Welcome to my page dedicated to anyone who's always wanted to write a novel, but didn't know where to start. I'll post a tip each day from my book YOUR PERSONAL FICTION-WRITING COACH: 365 Days of Motivation & Tips to Write a Great Book! and then, I want to hear from you: Like the Personal Fiction-Writing Coach FB page and leave a comment to let me and your fellow writers know if the day's tip or writing exercise resonates with you and your project. Grab your writing pals and send them over, too!
So you want to be a writer? Or maybe you’re already a writer, but can’t seem to get that novel written? Or you’ve written a few books, but the thrill is gone. Is there a trick, you wonder, to writing a great book, or even finishing a so-so book? Why, yes—there are three tricks, actually, that veteran writers like me keep top secret (shhhh!):
The list probably isn’t the romantic, idealistic answer you were hoping for, but I wrote this book with the idea of dispensing daily inspiration to get you to think about your story—and to write. Because I know from experience your motivation will give out before your imagination will. This book is structured to ease you through the life-cycle of creating a full-length novel, from broad stroke advice and self-evaluating questions, to more specific tips when you get to the planning and writing stages. I’ve also included pitfalls to avoid, lessons I’ve learned and techniques to help you manage your writing time.
If you like guarantees, writing isn’t for you. That said, if you write a novel and put it out into the universe, I guarantee you will:
And that’s cool. Ready? Let’s do this. ~
This daily serial will run through December 31. Each day's writing tip or exercise will be posted for 24 hours, 4am Eastern to 4am Eastern. Set a reminder on your calendar, fridge, or phone so you don't miss a single day of advice to get your novel finished! (For general writing advice and to find out how I sold my first book, check out my Writers Q&A page.)
In the design competition show Project Runway, budding clothing designers are given challenges with specific constraints of what they can and can’t do, typically around a theme. Some designers thrive under the challenges, some don’t. But what’s interesting to me is to see how the tables are flipped when the contestants are given free rein to create anything they want, as long as it expresses their design aesthetic. Without constraints, some designers fall apart. When presented with all the possibilities, they simply can’t make a decision and their resulting garment is a mess.
Similarly, sitting down to write without any constraints can lead to Blank Screen Syndrome. You put your hands on the keyboard, but nothing happens. The screen gapes back at you, empty…expectant…accusatory. Blank Screen Syndrome can be paralyzing, and stop a good novel in its tracks. Blank Screen Syndrome is an epidemic in the writing world, and needs to be eradicated. Here are some ways you can inoculate yourself against Blank Screen Syndrome:
Q: Have you experienced bouts of Blank Screen Syndrome? Share with other writers on Facebook.
Check back tomorrow for the next tip from
YOUR PERSONAL FICTION-WRITING COACH:
365 Days of Motivation & Tips to Write a Great Book!
Can't wait or need to catch up? Get your own copy!
