My Number One Tip For Anyone Writing a Novel.
When I first began working on my novel way back in 2021, my biggest pain point was not knowing how to start. Sure, I’d written and published a lot already by that point, but the pieces I’d written were short and mostly nonfiction. Tackling such a large piece of fiction was daunting, but it was also something I’d wanted to do for so long (since I was like five years old). Novels are my absolute favorite form of writing, and I knew I had it in me to write one. I’m a strong writer, and I’m smart, I’d remind myself. I can figure this out!
So, I took all the steps you’re probably taking right now: reading craft books, watching webinars, studying beloved novels, and toiling away for hours alone on my laptop. I made some progress, but the progress was slow and full of doubt: Is this right? Does this make sense? Why do I feel stuck? I’d find myself spiraling, which would lead to long stretches where I stopped working on my novel altogether.
Then, in a serendipitous moment, right after I literally told someone, “I want to write a novel, but I don’t know how,” an email appeared in my inbox from Nancy Stohlman (flash fiction goddess). The subject line read, “Are you ready to finish your novel by the end of the year?” With a resounding yes, I joined her Flash Fiction Novel Mastermind and found a community of fellow writers who had the same pain point as me: we desperately wanted to write a novel, but didn’t know how.
From that moment on, I made significant, focused progress on my novel. Why? I had found a small group of fellow writers who craved camaraderie and collaboration, just like me. Finally, I had people to bounce ideas off of. No more guessing in the dark if an idea made sense.
My number one writing tip for anyone writing a novel?
Find your people.
Do not try to write a novel alone. You will spin in circles. You will make yourself crazy, and there’s a good chance you’ll either abandon your book or write something that you feel in your gut could be better, but you don’t know how to make it better.
Looking for a writing community to keep you going? Join mine! We write weekly on Monday mornings. We set a writing intention, we share it with the group, and we write.
Looking to elevate and accelerate your novel-writing journey? Check out my individual coaching services. It’s my favorite way to work with writers!
Hope to see you next Monday! Until then, happy writing!
~Miranda
Calligraphy pen writing on notebook paper.
