Last time out, I offered my top five tips for writing a novel. In this article,
we'll explore five more top tips. I also want to reiterate upfront: A tip here or there will not
provide you with enough information to help you get started writing a first a novel. You need more.
Try an online course, for instance. Or seek out the guidance of a professional writer. Anything more
substantial than a few quick tips.
Okay, no more lecturing. The truth is ... a few solid tips can provide you with the motivation to
get started and a rough idea of how to start. So here are some new ones for you ...
6: Use Your Own Voice
It's tempting to try to mimic the voice of a writer you admire. Most writers are readers first. They
come to the craft by way of appreciation for the talents of others. So it's not uncommon to try to
write in the same voice as someone you've been reading. However, you're doing yourself and your
readers a tremendous disservice. The world doesn't need another Stephen King or Ray Bradbury or
Janet Evanovich. Readers want new voices, fresh voices. Give them what they want.
7: If Keeping A Journal Helps, Keep A Journal
I'm not a journal writer. I do have friends who not only keep journals but swear by them. If you
enjoy keeping a journal and it doesn't distract from your novel writing, then keep a journal. If you
don't enjoy keeping a journal, don't keep one. The danger with a journal is that it's always easier
to sit outside under a tree and write about your take on the world or how your life is going or this
great description of an elderly woman you saw at the market last Tuesday, and ... never work on your
novel. So be careful if you keep a journal. Be aware when you're using it as a means of avoiding
your novel writing.
8: First Names Don't Belong In Your Dialogue
This is a pet peeve of David Morrell, a wonderful writer. Too often in dialogue (this is especially
true in the dialogue you hear on television or in the movies), people use first names. Here's an
example: "I don't know, Joe, what do you think? Seems like, you know, Joe, you're always pushing
things to the limit." The truth is this: if you spend time listening to people talk in real life,
you'll almost never hear them address each other by name. The conversation would really go like
this: "I don't know, what do you think? Seems like, you know, you're always pushing things to the
limit." So the tip: always minimize your use of fist names in dialogue.
9: Edit With The Story In Mind
One of the most difficult tasks you'll encounter as a writer is editing your work honestly. You'll
know when you encounter a passage or a scene that doesn't move the story forward, that you know you
could cut without affecting any other elements. But do you have the toughness to cut it? What if
it's beautifully written? What if you put your heart and soul into it? Could you still cut it? It's
hard to cut your own work, especially when you're proud of what you've written. Bottom line: does
the passage contribute to the story? If it doesn't, face up to it, cut it and move on.
10: Don't Worry So Much
If you're going to write a novel, enjoy the process, especially the first draft. Don't worry about
if it'll all work out in the end. Writing isn't permanent. You can change anything. Allow yourself
to write for the pure joy of the process. Your novel will be better for it.
