I’ve often heard that everyone has a book inside them. It may be true. But I think many people don’t realize how difficult it is to write a novel, let alone a good novel. First of all, you need self-motivation. You have to really want it, not so you can become famous, but because you have a burning need to write it.
You need tenacity, a willingness to keep writing no matter how difficult it is or how much criticism you receive.
You need a decent working knowledge of grammar and punctuation.
You need creativity/a good imagination.
You don’t have to write-what-you-know, but you need to be willing to do research to get the details right.
You need to read other people’s novels.
If you don’t already know how to create a novel, you need to study the basics of writing, plotting, character development, etc.
You need to be willing to get someone to edit or help edit your work. You don’t have to take every bit of their advice, because you are the author, but you’ll need to give adequate consideration to it and make your own decisions.
You need to practice writing. It can take years to learn and become proficient. And, yes, I do believe it can be learned. Some people are naturals at writing, and they can produce a winner on their first try. They’re the lucky ones. Most of us have to develop the skills over time. Luckily, we can do it. If you have a book inside you waiting to get out, don’t be afraid to try it, but don’t expect it to be easy or quick. If writing your first novel is your New Year’s goal, I wish you the best. It can be a very rewarding experience!
20 Comments
Kate Jack said:
December 31, 2013 at 4:27 pm
I agree people may have the idea of a book inside them, but some don’t have the skill or tenacity to put it into readable format. I’ve seen many people who think they can write, and think that as soon as their manuscript is snatched up, the publishers will do the rest. Apart from that not being true, if a writer isn’t prepared to polish their work until it shines, then they’re wasting their time.
Susan Finlay said:
December 31, 2013 at 4:30 pm
Good point, Kate! I left out the need to polish their work, but it’s so true!
Diane said:
December 31, 2013 at 4:40 pm
I think you also need honesty, with yourself, the honesty to admit when something doesn’t work and if necessary to trash great heaps and start again to get where you need to be. Nice post. –
Susan Finlay said:
December 31, 2013 at 5:06 pm
Thanks, Diane! I agree that you need honesty, too. And writers also need to get thick-skinned, because feedback/criticism of a writer’s work can be difficult to accept, but it’s necessary for growth.
Tricia Drammeh said:
December 31, 2013 at 9:07 pm
Reblogged this on Tricia Drammeh and commented:
Words of wisdom…
Susan Finlay said:
December 31, 2013 at 9:34 pm
Thanks for the reblog, Tricia!
Sophie E Tallis said:
December 31, 2013 at 9:30 pm
Great post, Susan, and very true. I must say, when I was doing my Waterstones signings I was surprised and a little horrified by the number of people coming up to me saying they were writers and had a novel (and would I be interested in looking at it). It seems everyone has a book out, but the vast majority are really quite poor. As you say, Susan, writing a good novel is actually a very difficult thing and does require a huge amount of tenacity as well as talent and a desire to create something special. Quality has to be there, in the story and how it’s written, that sadly, is what is lacking in so budding novels.
Susan Finlay said:
December 31, 2013 at 9:40 pm
You’re right, Sophie. I know a few people who have written novels, but refuse to study the craft and refuse to accept advice. It’s sad.
Sophie E Tallis said:
January 1, 2014 at 7:25 pm
Lol, absolutely! 😀
Tricia Drammeh said:
December 31, 2013 at 9:33 pm
You’ve made some very good points here. Anyone can write a novel if they’re willing to learn the craft and make the effort. There are few who are willing to do this. A true writer never stops learning and developing their skills. Being a writer is always a work in progress.
Susan Finlay said:
December 31, 2013 at 9:38 pm
I agree, Tricia. Writers need to continually learn and develop their skills. It may sound strange, but I’m reading the grammar book, Random House Webster’s Grammar, Usage, and Punctuation. I am actually enjoying it.
willmacmillanjones said:
December 31, 2013 at 10:02 pm
Reblogged this on willmacmillanjones and commented:
Everyone has a book inside them…
Jed Oliver said:
December 31, 2013 at 10:56 pm
I like the comment Ray Bradbury made:” Writing is not work. writing is fun. I have never worked a day in my life.” He published over 30 novels. See link to his speech on my FB page.
carriekoepke said:
December 31, 2013 at 11:23 pm
I don’t think people realize how much it can trivialize writers when they mention casually that they have an idea they want to write . . . it is one of the standard responses I get when asked what I do. It is as though it can be done without thought or care as a luxury.
I tend to agree that everyone has a story in them . . . it is not always a story to be written. Some will sing their tale, some will weave, sketch, paint, hammer, or simply lament. Every person leaves a creation of some sort . . .
Everyone does not write.
Susan Finlay said:
December 31, 2013 at 11:29 pm
I think you’re right, Carrie. Stories come out in a variety of ways–art, music, etc.
marlenelee said:
January 1, 2014 at 3:50 pm
Fine essay, Susan, and in my experience, accurate. In addition, you encourage others, as always, and make your passionate devotion to writing quite clear.
Susan Finlay said:
January 1, 2014 at 3:56 pm
Thanks, Marlene!
M T McGuire said:
January 1, 2014 at 5:31 pm
WordPress won’t let me like this so I’ll have to leave a comment to say, Amen to that! But it is sound advice. Unless writing is an addiction, there’s not much point.
Cheers
MTM
(Founder Member, Authorholics Anonymous)
Susan Finlay said:
January 1, 2014 at 6:44 pm
Thanks, MTM.
P.L. Blair said:
January 2, 2014 at 2:11 pm
Will … Very well said, and great advice! Stories have to come from within, and when they do, they demand to be given expression. Writing IS an addiction – one from which I hope to never recover. But if you don’t have a plot or characters pushing you to set them free, it really is a lot of work …