How to Start Writing Your First Novel

So, you’ve decided to write a novel, or, perhaps you’ve started one but never managed to complete it. Whatever your reasoning is for reading this post, we can all agree that writing is hard. My first novel took me over four years to complete the first draft. There were so many reasons why it took me so long, but they are excuses.

Here are my tips and tricks I now use to complete the first draft.

Just start Well, if you’re still stuck with the blank page, just start writing. Whatever the reason, you have to push yourself to write something. Perhaps your idea is too overwhelming to begin your writing career, and maybe you should consider writing a short story instead. Just remember, a blank page isn’t a failure, it just means that somethings got to change.

Write an outline Some people love to make outlines while others prefer to be a pantser. They both have pros and cons. By outlining, you can organize your story from the beginning, which helps avoid writer’s block. However, some argue that by outlining you reduce creativity. Whichever tactic you prefer, we know that drafting is more efficient when it comes to meeting a deadline, which is why the majority of professional authors are required to outline based on their tight schedules. If you do in fact struggle with the blank page, feel overwhelmed, or want to complete your novel within a specific time frame, opt for an outline.

Start in the middle Instead of starring at a blank page, or becoming frustrated with that first page, begin in the middle of a scene or chapter. Many authors will leave the beginning for a later date, and even then it is often a section that is rewritten a dozen times. If you don’t know where to start, just pick somewhere that feels right!

Unmotivated by a chapter? If you want to skip a section, chapter, paragraph for a later date, just right TK. When you want to go back to it, just search for the TKs (Control – F.)

If you’re really unmotivated to write a section. Maybe it’s too dull or unpleasant for you? And maybe it shouldn’t be in your novel. Keep that in mind, if you don’t want to write, will your reader want to read it?

Make a commitment As you write, your primary goal would be to complete your draft. This is a great goal, but it can be overwhelming and produce little gratification until the end. Instead, lots of people prefer to make smaller, attainable goals to boost confidence in their writing. This really depends on your personal motives, for example, I hate making specific goals because instead of motivating, I find them stressful. So, do what’s best for you.

Try making small goals, like weekly word count goals, or chapter goals. But, make these realistic and flexible. Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a week or wrote fewer words than you require. This will only make matters worse by increasing your stress levels regarding your writing.

Routine Get yourself in a routine to write every day or every second day. We all know that it takes about a month to develop a consistent habit, and so don’t worry if you slip up or you have to force yourself to write for the first little while. It will become easier. Some people prefer to write early in the morning before work or in the late hours of the night. Choose what is best for you. As mentioned above, don’t stress out about making huge commitments off the bat, start small and work your way up if it’s working out.

Get it over with Many of us dislike the first drafting phase, the quality is just not there, and it takes time.

Write as fast as you can, do think, just write. The first draft doesn’t have to contain all of the information you want to include in your novel. In my first drafts, I focus on the plot. I don’t go into detail with my descriptions or scenery. I leave all of this until my second draft, where I go in and check off my Novel Checklist. This is a method that helps me to just finish it. Most people will tell you to never edit while you write. This is true for most people. If you feel the need to modify, make a schedule where you will write one day and then edit the other. You may have noticed that writing and editing are incredibly different and the critical mindset can be very discouraging as you write that first draft. Also, you may end up spending all of your time editing and rewriting but never advancing the story.

Avoid distraction Netflix is perhaps one of the worse culprits for modern time procrastination. We can spend hours upon hours watching exciting tv shows instead of writing, doing chores, cleaning, showering… It’s a problem. Instead of working in your living room with a large flat screen, create a motivating working space. You may prefer a bright room with lots of greenery, and cute stationery or a warm, cozy office with leather-bound books on the shelves. Just find a spot without a tv, turn off your internet, or use programs such as Pomodora to remove access to websites for the designated amount of time.

Don’t be scared Writing is a very personal thing. It’s an idea that you’ve thought about for a long time, which you feel deserves to be written down. If you want to share your work, find people who support your hobby and who will not put you down. It is essential to have a supportive network when writing (It can also work wonderfully to continue working on it since you’re now accountable to finish it.) Just don’t let negative people put you down. If it’s an idea that you enjoy, there will be others who feel the same way.

Take care of yourself. Not only is writing a long-term project, but it is also challenging. Ensure that you are taking care of yourself, eat properly, take breaks, stay active. I’ll keep this short since we hear this all the time (for a good reason!)

Don’t get discouraged! Writing is hard. Keep going!