I’m not one of those writers who sit down and write a story from beginning to end. All three of my novels have started with scattered notes about ideas or visuals and random half-completed chapters littering my inbox.

So, the first thing to do is put everything in one place. 

I remember attending an interview with Barbara Kingsolver at Southbank in London many years ago. When asked how she began writing her multi-layered, intensely researched book, The Poisonwood Bible, she said she had a metal filing case titled Africa Book, and for years (ten, I believe) filled it with little snippets of information or jotted down ideas that she wanted to include. It was time to write the book when she could no longer, literally or metaphorically, close the drawer!

The idea of putting all of your evidence in one place can be discussed and gleaned. It is a powerful instruction to the self and lays out your intentions. Also, you might find that you have been collecting evidence unbeknownst to your consciousness, and by announcing said ambitions, that piece of evidence jogs to the forefront. 

Secondly, choose the books you will read while writing your novel. I only read nonfiction or poetry when writing the first draft. Fiction is selected very carefully after draft one and is usually read for its’ how-to benefits’ more than the plotline. Organize those books so you have them at the ready, and don’t just grab them from the shelf. Writing a novel makes you raw and open to suggestions, so you must choose the books you’ll read beforehand. 

Third, set a date to begin and a date to end the first draft. There is nothing like a deadline to keep you on track. ‘Nuff said.

Fourth, be realistic about what you will accomplish each writing day and write down those realistic goals. When I clear the decks for writing, I aim for a four to five-hour spell at least three times a week and a page of decent work. I also factor in reading, thinking, and research time. So why not just lump research, writing, and thinking all together? Because if you are writing, it is not helpful to suddenly stop and research or think too much about it. The thinking comes before and after writing; otherwise, it will take you ages to finish a draft.

The fifth and final tip is to keep going. If you are stuck, leave that place and jump in somewhere else in the story. Or, if you aren’t comfortable doing that, swap your writing time with your research time. But don’t just sit and panic into nothingness. Keep busy and moving! Momentum is more important than perfection when finishing a draft. 

Wishing you luck and love,

Gret Heffernan