Looking to write your first book? Click here to learn creative writing tips that can help get your ideas down on paper.
Can you imagine if your favorite book was never finished? Well, millions of books get abandoned before they’re completed every year.
The reasons vary – maybe the author ran out of motivation or the story fell apart due to a lack of planning.
So, the question becomes, how can I possibly beat the odds and actually finish my first novel?
Well, it’s not easy – like we said, millions of people try and fail every year. But there are things you can do to help.
If you’re trying to write your first novel, keep reading to discover 3 creative writing tips for writing your first novel.
Plan and Structure Your Novel
While this might not sound very creative, it’s one of the best creative writing tips we can give you.
Consider every detail about your book before you write it – even create a book cover! Now it doesn’t have to be the one you stick with, but it’ll help you decide what you want the overall theme and feel of your novel to be like.
Decide on your story and how it will flow throughout the book. This is not only true for novels, but for script writing and other types of writing, as well.
When deciding on the structure of your book, stick with the classic three-act structure. This structure goes back to Aristotle’s time, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s outdated – some of the most beloved stories written to this day have followed this pattern.
Set Attainable Goals for Yourself
You might not get very far if you just say to yourself “I want to finish my first novel by the end of the year.” Instead, try saying “I want to write 500 words today.” It’ll be easier to stay motivated if you’re constantly reaching your daily and weekly goals.
Setting an attainable schedule is also a huge part of this. Remember, real art takes time. Don’t pressure yourself to write as long as humanly possible. Instead, decide to write for an hour in the morning before work.
If writing your novel is your full-time job, then make sure you include scheduled breaks and days off. Consider picking up a liberal arts job, so you don’t stress about money and rush to finish.
Show It Off Before You’re Done
Don’t worry about having a finished piece before asking for opinions. If your book isn’t reading very well or has a huge plot hole, wouldn’t you want to know before you spend the next few months, or even years, finishing it?
Let your friends, family members, or people from an online writing community read it. More importantly, accept and use their criticism. After all, you want to write a novel that others will enjoy, right?
Creative Writing Tips for Your First Novel
It’s okay if your first novel is underway, and you’re feeling discouraged – it happens to the best of us! The best thing you can do is to structure your book, set attainable goals for yourself, and let others review it as you go.
Do you need a break from writing your novel (or do you need money to keep yourself going)? Check out our other post to learn how to become a Freelance Editor.