I’m gonna write a novel. How hard could it be?
A brand-new writer, let’s call her Tireda Waitin, sits down at the kitchen table. Our brave writer cracks open her laptop. She’s by the window with the sunlight streaming in as if to bless her decision to finally breathe life into that idea she’s cradled and hidden from the world for so long. Tireda is a ‘pantser’*, and she writes devotedly for months. At times, she feels overwhelmed because her story is not turning out like she thought it would, but Tireda persists and finishes her first draft.
She’s so proud and excited that she talks her mother and her boyfriend into reading her story. They say it’s nice and give her some valuable feedback, but her work doesn’t deliver the reaction she’d hoped for. Tireda sets aside her proud mama glasses and rereads her work with a critical eye. Horrified, she discovers that it’s not near the level she wants. In fact, it’s pretty awful.
Tireda decides she just doesn’t have what it takes to be a writer. She considers trashing her work, but believes so strongly in her story that she just can’t bring herself to do it. Defeated, she curls up on her couch with a blanket and a comforting beverage to binge-watch Game of Thrones episodes through her disillusioned tears.
I’m being a little melodramatic, but this is pretty much how my journey into writing began. Before we get started let me say that ALL first drafts suck. E-V-E-R-Y one of them. However, within that steaming hot mess are some good building blocks.
Let’s talk persistence
Author Walter Kirn states that, “At the beginning of a novel a writer needs confidence, but after that what’s required is persistence. These traits sound similar. They aren’t. Confidence is what politicians, seducers, and currency speculators have, but persistence is the quality found in termites. It’s the blind drive to keep working.” I love this quote. Although, I never thought a termite would have me feeling some type of way*. Persistence is the act of continuing steadfastly or firmly in some state, purpose, course of action, or the like especially in spite of opposition.
Most new writers have the desire to be persistent but don’t know what to do when faced with opposition. By opposition I mean when the plot breaks down for no apparent reason. Or your action/chase scene has all the excitement of a lullaby. Or your main character’s dialogue with her love interest has the feel of a conversation with Grandma about her yeast infection. Cue cringing! These things happen- not the Grandma thing, but the other stuff. We’ve all been there, but if you’re a new writer this is when feelings of doubt and despair can overwhelm you. This is often when we begin procrastinating. Don’t give up.
“But,” you say, “I don’t know how to fix it, if I knew how to fix it I wouldn’t be frustrated, overwhelmed, and lost. (Dejected emoji face) I should just quit.” Before you start tweeting out what a miserable failure you are, which you are not, try this.
Where to start
Writing is hard work. First, take a deep breath, do a little stretching, go for a walk air out your frustrations to a supportive friend or family member. When you are ready to look at your manuscript objectively, re-read looking for what isn’t working and/or elements that need strengthening (dialogue, plot/structure, setting, lack of tension, or character development).
Next, formulate a plan to take them on one at a time. Breaking down those big chunks into manageable tasks combats that feeling of being overwhelmed. If you’re having trouble, try taking a break for a few days. Some distance might be just what you need.
I have problem(s)… now, how do I fix it?
Once you have identified the problem, it’s time to become a self-directed learner. Self-directed learning is “the process by which individuals take the initiative without the help of others in diagnosing their own learning needs, formulating goals, identifying human and material resources and evaluating learning outcomes.” (Knowels, 1975, p. 18) And I hear crickets. Allow me to rephrase. Self-directed learners pull up their big girl/boy pants, figure out what they don’t know, find the information they need, seek out help when needed, then apply their newfound knowledge and repeat as needed. (Click here for a great resource on how to become a self-directed learner.)
We live in the golden age of information. It’s literally at our fingertips 24-7. Access it. Devour blogs, articles and books on writing. Look at your favorite author’s works and see how they deliver those elements. If you aren’t sure what you need, cast a wide net. Start with the basics, showing vs. telling, scene, structure, setting, pacing, plotting, character development, dialogue, etc. Then move on to tension, emotions, subplots- whatever you feel needs strengthening –and apply that knowledge to your work. If it’s still not quite what you want, keep studying and practicing. Maybe consider finding a mentor, joining a writing group or hiring a writing coach.
Persistence and learning
There is no formula to writing. Advice on the craft is abundant and can be contradictory and confusing. Your goal should be to learn what works for you as a writer and your genre. Self-directed learning is a deliberate and voluntary act and is how successful writers are made. Persistence, however, is the fuel that drives you onward toward your goals.
Obstacles don’t mean you can’t, they just mean not yet. Happy writing!
Resources
Knowels, M. (1975) Self-directed learning: A guide for learners and teachers, New York. Cambridge Books.
* Some people are plotters (makes detailed outline of plot) and some are ‘pantsers’ (as in writes by the seat of their pants, but that’s a topic for a different blog)
* Some type of way- slang meaning I’m unable to express the complexity of my emotions at this time. Can be used seriously or in jest. Source: Urban Dictionary.
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