The hardest part of writing a novel is different for every writer, but six challenges come up again and again: sitting down to write, editing, continuing the story, keeping up with your own ideas, transitions, and self-doubt. Here is a practical way to deal with each of them.
Writing a novel can feel easy or tough, depending on the day you ask yourself. Different writers face different problems, but these are some of the most common ones.
1. Sitting down to write
Finding the first word is a major hurdle for many writers. Finding the motivation to sit down and put pen to paper is just as hard. Even when writers already have the big picture in their minds, finding the right words to start can be very difficult.
If this sounds like you, just write whatever comes to mind, even if it is only loosely related to the story. Remember: you can edit your writing later. Don't think too much about it. If it's hard to get it right the first time, then don't try to.
It also helps to have a concrete idea of what you want to write. If you want to write a fantasy novel with werewolves, giant robots, aliens, and princesses, for example, just scribble down rough sketches of the characters, the settings, and so on.
2. Editing and proofreading
Fixing your own mistakes is tedious and takes time. Some writers can't shake the feeling that they haven't edited enough, and they end up trapped in a never-ending loop of writing and editing. The solution? Stop after about three rounds and move on.
Another solution is to have someone else proofread your work. It's scary, of course. You can almost feel the judgment as their eyes move from your pages to you and back again. When you are not ready to let another person read your work, the Spell Checker helps you cover your blind spots in spelling and grammar. How to proofread effectively has more tips for this stage.
3. Continuing the story
Some writers have no problem with the first chapter, but the second one is the real challenge. "Where do I go from here?" is a question that many writers have asked themselves.
To break free from vague ideas, try making a mind map. It helps you work out the details and keep your mind on what the story needs to move forward.
4. Keeping up
Believe it or not, some writers have trouble keeping up with themselves. It's the opposite of writer's block: their brains churn out plots for the next chapter before the current one is finished.
A good way to deal with this is to take notes, put them aside, and focus on what is in front of you.
5. Transitions
When you move from one scene or chapter to the next, you need smooth transitions, so that the story flows without unwanted gaps. When the scene changes between chapters, you don't need to do much, because readers already expect it. But what should you do when the scene changes in the middle of a chapter?
A transition moves the characters to a new place, a new time, or a new event, so it helps to describe that change briefly, so that readers notice it. Keep the transition short, and focus on what happens after it.
6. Self-doubt
Your brain has its own ways of sabotaging your efforts. You are right in the middle of writing, and suddenly it says, "You're not good enough. Just stop!"
When that happens, tell your brain to be quiet and keep its opinion to itself. Fight the urge to stop with willpower and self-discipline. Taking a breather is fine, but be firm with yourself when the urge to laze about grows stronger. Sit down and keep writing, even if it is just one sentence. And remember: you are a writer already.