How to Document Your Writing Journey While Writing a Novel
One of the fun things about writing a Substack or a blog is that it serves as a journal of your experiences as a writer and creative. Way back in the day (we’re talking 10+ years ago), I was part of the heydays of Mommy Bloggers and Scary Mommy (I wrote a few essays for them). I had some unique challenges raising my oldest son, and writing about it was the catharsis I needed (that was even my pen name: Mommy Catharsis). Reading those posts again is a trip down memory lane and a reminder of how far my son has come. And being a part of that supportive group of moms and loyal readers helped get me through some tough times. Never underestimate the power of writing and community.
Recently, I’ve been revisiting my posts for The Teachers’ Lounge, a Substack I started three years ago to document my experiences writing the novel of the same name and to connect with other writers. I still post there monthly, and it’s fascinating for me to reread my own writing journey. It’s a long process, so you sometimes forget the many milestones along the way.
Case in point: a little over two years ago, I shared five discoveries I made while writing the first draft of my novel. You read that right: I finished my first draft two years ago, and I’m still weaving in the final touches so I can query.
Having a career and raising kids can make writing a novel an even longer, winding process. Couple this with the simple fact that most of us were never taught how to write a novel. I taught myself and learned a lot in the process.
Shameless plug: You can get there more quickly with the guidance and support of a book coach. It was a game-changer for me when I met mine, and it can be for you, too.
And, as you all know since you’re reading this, I started a blog & newsletter called Yes, You Can Write a Novel, aimed at helping fellow writers like yourself write a novel with clear and steady guidance. One of my goals is to help you get across the finish line more quickly while still enjoying the process as you do.
Why I recommend you start documenting your writing journey now
If you haven’t already, I recommend you start documenting your writing journey. This doesn’t have to be online. You can document your experience writing a novel in a paper journal or a Word doc. Trust me: you’ll enjoy going back and rereading entries every so often to see the progress you’ve made.
Eventually, I do also recommend documenting your journey online. Why? This serves multiple purposes.
It’s a personal record of your writing journey
It connects you to the wider writing community
It helps you build a readership over time
When you do publish your novel (let’s manifest that!), you will have a list of readers who already care about your work. An email list is one of the most powerful tools for an author to build their audience.
Substack continues to be a positive environment for creative writers, and it’s a great way to build community. It’s also easier to get started than creating your own website, although you can do that too! I had a WordPress site when I was blogging years ago, and I have a Squarespace blog now, in addition to my Substack.
Time away from your main writing project
Here’s the tension, of course. Writing about your experience takes time, and for many of us, time is precious. We need to spend those hours actually writing our novels.
I won’t pretend to have the answers here. This is something I still grapple with. What I will say is this: I always feel good after I write a post about my writing experience, and I genuinely enjoy rereading those posts later. It’s also so rewarding to see others engage with them.
A recommendation is to start with a low commitment. Aim to post once a month, or even quarterly. Bi-weekly or weekly is commendable, but often not realistic for a busy lifestyle.
Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a self-imposed deadline. It’s not worth it, and likely no one notices anyway. I don’t say this to be dismissive. I say this to help take the pressure off. Personal example: last week, I wanted to write a new blog post, but I ran out of time. Oh well! The world didn’t end.
Instead, commit to what you want to do. I want to send a newsletter out each week. I love the feeling that, on Sunday mornings, a group of dedicated writers is reading and getting a little jolt of creative energy and positivity.
Follow your own joy. And document it! Whether it’s a line-a-day with paper and pen or a long-form blog post. The creative spirit lives within all forms of our writing.
Be a positive literary citizen
Finally, I’ll leave you with this: read about other writers’ journeys, too. And let them know you’re there, with a like or a comment! This is part of being a positive literary citizen. We build stronger writing communities when we show up for each other. Let’s lift each other with encouragement!
In that spirit, here are a few friends whose writing journeys I recommend you follow. You can learn from their unique styles and voices as you begin crafting your own.
(re/dis)Orientation West by Anne Kilfoyle. Casual dispatches about creative uncertainty, the West, and publishing a novel. Using humor to cope with polycrisis. Constantly workshopping my approach to life.
K.C. Selby’s quarterly newsletter. K.C. is a commercial fiction writer living in the Midwest who writes about the messiness of relationships with a bit of mystery to keep things interesting.
Karen Sommerville’s Substack. A writing circle for thoughtful writers in the second half of life.
Petra Glyphs. Petra is an indie author, storyteller, sometimes poet and essayist, lover of vegan chocolate cake, and drinker of tea.
Do you document your writing journey? I’d love to follow you and share your journey with our community. Add your Substack or blog to the comments so I (and others) can follow you.
What questions do you have about starting a Substack or your own website? I have over a decade of experience blogging. I’m happy to help! Post your questions in the comments.
