Get To Writing! Tips On How To Start Writing a Novel.

I’m a firm believer that each and every one of us has a story buried deep inside to tell the world. Often, we go through trials and tribulations, believing that we’re the only ones going through them, that no one else in this world could be experiencing or feeling what we feel. And as we all know, that’s just not true.

Giving words to your voice is a great way to connect to others and possibly encourage those facing similar situations in their lives. Journaling or even writing a book can be therapeutic, giving way to a release of the emotions and thoughts that plague us. Pouring your heart out onto paper, and allowing yourself to be vulnerable, can be liberating in a sense.

In my first romance novel, Need You Now, I used my female lead character, Amaranth, as a conduit to release the hurt I had experienced in a bad relationship. I gave myself the freedom to say the things I couldn’t say in that relationship, and by doing so, I released the chains that kept me bound and unable to forgive myself. Amaranth’s journey was my journey as she fought to rescue her special needs child. What if you don’t have a fiction story dancing in your head? That’s okay. Books of inspiration and overcoming can help someone climb out whatever pit they may be stuck in. Do you have any advice from past experiences that you can share with the world? Are you a single mother who is able to take care of your child and still go after your dreams? Have you suffered from depression and managed to overcome its dark pull? These are things that you can talk about in a book that’ll encourage someone to not give up the fight.

Maybe you’re at a place where you know you have a story to tell and you want to begin the process of writing. What does that actually entail? Sadly, there’s no magic potion or special incantations that can help you begin this process. The first thing to do is to have an idea or theme that you’d like to write about, and then just start writing. Don’t get bogged down with grammar and spelling. That will come later. Focus on getting that story out. I recommend keeping a notepad by you at all times, especially in your room on your nightstand. You’ll be surprised how inspiration always seems to appear when you’re deep in a good sleep or when you least expect it. Having a notepad at the ready, will help you capture those ideas as they come to you. Sometimes, inspiration can strike when you’re driving. For this, I use a recording app on my phone to talk through the idea when a safe opportunity presents itself. If you do have a fiction novel or a plot bunny that keeps pestering, there are various structures, like the 3-Act Structure, you can use to help organize your book. But that’s for a later post.

Set a time in your day to write. Start off small. Even thirty minutes can produce some important prose. Writer’s block is real! You know that experience where you sit in front of your computer, staring at a blank screen for what seems like hours? Yeah. That’s writer’s block. Unfortunately, the only cure for this ailment is…writing! Give yourself writing prompts to help jumpstart your mind.

Write whatever comes up, until you’re ready to tackle the text of your book. Push through the feelings of inadequacy. They can be overwhelming and debilitating. In those instances, find something that interests you and that you enjoy. Once you’re finished, write about it. Who knows, the experience could end up in your book.

Always save your work. I can’t begin to count the many times I’ve lost nearly completed manuscripts because my computer crashed! That’s an indescribable pain. Having an external hard drive or even a cloud service can help. It won’t help the computer that has given up the ghost, but it will ensure that the work you were working on is protected. To this day, I do not save anything on my computer’s hard drive. Fool me once and all that jazz.

Finally, hooking up with a local writing or critique group is a huge benefit. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people, who share your dream and passion for writing is immeasurable. Writing groups often encourage writing sprints and most groups critique each other's work, providing direction for current works in progress as well as improvement. When working toward my master’s degree in Writing Popular Fiction, having my close-knit group of critique partners helped make my writing strong. We forged a bond that exists even today as we cheer one another on in our writing endeavors. It was truly the perfect example of iron sharpens iron.

So, I encourage you, google local writing groups or critique groups in your area and join them. You’ll be amazed at the progress you’ll make as well as life-long friendships.

The world of technology has made it possible for anyone interested in writing a book to be able to do just that.

You have a story brewing inside of you, and someone, somewhere is waiting to read it and have it change their lives. Take that leap of faith. You’ll be surprised at what you can accomplish.