Turning your dream of writing a novel into reality can seem overwhelming. The road may feel filled with uncertainty and self-doubt. However, my experience in writing my first novel (that was almost 10 novels ago!) showed me that by breaking the process into smaller, manageable steps, I could stay motivated and focused. Here are some practical tips that helped me on my journey.
Start Small, but Start Now
You don’t need hours of uninterrupted time to begin. Start with 10-15 minutes a day. Use that time to brainstorm ideas, outline a story, or even write a few sentences. If you’re not sure what to write, try journaling about your day, describing a setting you love, or jotting down snippets of dialogue. Keep a notebook or app handy to capture ideas when they strike—whether you’re commuting, waiting in line, or taking a break at work. Small, consistent efforts compound over time and can lead to major progress. The key is to build momentum and turn writing into a daily habit.
Set Clear Writing Goals
When I first embarked on writing my first novel, I quickly learned that vague intentions were not enough. I needed clear, specific goals. Instead of saying, "I want to write my novel," I set measurable targets like "I will write 1,500 words a week." Having this structure allowed me to track my progress and celebrate small achievements, which kept my momentum going.
The idea of writing 80,000 words felt overwhelming and like I'd never get there. But 1,500 words? I write emails longer than that.
For example, I broke down my novel into distinct chunks of 5,000 words each. I wrote "5,000 words"on 16 individual sticky notes. I stuck them to my wall and would remove one every time I hit 5,000 words. It was motivating see the stickies dwindle down to the remaining few. It kept me in that "one foot in front of the other" mindset. I didn't need to climb the mountain, I only needed to take one step at a time. By the end of three months, I had written a first draft. This strategy not only organized my approach but also made the daunting task of writing a full novel far less intimidating.
Create a Dedicated Writing Space
Creating a personal writing space was another significant shift in my writing habits. I needed an inspiring area, free from distractions. I transformed a corner of my living room into a cozy nook filled with my favorite books and soft lighting. This space became my sanctuary, where I could focus solely on my writing.
If you have limited space, a corner of your kitchen table or a small desk can work just as well. The important thing is to make this area welcoming and conducive to creativity. Keep it tidy so you're ready to plunk your laptop or notebook on it at a moment's notice. If you need quiet to focus, make sure others around you know not to bother you while you're in your "nook." If you need noise around you, maybe choose a favourite cafe to write at or play an ambience video from YouTube.
By setting this space apart for writing, it became easier for me to slip into a focused mindset. I found that even a simple arrangement increased my productivity by about 30%.
Develop a Writing Routine
Establishing a consistent writing routine was a game-changer. Initially, I struggled to determine the best time to write. Should I try early mornings or late at night? After experimenting, I found that writing in the evenings worked best for me. Mornings were too hectic getting ready for work and tackling chores.
I committed to a one-hour block of uninterrupted writing each evening. This routine fostered discipline and allowed my creative juices to flow freely. Research indicates that maintaining a consistent writing schedule can boost productivity by up to 25%. By dedicating that time each day, I began to see clear progress in my novel.
You don't have to write daily to have a writing routine. What's important is that you choose how many days you want to write per week (One day a week is great! So is two or four or six!) and that you stick to it. Or try something flexible like establishing a minimum word count to reach every week so you can do it in one writing session if your week is busy or across multiple sessions if you have a lighter week. The point is, you want consistency. Showing up regularly to work on your novel is going to advance your writing goal every single time.
Invest in Inspiration
Surround yourself with inspiration. Read books in your genre to see how others craft their stories and handle challenges like pacing, dialogue, and character development. Listen to podcasts or watch interviews with authors to learn about their creative processes. Join an online writing group or workshop where you can share ideas and gain feedback. Sometimes, hearing how others overcame obstacles can fuel your own journey. If possible, attend writing conferences or retreats to immerse yourself in a creative environment—you’ll meet like-minded individuals and gain valuable insights.
Join a Writing Group
Writing can often be a lonely endeavor, making a supportive community invaluable. I formed a writing group that meets weekly over Zoom, and it proved to be one of the most rewarding aspects of my writing journey. Surrounded by fellow writers, I gained fresh perspectives on my work. Sharing my challenges often provided the motivation I needed to persevere. Whether discussing our experiences or sharing resources, the group fostered a spirit of collaboration that enriched my writing. I continue to learn from each of of the members of my writing group.
Embrace Revisions
Writing the first draft is just the beginning. I initially believed my first draft would be flawless (ha!), only to realize that revisions are critical. Each time I revisited sections, I discovered areas needing improvement, restructuring, or rewriting.
I began to view revisions as opportunities rather than chores. Taking a short break from my work allowed me to return with fresh eyes, making it easier to identify what needed fixing. Embracing the reality that no first draft is perfect helped me focus on creating a more compelling story.
And when I finally thought it was perfect and I shared my manuscript with an agent? She signed me...and then gave me feedback on how to improve the novel before it could go out on submission to publishers.
Learn as You Go
Don’t let a lack of experience hold you back. Writing is a skill you build through practice. Dive in, even if you feel unprepared, and use resources to guide you along the way. Take online courses, attend workshops, or read craft books to develop your knowledge. Explore topics like plotting, character development, and editing. Remember, you’ll learn more by doing than by waiting until you feel ready—your growth comes from the act of writing itself.
Reconnect with Your Why
Why do you want to write? Is it to tell a story that’s been burning inside you? To inspire or entertain others? To leave something meaningful behind? Reconnecting with your deeper purpose can help you push past self-doubt and take action. Write down your reasons and keep them somewhere visible—on your desk, in your notebook, or as a note on your phone. When motivation wanes, revisiting your “why” can reignite your passion and keep you moving forward.
The truth is, there’s no perfect time to start. Life will always have its demands and distractions. Start anyway. Carve out moments when you can—whether it’s waking up 15 minutes earlier, writing during lunch breaks, or using time before bed. Trust that even imperfect effort adds up. Consistency matters far more than perfection, and every sentence brings you closer to your goal.
So pick up your pen or sit at your keyboard, and let your imagination take flight.
Happy writing!
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