Overcoming the Fear of Writing Your Novel: A Guide for New Authors

Each year, I receive emails from aspiring writers who have stumbled upon my articles. These individuals are new to the world of writing and soon find that creating a novel is far more complex than they initially thought. Just like any other creative endeavor, writing seems simple on the surface—characters, plots, and dialogue—yet the deeper you delve into the craft, the more daunting the task becomes. Each element demands perfection, a perfect stitch that ties the story together. It’s this complexity that often intimidates beginners and sends them seeking guidance.

The First Step: A Journey of 1000 Miles

There’s an old saying: ‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.’ In writing, the first step is simply starting. Embrace the journey and let it unfold. The elements that once seemed so daunting will start to reveal themselves as you continue to write. Remember, the words on the page are not living entities; they cannot harm you. Although the task may seem overwhelming, it is ultimately a liberating experience that allows you to express your imagination and creativity.

Putting Your Ideas on Paper

Write, and keep writing. Don’t be afraid to put your ideas on paper; that’s what writers do. In fact, practice makes perfect. When possible, write in the first person to allow the reader to feel like they are a part of the story. This personal connection can enhance the reader's engagement and make your narrative more vivid. Remember, writing is a process, and each stroke of the pen is a step forward.

Short Stories: A Path to Mastery

To hone your skills, start by writing a dozen or so short stories. These exercises will help you establish your narrative voice and reputation in the world of writing. Just as a sculptor might refine their technique through small figurines, so too can you perfect your craft through short stories. Submit these works to writing contests, forums, and publications, thereby gaining visibility and constructive feedback. Over time, you’ll find that your stories become more refined and compelling.

Your Process: Finding What Works for You

Every writer has their own process. Some may prefer to dive right in, writing freely without a plan. Others might map out every detail before starting, creating a structure to follow. For me, it’s a mix of both. Sometimes, I scribble ideas on post-it notes and build spreadsheets, while other times, I write freely, allowing the story to unfold organically. Find what works for you and embrace your process. The journey of writing is personal, and your unique approach will shape the story you want to tell.

Completing the Draft

When you have a novel in you, you’ll already be writing it, even if you don’t know all the details right away. Writing is not just about the initial draft but also about the rewrites that follow. After you have your first draft, it’s time to refine and polish the story. Expect to go through multiple revisions, making the necessary changes to improve the plot, characters, and dialogue. Think of each rewrite as a step forward, an opportunity to elevate your work.

Conclusion

The path to writing a novel may seem daunting, but remember, it all starts with a single step. Embrace the journey, and you’ll be surprised at what you discover. Don’t be afraid to put your ideas on paper, write many short stories to hone your skills, and choose a process that works for you. Remember, the more you write, the better you’ll become. Happy writing!