There are lots of writers whose dream is to write a novel, but so many of those same writers never follow through with it.
Why, you ask?
Because they don’t know the three tools every writer needs to complete a novel. Here are the three tools that will take you from novel-writing dream to novel complete.
1) A Desire to Write a Novel–Though this seems kind of obvious, you’d be surprised how many writers really have no desire to write a novel, they just dream about doing it because they think “that’s what writers are supposed to want.” Not true. Writers should write whatever it is that makes them happy, whether that be a screenplay, short story or a novel.
Writing a novel takes a lot of hard work and commitment. It’s not something that you can complete by closing your eyes and wishing for it to happen. You have to actually work at it and spend time each day (or as often as you’re able to) writing.
Having a desire to write a novel from start to finish makes the entire process that much easier because when you desire something, and I mean truly desire it, not just desire it because you think you should, it makes the overall process a lot more fun and you’ll be more willing to stick with it.
2) A Deadline–Every writer who wants to complete a novel must have a deadline. Deadlines are extremely important to writing success because it gives you a specific endpoint.
Having a deadline to work towards will help you make better decisions when it comes to “should I write tonight or should I watch that rerun of Pretty Woman on TBS?”
And an in-flexible deadline works better than a deadline that you can change. This being because when you know there is no way of getting out of the deadline, you’ll also be able to think clearer about other activities that aren’t as important as getting your writing done.
3) Support–All writers need support to get their writing done. This is especially important for procrastinating writers. Having someone to answer to will keep you writing.
The support can come from a friend, a spouse, a sibling, a parent, neighbor, writing coach or a combination of them all–anyone who will keep you on track, give you a pep talk when you’re uninspired or stuck, and encourage you along the way.
When I was gearing up to write my novel, I needed to first figure out if I actually did have a desire to write one. After realizing that I did, I hired a writing coach to help me stay on track (since I’m a major procrastinator, I knew self-set deadlines wouldn’t work for me).
Her and I set a deadline that seemed reasonable (Sept. 22, which was my 25th birthday), and we were off and running. I wrote as much as I could each week, and turned in to my coach 2 chapters every Tuesday. Then we had a 30-minute meeting each Thursday to talk about the chapters I turned in and for her to give me a pep talk whenever I needed one (which was pretty often as it turns out).
Knowing that I had a long-term deadline and a weekly deadline to hit made me procrastinate less and made me get my novel finished on time (early, actually. I finished a week and a half before my deadline!).
So tell me…how did you get your novel written? And if you still haven’t written your novel, but you truly desire to, try out my three tools for novel writing success, and be sure to let me know how it goes.
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Glad to see you back!
Thank you, kw! I’m glad to be back.
Good stuff.
I’m told a reward systems is a nice way to provide yourself with breakpoints at preset milestones.
I have a buddy, author Jonathan Maberry, who puts a buck in a jar every time he hits his daily word count. When he and his wife want to treat themselves to something silly they hit the word count jar. If he’s been a good writer, they have the cash to splurge.
Other writers I know indulge their hobbies, like collecting mylar balloons (true story) or buying a new CD.
I pour myself two fingers of Jameson and close my eyes.
@Laff Yes, rewarding yourself is a GREAT way to stay on track and get your writing done.
I didn’t really have the second and third until I meet my wife. She lit the fire under my butt. It’s so easy to people who don’t want to write professionally. She said, “You want to write a novel, then do it,” simple as that. She also put a deadline on me. “Have it done by the end of 2009.”
It’s not a real deadline but having another person set some restrictions really seems to have helped. As for Support, nothing in my opinion could be more valuable. An outside influence is a great motivator. Without someone pushing you, without someone reminding you that this is what you want to do, it is very easy to get sidetracked or lose interest. My wife does that, she reminds me why I want this.
I’ve also found the procrastinating writers blog immensely helpful. This blog offers another kind of support. Knowing that there is a site out there geared toward keeping writers productive I often feel guilty when I don’t stay on top of things.
@DonaldEWQuist It sounds like you have an awesome support system! It’s important to surround yourself with people who support you and your goals/dreams.
I’m also so happy to hear that this blog has helped you! I love to hear that! It means I’m doing my job.