Although I have taken some time away from penning novels, I tend to keep manuscripts on hand. The hard part for me is usually revising them, not writing initial drafts. After working as a freelance ghost writer who was required to turn in finished manuscripts after authors didn't finish them, I grew accustomed to developing a very disciplined mindset. I signed a document guaranteeing that I would deliver a manuscript by a specific date. At the time, these assignments were far more difficult than writing my own novels. They were completed for mainstream publishers who were depending on me to do whatever I said that I would. After that, I began working as a content editor. My job was to tear a story apart, then suggest how to make it a stronger read, before it left my hands to proceed to the next editor. So, if you have the first novel writing jitters, the tips that I offer are mere suggestions to help jumpstart your 30 day mission. By no means is this list complete.
Housekeeping:
Will you be writing your novel for fun, to submit to a publisher, or to self publish later? I always ask why a person wants to write a book. For those who want to submit to a publisher, word count is an important detail. Does the publisher require a 70,000 word minimum? Is an agent required? Things like these are important to know, while developing a plan. Genre can also play a part in the submission guideline component.
Before ferociously banging out a novel in the making, take a deep breath. Some days may only entail writing. Others may involve preparation, too.
1.Define your setting, characters and background information. Consider taking time to tend to details that could present conflicts later. Where will your story place? Who will be your antagonist and protagonist? What time period does the novel cover? From which POV will a story be told? These are examples of critical details that can strenghten or weaken a storyline. Slow down and hammer down the frame of your writing house, even if you are in a hurry. It can be extremely difficult to generate dialogue if your characters don't feel real. Your soul should know them in a familiar way. Achieving a balance of showing and telling may be easier to achieved if you feel connected to personalities of characters that you create.
2. Decide what the conflict of your fictional story may be. How will it be resolved? What event is climactic? Conflicts have resolutions. No character is all good or all bad. Encountering a problem or experience can dovetail with what territory the author covers in each chapter. Every scene should intrigue the reader. Pace yourself as the story unfolds.
3. Take time to fact check. Fiction is fiction, but an element of reality may help to keep your readers engaged. Be careful that descriptions and places align whenever they are mentioned. When writing is rushed even things like character names can be confused. Create a system to track what you say along the way. If Scottie has red hair and a lanky frame in chapter one, Scotty should not have black hair and a pot belly in chapter nine. This may sound silly, but errors like these can be common when a new novelist sits at a computer for hours.
4. Create some sort of outline, even if it is an informal one. It's often easier to know where you're going in a story if it's written down. It's nearly impossible to remember everything. Create a reference tool that you can revisit when needed.
5. Keep in mind that your goal is to get your thoughts down on paper first. You can edit the bulk of your work later. You will likely write and revise many rough drafts. 30 days is just a starting point; not the end of writing your masterpiece. Don't expect a perfectly executed story all in one shot. Overcome the fear of writing by doing it. If you're not as disciplined as you would like to be, a challenge such as this can help remedy the procrastination blues.
Good luck with your writing goals. Don't worry about writing what you think people may want to read or hear. If you're participating purely out of comittment to bask in your personal glory of fabulousness, the challenge is really all about you. I have faith that you will meet your goal.
The Nook
Read Omar Tyree's interview about writing.
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