My Book Writing Tips
I've been writing a fiction novel for the past several years. It’s my first book! This week, I submitted 50 pages and a full outline to the James Jones First Novel Fellowship. If I win (they usually have ~600 entries), I will get $10k to work on my book. Send me your best book vibes!
The first draft is almost done, and since so many of you have beautiful stories inside you waiting to be told, I wanted to share a bit about how I've approached this huge project.
1. Start from the beginning, start from the end. Create an outline or don't. Skip around or write in order. You get the picture here - the idea is to make it work for your style so that you actually start writing. Give yourself permission to do it YOUR way. I started at the beginning and worked in chronological order forward. I did not make an outline until now, when the first draft is almost complete. I went back and added material. I added Point of View from a second narrator. Follow what feels good and right for you. (Note: I do not have a degree in English or writing. I have no connections to the book publishing world. There is no cash advance. I am doing this solely because it’s my dream, and that is enough for you too.)
2. Find people who can support you and invest in that support. As an introvert, I hate when people give this advice, but it's just simply been true that small writing communities have helped me maintain stamina for this project. Folks inside these groups have been the only people to read (listen to) parts of my novel. You need to find the community that works for you, but the two I have been involved in (links below) are spectacular. Yes, I am biased.
Narrative Healing led by Lisa Weinert
Inner Story led by GG Hill
3. Use tools you like. For years before I started my novel, I kept a google doc running list of ideas. I've continued to use google docs for my manuscript. There is zero about it that's fancy. It's worked great for me. I also journal about my process. I journal about what I'm trying to say, what themes I'm trying to convey, who my book is for, etc. I currently love Liberty handmade journals. Stickers add much needed whimsy and delight. Right now, I use Pipsticks stickers. I use Pilot precise V5 pens for journaling. I turn on meditation music from my Insight Timer app and light candles. Coffee (beans from my local shop, Caffe Amouri) is a must! My brother and sister in law gifted me this magical Ember mug, which keeps your coffee hot for hours and lives on my desk.
If a book is a dream for you and you need help moving forward, reach out and tell me about it. I offer book coaching and we can chat about whether I might meet your needs.
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