This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
1. Don’t worry if what you write isn’t good. It will be. I really believe that writing is in the rewriting. A first draft should be fluid and free, so that the plot and characters can change, grow and surprise you as the novel takes shape. Imperfect, but fresh. Resist the urge to tidy and polish. Then, when you come to edit the novel, the work of fleshing out scenes and adding details begins, and this is when everything in your book really comes to life.
2. Live, observe, talk to people, travel, be curious. Sitting at your laptop is a relatively small part of being a writer. Live as full a life as you can – whether that’s travelling to far-flung places, talking to your neighbours or trawling through old photographs in junk shops – fill your mind with ideas and stories and the words will flow.
3. When you get feedback, take time to digest it. When you’ve been working closely on a manuscript for a period of time, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s working and what might be holding your novel back, so feedback from a trusted, well-read friend or editor can really help push your writing forward. It can be nerve-wracking, though! When you receive feedback, give yourself a few days (or, ideally, weeks) away from your project to let the ideas and suggestions sink in. Decide which comments resonate with you, and if a reader’s flagged an issue see if you can come up with your own solution. Growing a thick skin and not taking criticism to heart is essential if you want to keep improving.
4. Write, write, write. You might have the most incredible, moving and original plotline in your mind, but until those words are down on the page, no one else can experience and enjoy it. Don’t talk about your story – get typing. A little each day and before you know it you’ll have a first draft you can start reworking and improving.
5. Find a network of writing buddies. Gone are the days of typing away in isolation, and good riddance! Whether it’s meeting a writer friend for coffee and helping each other past plot hurdles, or engaging in word races with fellow writers on Twitter, talking with people who share your passion for words can be really motivating and inspiring.
The Seafront Tearooms by Vanessa Greene is out now.