This week’s top tip is self-motivated and inspired. From September, I plan to begin writing a new novel. It’s an idea I’ve had for ages and finally feel ready to complete. I’m not one of those writers that just sits down and writes a beginning-to-end story. All three of my novels have started with scattered notes about ideas or visuals and random half-completed chapters littered about 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!
There is much to be discussed and gleaned from the idea of putting all of your evidence in one place. It is a powerful instruction to the self, and it 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 joggs to the forefront.
Secondly, choose the books you are going to read while writing your novel. I only read non-fiction or poetry when writing the first draft. Fiction is selected very carefully after draft one and usually, read for it’s ‘how to benefits, more than plotline. Organise 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 need to choose beforehand the books you’ll read.
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 it 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, 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 with 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 in more important than perfection when finishing a draft.
Wishing your luck and love,
Gret Heffernan
Gret Heffernan is the Editor-in-Chief of Backlash Press and author of The Sculptor and Dark Ansley, Book One and Two.
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