of my friends and acquaintance who tell me they have this plot in their head that would make the next best sellers. But alas! They don’t know how to put it on pen and paper. Sometimes they even approach me if I could listen to them and plot it in one of my stories.
I am so glad you said that dear. But it’s not the plot I am excited about but the character in your mind that is giving you restless nights. Of course, it wants to see the light of the day. Give it a chance.
This is the FIRE that you shouldn’t extinguish in any way. This is what is going to lead you to your bestseller one day.
When you have something in your mind, no matter how rough it maybe, put it down on the paper, laptop, notepad or just wherever you want to scribble. Just make sure you return back to it soon enough.
This is how you keep it ignited.
3. Don't trash what you write
When you return to what you have written at that point of time it might look very absurd to you or maybe it is not up to the mark what you actually wanted it to be. That’s perfectly FINE. Don’t tear it off or destroy it. It should be there to stay along with much more to come.
Exactly. You heard me right. Make a new one. Add all the changes you want to make. Put it the way you want it to be. Add a few more changes here and there. That’s it. You can see something taking shape now. Maybe it’s too early to say whether it’s the beginning, middle or the end of your novel but it definitely is something very important to your story which has touched you so much that you had taken so much effort to pen down your thoughts.
4. Enjoy the process, don't worry where you're going
So enjoy the beginning of your novel writing. Don’t worry about where it is leading to. Let it be. As a creator, you just follow the sequence that comes next. Just make sure you spend once every day with your plot. Even if you write the same thing again and again. No problem. It is coming out better. At the back of your mind, it is working out a good plot. So make sure you follow the discipline of writing your first novel. With discipline and dedication, you shall draft your first novel one day.
5. Writer's block is normal!
Oh! So one fine day you find out you don’t have anything else to write. But what’s going to happen to the novel you just started? Come on it’s going to be your first goddamn novel. It can’t end in just a few paragraphs. Gosh!
Don’t get anxious. Be happy. You are just entering the metamorphosis of a writer – the writer’s block. So your muse is gone, you have no clue what’s going on, you cannot write anything. Nothing is coming to your mind.
Just relax!
It’s a phase all writers come across. You should celebrate this moment because now you are showing the indication of being one of them. Go shopping, watch movies, read books. Do everything that you enjoy to do. Just let the anxiety of writing your first novel get dissolved in your merry time. Don’t be afraid if it takes a few days or weeks.
6. Concentrate on finishing (and not polishing) that first draft
Now when everything seems so good, return to your novel. You will find all new things ready to be added to it. So start writing. Don’t worry about the punctuations or grammar at this point. You will get lots of time for edits. First concentrate on finishing the first draft of your first novel.
The day you finish it, give a treat to self. A good treat. For now, you are just at the beginning of actually writing your novel.
Leave your draft unattended for some time. Let it settle down. You will see your pangs to shout it to the world about it. No harm in that. But just don’t push the publish button without polishing your craft.
7. Don't forget to edit
So here comes your first round, second round and third round of self-edit before you send it to a professional editor and get it properly edited.
You can check this resource on how to self-edit your manuscript.
For the time be happy that you are months away from being a published author. Right now in your hand lies your first novel. Enjoy your time before the enormous work to get published begins.
Comments
Hope of light ????
Can you share some light on how to get the publishing work done ? Suppose I finish off my manuscript satisfactorily. But how do I find my publisher ? How much would it cost ? Would be very happy if you can share some insights into these.
Joel Danie Hi Joel. Once you have your MS ready, you would need to decide how you want to publish. There are traditional publishers, and you have to submit as per their guidelines. On the other hand, if you want to self-publish or go through a vanity publisher, you will need help with editing and designing a cover and subsequently, invest in getting print copies. You can check this: https://www.theblogchatter.com/editing-your-book-and-designing-the-book-cover and we're also building something around your questions for 2023 :)