This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
1. Get into the habit of writing every day. I think I read somewhere that it only takes about a fortnight for a habit to become ingrained.
2. If you’re having a bad day and really can’t get anything down – don’t panic. Read what you’ve written so far. You can still work on your novel in other ways. Do some additional research. Carry out a spellcheck. Do anything to make yourself feel productive rather than sit there beating yourself up because it’s just not happening today.
3. Don’t feel you have to start at the beginning. Start in the middle if you like. Or how about starting at the end? Write that final, exciting, climactic scene. How do you feel now?
4. Choose two or three friends who will give you honest feedback. Send your work off to them for a fresh look. It’s amazing how easily giant plot glitches can be missed.
5. Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.
The Nothing Girl by Jodi Taylor is out now.