Start Your Journey Today!
As the internet continues to expand, the number of successful, self-published authors has skyrocketed. This is because there are now more resources than ever available for authors who can’t afford (or don’t know how) to go the traditional publishing route.
If you’ve been interested in learning how to write a novel just like the ones you’re always reading, this article is for you. Here’s how you can go from “reader” to “writer”.
- Start by learning from the best.
As with any process, excellent writing starts with exceptional teaching. Now, before you start getting overwhelmed with thoughts of having to find someone to teach you how to write, consider this: you already have a teacher.
That’s right!
All of the novels, novellas, short stories, poems, etc. that you read on a daily basis are massive tomes of knowledge that you’re completely looking over! Not to mention, learning to write from the books you read is an incredibly easy process. All you really have to do is change the way you read. Instead of skimming over paragraphs that don’t interest you, for example, read them. Take in every word, and ask yourself why they don’t interest you. After all, I’m willing to bet that all your favorite books are ones that have few to none of those skimmable sections.
Additionally, ensure that you’re also paying attention to the finer details that rivet you. If a particular sentence evokes emotion, stop to figure it out. Is it because of the circumstances surrounding the sentence or the language used in the delivery?
Read purposefully, and you’ll make leagues of progress faster than you ever thought possible.
- Keep a journal.
Journals are excellent for those who wish to take up the writing trade. They function as catch-alls for thoughts we may have while reading.
For example, sometimes, a particular line can inspire us to conjure up a scene in our head completely separate from what the book is saying. When this happens, write it down! Additionally, any sentences that evoke emotion from you should be written down as well for you to come back to look at later!
By doing this, you can set yourself up for success before you even put the pen to the page.
- Above all else, start.
Writing today for many authors include tedious exercises like creating character sheets, worldbuilding, etc. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it can quickly spiral into a method of procrastination if you aren’t careful.
For this reason, starting is the most important thing you can do in writing.
If you can make time in a day to create a character or worldbuilding sheet, then you also have time to write a single sentence at the very least. After all, how are you supposed to learn if you aren’t practicing?
Simply put, beginning your story is the single most powerful thing you can do for yourself.
Once you start, no one can stop you.
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