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.