If you are an aspiring writer and are struggling to start your first novel, here is the blog for you. In today's writing blog I will go over how I started my first novel and which techniques I used.
First off, for a proper novel, learn and review the guidelines/recommendations. In a future blog, I will cover this.
To begin the writing process, figure out how much free time you have for writing. For your first novel, plan to spend from six months to a year creating it. The writing itself will take three to six months (usually), then the editing can take another three, and the revising/reviewing takes another month. These estimates are for new (inexperienced) writers. To start off your writing process, plan to give yourself from thirty minutes to two hours a day writing. Adjust your writing around your schedule. As well, make sure that when you choose to write, you are fully awake and your mind is clear. It is hard to write good material late at night or after a busy/stressful day. As well, you don't need to write the same amount every day. Choose the schedule that works for you!
Now that you have figured out when you are going to write, create an outline/template for your novel. This is covered in my most recent (past) post. Feel free to visit that right now. Creating your template is the most important part of the writing process. There are more tips and tricks on that blog, but remember, the template is the foundation to your novel.
Once you have formulated your template, now you should choose all (or most) of your characters. Write out the major points, goals, attributes, characteristics, etc for each major (and minor) character. This is important to do before you begin writing because it is very easy to confuse/switch up character characteristics as you write. Refer to these notes as you write your novel. For my novels, I begin with creating a template and character portfolio using the platform "Trello". You can download this on your computer and use it as you write. I would highly recommend doing so.
By now, you have created your template, decided/designed your characters, and planned out your writing process. The only thing to do now is write! I know that is easier said then done, and you may be in a writer's block. If you are, view my earlier post regarding writer's block. To begin writing you manuscript, decide whether you would like to include a prologue. If your novel is going to be part of a series, I would recommend having a prologue. As well, if your novel is going back in time, I would add a prologue.
Now, all you have to do is write! Feel free to comment below any questions or comments you all have regarding the writing process.
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