I always wanted to write a fiction novel. With one pandemic, countless lockdowns and a lot of time on my hands, I decided the time was now. I was driven by a need to have something tangible to hold on to following this turbulent experience - a strange scenario of uncharted waters with daily figures, constant bombardment and a situation where our health hung in the balance if we so much as stepped over a safe two meter distance. It created a sense of unity and isolation in one breath. I needed to escape into a world I myself could create.
Many years ago, I attempted my first foray into the world of fiction. With a proud chest, eager heart and sheer determination, I announced to the world that I was going to be a novelist. The scene was set - the characters started to come to life - and I was excited. Until I hit the hump of 30,000 words. Now apparently, this is common amongst budding writers, however, with no mentor in sight I was unable to navigate the horror that is writers block.
'Build a bridge and get over it'.
The words came loud and clear after watching an interview with an esteemed novelist. It wasn't that easy. I stared at the blank pages and realised, the story as it stood, had come to a complete standstill. How did I move on? How did I conquer the dreaded loss of inspiration and lack of ideas? Through conversation with a published author.
'The story has come to an end'
I pleaded wide eyed, with no understanding as to why this was taking place. I thought it would be easy. Words have been my bread and butter since my 20s and, before that, I was the avid reader, I was the avid writer - it was my passion and my desire. So what went wrong?
'Maybe you need to go backwards'
It was my lightbulb moment. I needed to go backwards. I needed to investigate the who, how, what, where and why (the old journalists mantra) and take a closer look at the events leading up to where the novel began. This has been an amazing journey and one I look upon with fondness.
Honour your work
In the past, I made the mistake of showing my work for comment before I was ready. The feedback was welcome, the intention honourable, and the new concepts put forward to help me to move the plot along were valid. In fact, all have been wrapped and weaved into the book as it stands now. However, one constructive criticism sent me flying, and I was unable to go back until the global pandemic forced us all to take a hard look at what we really wanted.
I wanted to write a book.
It was that simple. Between a chance conversation with a published author and the wonderful Marian Keyes, I now have a complete first draft of 70,000 words combining the old and the new - and I am so proud. The fantastic Marian delivered a free online writing course on Instagram designed especially for budding authors. She imparted her words of wisdom like gold on a page and the content is still available on her IG. It was invaluable.
My goal was the Irish Book Fair.
The chance to submit your finished word baby to potential agents and publishers is a chance not to be missed. And it gave me a deadline. I waited by the phone with bated breath for the call to come. Unfortunately, it was not to be. I dusted off my disappointment and decided to do the one thing I had avoided - reach out for review. With a host of ideas now flying around, I know what I need to do to complete Draft 2. It could be this year, it could be next, but I will continue to tip away at this wonderfully creative outlet in a bid to submit to get the golden ticket of publication. I am not happy with it yet. I know it is unfinished. The rest is still unwritten.
But here are some top tips for you from what I have learned so far.
Set up a quiet space. I found lighting a candle a fantastic way to set the tone and had my one spot in the dining room where I wrote to my hearts content.
Marian Keyes writing prompts were a godsend. Her weekly content ideas sparked the imagination. She gave one line from which we had to develop 500 words. I could not have continued without this. Somedays I wrote 500 words, somedays more, somedays an entire chapter - but writing prompts rescued me from the swamp of writers block.
Write. Everyday. 200 words, 500 words it all adds up.
You can't edit a blank page. Some days the words flow. More often than not they don't. Give yourself a break, don't overthink and by the end of the day you will have a tangible piece of work that can be edited into your overall narrative. Let it go. Let it run away with you.
It's fun. Developing characters, storylines and settings is an absolute joy. They may not make the final cut, but they could be the lead character for your next novel.
You will be staring at a blank screen. Accept this as part of the process. But don't leave until you have a snippet on the page. Keep moving forward - always. (Until you have to look backwards).
Your story may have ended, perhaps that wasn't the beginning. Go back. See how you can develop the plot and the character.
Storyboard. I didn't plan anything in advance, I understand many writers do. By the end, even I would have benefited from a large whiteboard to keep an eye on timelines, time zones, places, people, placenames.
Find somewhere to jot down the main characteristics of your characters and keep it in front of you at all times. I didn't do this and found I could remember if the hair was auburn or dark, long or short, eye colour, height - these are all crucial to building a sense of character.
I found character traits and flaws easier to remember as they were key to the plotline. My novel is character driven. But it is wise to jot this down with physical appearance as you find as more characters enter, it is easy to get lost in the melee.
Don't feel pressure to show your first draft to anyone. You will know when you are ready.
Your words won't be everyone's cup of tea.
Find out what is your intention, why are you writing this book? Never forget the why.
Your writing style will change, develop and improve as you progress. That's ok.
Editing is tough. And sad. Building up a portfolio of words is an amazing feeling. Word counts become a fixation. But you will have to cut - a lot. And revise - a lot. Whether you decide to do this daily, or review at the end (my first draft really is draft 100) editing will become part of the process.
Happy Writing !
Comments