So we all have a story to tell, as the saying goes. And for many an aspiring writer, the hardest part of all is actually getting down to the task at hand - writing the book. Okay, so you have an interesting plot, some great characters and plenty of inspiration. You've gazed at the beautiful novels adorning the shelves at Waterstones and Barnes and Noble and determinedly thought, 'Someday, I'll be gracing those shelves too.'
Friends and colleagues have been shocked at finding out about my own novel. "Wow, you've written an entire book?" they ask, eyes wide. "I could never do that!" Or even more baffling: "I would love to write a book, but I know I wouldn't be able to do it."
Really? For those who dream of becoming a novelist, there's no reason not to at least try. It takes hard work and determination as all writers are aware, but there's nothing more fun. So today, Trashi shares five motivational tips for wannabe authors...
1. Just freakin' do it.
Despite having a sea of ideas whirling around in your head, sometimes it can be daunting to actually sit there and get down to it. Many of us have made the fitness-goddess vow on New Year's Eve, only to give up on it when the reality of the regime sets in. Vowing to write a book can be similar. But if you're determined to get your book written, then here's the thing: DON'T GIVE UP. Write whenever you can. Carry a notebook with you to jot down any ideas or inspiration. Get started, and don't look back.
Many writers I've spoken to have said that they've felt disappointed when they have actually sat down to write, only to create something completely different from the hilarious, witty masterpiece they'd envisioned would flow freely. We've all been there. Sure, we don't want to disappoint ourselves, but the best thing is to write, write and write some more. If you're not pleased with it, you can edit it later (see tip 5). The important part is doing it.
2. GET OFF TWITTER. NOW. Try to avoid distractions.
Distractions are the worst kind of evil when you're trying to write, especially those in the form of social networking. You know how it goes. You sit down, open Word, hands hovering over the keyboard to tap out the opening scene of your potential bestseller, and boom - you've opened Twitter and within minutes you're lost in a conversation with friends or a game of #replacesongnameswithbacon. It's happened to the best of us.
Try and limit your distractions wherever possible. I know (REALLY know!) that this is easier said than done, but it helps. Try and take some time out to devote to your novel - and your novel only.
3. Set personal goals, or take a challenge.
Writing challenges can be a great way to get you motivated, and get that word-count flowing. Although challenges such as worldwide word-fest NaNoWriMo can be immensely fun - the daunting task of writing 50,000 words in 30 days may seem daunting at first. For many it's achievable, but for those of us who have busy lives and hectic schedules, it may seem unreachable. Search online for some challenges and see if there are any realistic goals that you can aspire to reaching, such as Romantic Fiction Online's '100k in 100 days' challenge. Alternatively, you can make your own. Set a date and work towards your goal.
Competitions can also be helpful in getting you started and encouraging you to write by having a deadline to aim for. Look around for some novel contests. Novelicious Undiscovered is in search of the next chick-lit star, so if female fiction is your chosen genre and you see yourself as the next Marian Keyes, why not give it a go?
4. Join others.
Writing alongside others is generally a good way to boost motivation and help you reach your writing goals. If there is a writing group in your area, then you're in luck. If not, take to some online writing forums/groups and find other aspiring writers with similar goals. (AbsoluteWrite is a good place to start to share challenges and prompts, along with tips and advice about writing and publishing.)
5. Remember that it doesn't have to be perfect.
Whilst on your way to finishing your debut novel, two things could happen. One: you realise that you've created the most brilliant story ever, which could possibly rival those of Ms Kinsella and have Hollywood movie producers calling the minute it's released. Or two: you read over your work, notice how awful it is and wonder why you'd even bothered in the first place, what a fail!
If the latter happens and you're feeling disheartened, then don't. Your first novel does NOT need to be perfect. Not at all. A friend who dreamed of life as a published author spent months on the first chapter, re-writing it constantly because she didn't think it was good enough. Result? She may never finish the entire book. Not before 2049, anyway.
Finishing the actual book is what matters most. Edits will come later. I'm currently working on the second draft of my own novel - it's completely different to the first, because changes will generally always need to be made. Having a finished novel is what counts, and published writers usually go through quite a few edits before the book is finally ready for submission to agents and publishers. As I mentioned earlier: write, and just keep going.
Do you have any motivational tips to share? Let us know!