If you’re a writer or aspiring writer, you probably know how intimidating it is to start writing a book. Sure, you might have a million different story ideas swirling around in your mind and characters you’ve already fallen in love with, but do you also have several neglected works in progress on your laptop?
Don’t worry, you are not alone. In fact, I’d like to think that putting off our brilliant novels is a rite of passage for us writers. But as a writer who has actually finished and published one novel – and is currently writing his second! – I have some foolproof tricks to share.
Here are four tips for writing a novel – no matter how much of a procrastinator you may be.
1. Write the scenes that are fresh in your mind
Don’t force yourself to write in order. When I wrote my first novel, I started in the middle and worked my way out. Whenever I got inspiration for a scene, no matter where in the story it might fall, I wrote it out.
This also allowed the book to unfold naturally. I often say that my characters hijack my stories. I might think the plot is headed in one direction, but the characters end up steering it down a whole new path. Let us take you along for the ride.
2. Mix music that makes you feel something
I don’t know about you, but I’m most inspired to write when I’m listening to deeply emotional music. I like to make “mood playlists” for each of my novels that help set the scene for my book. It’s almost like a form of method acting as I fall into the body, mind and spirit of the character. empathize with the character’s current emotional state while listening to relatable music.
Sometimes I’ll even match certain scenes to certain songs – like they’re playing out like a movie. This helps me better visualize the settings, characters and overall mood. When I can fully feel the energy of a given scene in my book, I can write from a more inspired place.
3. Draft first, fill in context later
Sometimes dialogue flows more easily than narration and vice versa. When I’m feeling creatively stymied, I’ll usually just write down what’s top of mind and fill in the details later. You can leave notes in the document so you remember to revisit certain sections.
For example, a specific conversation between two of my characters kept playing over and over in my mind a few days ago. No matter how much I tried to focus on setting the scene for the dialogue, it just wouldn’t come to me – that is, until I quickly worked out the quotes. Once I cleared my brain of the relentless back and forth of my characters, I was able to fill in the context with ease.
4. Have an affair with your book
I discovered this advice from Elizabeth Gilbert in her book Great magic. Of course, that doesn’t mean you cheat on a partner to inspire your writing. It means you treat your creativity as an exciting, seductive affair that you just can’t get enough of.
Sneak some pages in on your lunch break, stay up a bit and jot down your thoughts, and let your mind wander to your grades while you work the measly nine-to-five. The more you treat your art as a satisfying, enticing escape, the less it will feel like a chore. Have fun with it and you will appear more authentic.
