Novel writing can create a mixed feeling of both enthusiasm and fright, especially for newbies. As a new writer, you are ever-ready to put those great stories into words, publish your work, and become a best-selling author. At the same time, you feel scared while pondering on how to begin and the right words to use to captivate your readers.
Generally, writing can be a challenging task for any writer at some point or another. However, a good mix of passion, hard work, and consistency will help you sail through your writing journey. Below are some important tips to get you started.
Be a Vast Reader
As a young writer, you need as much exposure as possible to become better in your writing craft, hence, the need to read widely. Read constantly and research any field. Consequently, you become acquainted with new words, and different descriptive languages, and can easily identify and choose a preferred writing genre. Reading exposes you to various realities, boosts your imaginative horizon, and gives you a proper understanding of a good plot, setting, character development, etc.
Learn the Art
Like any other career path, it is important that you learn the art of writing as a beginner novelist. Writing involves various principles, styles, skills, and techniques. Therefore, you would need to learn the art and ensure you improve in it by attending workshops, seminars, and conferences, and engaging in online writing courses. Also, having a mentor in the field is a way to go. Such a person would guide and put you through as you journey through your writing profession.
Write Consistently
Consistency in writing helps to develop and improve your writing ability. You become better in your craft as you play around with words often. So, ensure you write every day no matter how little. You could draft short stories, take down notes while reading, or write about your daily experiences. Moreover, creating a daily writing routine would help a great deal to enable you stay consistent and ensure productivity.
Plan Your Story
Avoid jumping at any story that comes into your head. You could get stuck on the way. Endeavour to make an outline before you start your story. That is, break down your story into various headings and make a list of your characters and the setting of the story. This enables easy flow of ideas while writing and helps to prevent writer’s block.
Write In Bits
If you are unable to grasp the entire plot of a story at once, there’s no need to be worried. Do not be in a hurry to finish up. Sometimes, ideas come in bits, so it’s not bad if you write your story in bits. However, always endeavour to write down each idea that comes to mind so that you don’t forget it. As you continuously write in bits, it brings you closer to the finish line of the work.
Editing and Proof-reading
Editing is a very crucial aspect of writing. For your novel to make sense and stand out amongst others, you must proof-read and edit your story after writing. Ensure you read your work over and over again while taking out every unnecessary part and correcting grammar and spelling errors. At this point, you could also re-arrange the chapters or scenes if need be.
Be Part of a Writers’ Forum
To aid your writing journey as a young novelist, it is important that you be a part of any writing forum or community, whether online or offline. This would enable you meet and brainstorm with like minds while you learn, relearn, and unlearn.
Conclusion
In conclusion, novel writing is a demanding yet profitable career path. It requires a whole lot of time, effort, dedication, passion, and resilience to create an appealing story. An intentional approach to follow these tips described above takes you on your journey to becoming an outstanding novelist.
Written by Emily Cyril