So you’ve got an idea for a novel. It’s a wonderful idea. It excites you. You’ve imagined the characters. The intriguing plot. The dramatic scenes.
You’ve even started thinking about how the cover would look like. Even imagined yourself signing copies at your local bookshop!
But the only problem is that you haven’t started writing your novel yet.
Why?
There may be several reasons:
1. You haven’t any idea how to start (other than typing “Chapter 1”!)
2. You’re still mulling over some of the characters or parts of the plot.
3. You need to do some, perhaps lots, of research.
4. You’re just too busy right now.
5. You’ve no idea how to write creatively.
Which one do you think might apply to you?
The last item can be addressed in a straightforward way. If you’ve had no practise at creative writing, then get a book to teach you how and start practising with short stories.
As for the other items, my recommendation is to just start writing.
Don’t worry about what you’ve written. Just get the words down, put those letters on the page. The idea is to create a first draft without getting bogged down in detail. Without worrying about inconsistencies to begin with. Forget spelling. Forget grammar.
All the issues that you have can be addressed as you write your novel. Writing the novel is in many ways researching it. As you write new ideas may form, other ideas discarded. You’ll have a better idea on what areas you’ll need to research. Those items can be filled in later. Just move on the with the novel.
New characters may come. Other characters may go. The main character’s nemesis may end up as the main character. The main plot may become the sub-plot. Scenes you had planned may drastically change. The entire genre may change!
This is all explored as you write your first draft. But you’ll never get to do that until you start!
Even if you think you’re too busy at the moment, most people can find 30 minutes a day to to something they’re passionate about.
That’s the key thing. Passion.
You’ll needs lots of it to write a novel. This desire will be your driving force as you put in the hundreds of hours needed. You’ll spend all this time in isolation. There’ll no doubt be sacrifices. There may be heartache and despair. There may be elation and a deep sense of satisfaction like no other.
But you won’t know until you start.
Once you’ve got your first draft then you’ve got the foundations of the novel.
Now you’ll rewrite it. You’ll do several rewrites. You may do scores of them.
Writing is re-writing.
That’s where you’ll correct stuff. You may replace characters. Even amend the plot. Change the setting. Perhaps even the genre.
Chapters will jump around. Whole sections excised. Sub-plots introduced.
Writing your novel can be ardous. Perhaps there should be a warning label for those wanting to begin the journey.
But, if you have the passion, then it’s one well worth taking.
March 11, 2012 at 11:55 pm
Yup did just that and gave birth to my very first book Feb 7th 2012. Definitely agree passion is the key otherwise I would have torn out all my hair and quit a long time ago.
March 12, 2012 at 12:06 am
Well done indeed … congratulations again!
March 12, 2012 at 2:35 am
Well Tunku, I agree with all these, and I have written 2 complete chapters of my book after some nine months’ research on certain topics.
I am always inspired by Simon Winchester, the way he goes so in-dept into a certain topic in his books. But i have much to wait before I continue with the later chapter, some of my stories would involve my actual personal experience, of cycling on an old bicycle (the black ones with a basket in front) along some kampong roads in Pahang and kelantan.
First, to find such an old bicycle, and then, find time to cycle there, and then, research on the safety records of those roads. And then also, to plan how to carry it out. Time doesn’t really favour me.
March 15, 2012 at 12:49 am
I’ve enjoyed some of Simon Winchester’s books too. Non-fiction requires a lot more research and lots of planning. It’s very different from fiction and I don’t recommend just jumping into it. Sounds like an ambitious project but, if your passion’s there, well worth doing. Might be even worth getting someone to video you on your journey. Perhaps a documentary? I think it’s what we do with our time that matters.
March 15, 2012 at 4:50 am
thanks for encouragement, yeah, I am trying to write a non fiction. its personal experience, traveling and history or even science combined.
Something like the book “Atlantic” – Simon’s latest, but my idea came to me before his book was launched.
March 16, 2012 at 6:18 am
You’re really right about that. You just have to start writing. When I found myself reading stacks and stacks of books about writing a novel and not starting said novel, I had to put those books aside and stare at the blank page. And then start writing.
Also, here’s what I learned: When you start writing, you’ve got to resist the compulsion to edit along the way. JUST WRITE, don’t care if it’s crap or whatever, just write. Once you’ve finished the first draft, then you can edit it.
However, I personally feel that one should outline a novel if possible. A lot of times I just do it in my head, which is not a swell idea as the brain isn’t great with storing complex information. I hardly do massive rewrites (replace characters) as a result. But that’s because I let my novel/novella/story percolate in my head for months or even years before penning it down.
Elizabeth @ http://elizabethtai.com
March 17, 2012 at 7:48 am
Hi! Tunku I always wanted to write but family and time did not permit me to do so until I came across a correspondence writing course.I did the one on comprehensive writing and it has helped me alot.Just as you mentioned I practised with short stories.I have managed to submit a few children’s short stories to the Star under the Children’sCorner column.
March 19, 2012 at 1:32 pm
First time here. Very helpful post….writing a novel seems doable after reading your post 🙂
March 20, 2012 at 12:17 am
Pop Culture Chick – Those are wise words. The need to edit what you’ve written, which stops you from moving along with the story, is something we writers need to resist. So that’s it …JUST WRITE. About outlining, some writers will outline in detail. Others don’t at all. Everyone’s different, I suppose.
Krishna – It’s wonderful what you’ve managed to do. Keep writing, Keep improving.
Anny – That’s great … time to start writing! 🙂
October 4, 2012 at 5:28 am
I have started writing or rather learn to write 4-5 years ago . The stories are good but the “writing” is still much to say. Do want to see the sample and make a comment…