5 Things I Learned While Writing My First Novel

Some people, well actually, there's probably a lot of people who wake up one morning with the sudden urge to write. Then, there are those people who seem like they were born to write. I would say I fall into both of these. I knew I was a great writer with some talent while I was in High School. My English teacher constantly told me how great she thought I'd do with writing amazing books. This is what inspired me. I began writing Poetry at first. But this didn't seem to scratch that itch for the lack of better words. One assignment I had while in school was to write a short story. This is where I realized that I love to write. Although life had taken me in a different direction, I still wrote when I can. As an example, in a journal.

Several years after writing this short story, I became a mother. One day while my baby sister was visiting, we decided to go through old boxed in my apartment so I could get a little organization within the apartment. She came across this short story and read it. She told me it was really good and that I should continue it into a longer story. This inspired me. This was in 2005.

I begin plotting out a more structured outline for the entire story. Wanting to expand it. While writing it, I've learned some very valuable things during this time that I'd like to pass on to those who are looking into writing more.

So here are the 5 Things I Learned While Writing My First Novel:

1. Never Give Up- This is one thing that I seemed to struggle with at first. It seemed like no matter how much time and how much I poured my heart into it, I had this little voice within telling me I can't do this. I'm not a writer, I only think I am. It sounds crazy but it's true. There were times I felt it was nothing but trash. Did I quit? No! I didn't. I pushed myself to continue and I planned even more. There were times where I hit what they call a "writer's block." There's ways to over come this. I'll be posting these ways a bit later on in another post.

2. Create Deadlines- This is one thing that I had to get used to. I didn't want to be just a writer. I wanted to be a great one. I think that when it comes to writing, deadlines are a must. As an example, when writing, create a deadline for when you want to finish the work your currently doing. This helps with self discipline which is I think is a must within the writing world.

3. Set Goals- This set was very easy for me but it also ties in with number two. Set the goals and a deadline for when you want to meet this goal. Here is a suggestion- "Write (insert number) words per week." This is a goal and it has a deadline.

4. Write, Write, & Write- I don't think I can stress this enough. I think the more you write- the better you get at it. This pretty much talks for itself. But it really doesn't matter where or what you write. As an example, when I feel overloaded by my novel, I turn to my blog. I also take a break from writing and find time for me. This is when I feel the most relaxed about writing and where my best idea's come from. If you find it hard to write, take a break and read. Read anything. A book.. a magazine... a newspaper... anything!

5. Don't let others get you down!- This is, in my opinion, one of the most important. I've had people tell me that my dream of being a published author is crap and I'll never reach it. I've had them tell me that my dream of writing in general is just a front for not actually doing something with my life. Well, these only put more of a desire within me for wanting to reach my main goal. These people don't realize they're not hurting me, they're helping me. Use the negative words for inspiration to write. One thing I feel as a writer you need to learn, is this: Words are words. Do not write to impress. Write to express. If you can understand this, you're off to a great start.