How to Be a Novelist

Keep track of ideas and practice free writing in your journal.

There's a story in all of us. The trick is telling the story and telling it well. The job of a novelist isn't always an easy one, usually isn't, particularly when you don't know how to get started. There are many resources available in print and online. Most importantly, you should read as much as you can and spend part of every day writing.

Things You'll Need

• Spiral-bound notebook
• Pens or pencils
• Reliable word processor
• Internet connection
• Library card
• Daily planner

Instructions

1. Begin outlining your story ideas in a spiral-bound notebook. Writing out your ideas may seem daunting, so you may opt to work this out in your word processor instead. If you prefer working with pen and paper first, it may better connect you as a writer to the actual process of writing. Look over all of your notes, ideas and things you crossed out (it keeps the ideas and inspiration flowing).

2. Head to the library. There are many excellent books available on how to become a novelist. Little Brown and Company published "This Year You Write Your Novel" by Walter Mosley (2007). This book is a quick read at 128 pages and offers a no-nonsense approach to accomplishing your goal of being a novelist. Also check out "The Career Novelist: A Literary Agent Offers Strategies For Success" by Donald Maass (1996) and "The Everything Get Published Book: Everything and Everyone You Need to Know to Become a Successfully Published Author" by Peter Rubie (2000).

3. Search the Internet for writing sites to give you inspiration. Websites are popping up all over the place because, you guessed it, writers love writing about writing. Weed out the sites that just want to sell you a product unless you are looking for writing software, for example.

4. Schedule time to write. This is where your daily planner comes in. Write in blocks of time (at least one, if not more) every day and assign each block a word count. For many novelists, writing has to fit around full-time jobs, family and other activities. Talk to the supportive people among your peers, your family and co-workers about your goal to become a novelist. The more people who know what you're doing and when, the more people will help you accomplish this goal.

   Set up a specific time daily to achieve your goal. Also, free write whenever you can.

5. "Write to please yourself," advises author Jennifer Weiner. Don't write something that you think will sell; that topic's time may be over. Write what you yearn to write.

Tips & Warnings

• If you opt not to participate in contests, challenge yourself to hit a certain word count daily.

• Find an online or local support group that will critique your work.

• If you're having trouble with grammar and the basic mechanics of writing, take a course online or at a local school.

• Don't let your inner critic guide you, just write.

References

• Jennifer Weiner: For Writers

Resources

• National Novel Writing Month Contest
• The Atlantic; So You Want to Be a Writer; Shan Wang