The wonderful world of fiction includes an array of genres that have their own set of tropes, story structures, and character arcs. For this reason, we’re not focusing on the elements to consider when crafting an enjoyable story, like plot, character development, and exposition – you can find resources to support you with this by visiting our book and podcast recommendations for writers.
Instead, we’re exploring the practicalities of writing fiction, and sharing our top tips for making sure your book’s writing process is as pleasant as possible…
1. Write the book you want to read
And not just because you’ll be reading your manuscript a million times before it’s published!
Attempting to replicate the success of established, bestselling authors by only considering the most popular genres within which to write will restrict your storytelling abilities – particularly if you don’t read books in said genres. The best way to decide what to write is to find a topic or story that fascinates or inspires you, without worrying about forcing your story to fit into a particular genre.
If you’re passionate about what you’re writing, that’ll filter through your story to resonate more deeply with your readers than if you were writing a book with the sole intention of making money.
2. Set achievable writing goals for yourself
Just as for any big project, setting goals is important when writing your book because it helps to maintain momentum and provides structure for your writing time (which is precious for many of us, thanks to family commitments, work, and life getting in the way!).
However, at the beginning of your writing journey, it can be tempting to set ambitious goals that emulate the writing habits of well-known authors you admire, such as writing thousands of words each day or forcing yourself to wake up in the early hours to write while the rest of your household is asleep.
Perhaps have broader goals in the initial stages of writing your first draft, like reaching 10,000 words in a month, to allow yourself the time and energy to discover the writing routines that work best for you.
3. Get comfortable with writing terribly
Perfectionists are likely rolling their eyes at this top tip.
Though if you’ve ever tried to write a novel, only to find yourself re-reading and revising the previous day’s work until you no longer feel like writing, you’ll understand why it’s so important to have the confidence to write a messy first draft!
Nobody on the planet has ever written a perfect first draft, because perfection is an unattainable state. Therefore, it’s time to accept that nobody else has to read your first draft, which means no-one’s going to judge you for it – make it as gloriously terrible as you possibly can, and give the editing process something to do.
4. Embrace writer’s block
Every writer knows how it feels to face the blank page, or stare at yesterday’s writing efforts on the screen, only to be overwhelmed by brain fog or an inability to form coherent sentences.
We understand how awful writer’s clock can be, particularly if you have a deadline to work towards. But, even when inspiration is failing to strike, there are still ways you could use your writing time wisely. For example, if the words won’t flow, it’s worth making an effort to hone your craft instead.
Here are just a few ways you might motivate your inspiration by trying the following activities when faced with dreaded writer’s block:
- Watch films of the same genre as your book.
- Read books about writing or non-fiction writing guides.
- Take an online class for writing, editing, or book marketing.
- Step outside (i.e. go for a walk, visit a coffee shop, catch-up with a friend).
- Try a new hobby or learn a new skill (e.g. learning another language).
5. Read, read, and read
To be able to write well, you must be an avid reader. It doesn’t matter whether it takes months or hours for you to finish reading a novel, the best writing teachers you’ll ever know will be the authors of your favourite books – after all, they’re likely your inspiration as a writer; plus, they’ve been where you are right now, and succeeded.
Do you have any top tips for fellow fiction writers? If so, please share your advice in the comment section below! Thanks for reading.
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