If you’re an aspiring author and have found it hard to begin creating a novel, you are not alone. Getting published is a great accomplishment and can provide you with extra income if you’re talented. Despite all of this, if you’re stuck in the beginning stages of your novel, take the tips I have listed below to heart.
Start Anywhere
If you have an outline together and know all of the elements that provide a cohesive flow for your book, start writing your novel. It’s your novel and you’re the star of the show, so start anywhere in the main character’s story line and work from there. Later, if you realize that the beginning of the story doesn’t paint the picture you’d like, create more backstory and mold the novel until you are completely satisfied.
Your novel is your creation and you can edit it as you please until your desired effect is reached. Nothing is set in stone when writing a book and beginnings can be rewritten as needed. Spending too much time focused on creating a story beginning leaves no room for the actual writing of the story. You can always go back later and add in any details necessary to the plot.
Make Deadlines for Yourself
Giving yourself deadlines keeps you accountable for the novel’s length and how much you write on a daily or weekly basis. Ask someone close to you to hold you accountable for your accomplishments and progress when creating your novel.
Consider the length of time it takes you to write a total of 10,000 words and use that to set realistic goals for your book. For example, if writing 10,000 words takes you a week to complete, then calculate eight weeks for the completion of 80,000 words.
On a final note, choose a reputable editing service to handle any edits, continuity issues, or loopholes in the finished product. A lot of writers self-publish without the aid of an editor and that decision is reflected in the poor customer reviews and lack of sales. Polished novels lead to more readers pining away for your next book to be released – and that’s the goal, isn’t it?
