Lots of us have considered writing a novel at some point in our lives but how much do you know about what this process entails?
If you're looking for tips and tricks to help you write a story or even your first novel, we spoke with authors Lady Thérèse Robinson and Phaedra Patrick who have this advice to offer.
Lady Thérèse Robinson's writing tips
1. Get writing
Turn up. Carve out a time for yourself. So you’re already busy? Set your alarm half an hour earlier, or forgo that episode of your favorite soap. Write freely about one character without self-criticism or editing. Bring the character to life. Write their biography. Get to know them. Give them a name. You can change everything on a whim further down the line, but this character will emerge and the more you give them life, the more your story will take shape. Enjoy every minute of this. It’s not a school essay. Nobody will critique you.
2. Keep a notebook with you at all times
From now on, everything that happens to you or that you observe is potential writing material. For example, you see a woman at the bus stop, she drops her bag and someone helps her. Ask yourself: ‘What’s in the bag? Are they strangers? What happens next?’ and scribble a few notes. You’ll be amazed how these little incidents, noticed with a writer’s eye, will weave themselves into your story.
3. Allow yourself plenty of time
Yes, soon you will need a plot outline and a story arc and you will have to edit, cut and rewrite, but make these first stages as pleasurable and unpressured as possible. I guarantee that once you are sufficiently in the flow, it will be impossible for you to stop writing. Your voice will become stronger as you slip into the mindset of each character. Move things along by introducing dialogue. Enjoy the process.
4. Create an antagonist
At a certain magical point, your characters will take on lives of their own. This is when you need to challenge them. What is their greatest fear? What would they do if there were a crisis? Do they have enemies? Are they honest? Put them in an uncomfortable situation and watch how they behave.
5. Remember this is a process
There are many phases you will go through before you complete your novel. You will have days when the well is dry, days when you will get frustrated, run out of time and feel there is too far to go. Remember this is the point where many people give up. If you have thoroughly delved into your characters, they will have become too real for you to abandon them and you will keep coming back to finish your story. Your voice is unique; never doubt that your story needs to be told.
Phaedra Patrick on writing a novel
Fancy some insight into how published authors write their books?Phaedra Patrick, author of The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, told us all about her writing process.
Did you always want to write?
Yes, for as long as I can remember! As a child I read everything I could, from books at the breakfast table to the labels on shampoo bottles. I knew I wanted to be a writer. It was only in my twenties, whilst doing a job that didn’t inspire me, that I decided to give it a go.
What are the hardest parts of writing a novel?
It can seem overwhelming when you start to write 90,000 words, especially when you reach a sticky bit and the voices in your head kick in, asking if you really know what you’re doing!
You’re also making up a story from scratch, so sometimes you have to be decisive and choose a route, even if you’re not sure where it will take you. Writing can also be very solitary so it’s good to have a support network of friends and family around you.
Did you ever feel like giving up?
I never felt like giving up, but sometimes I granted myself a few days off from writing the book, to clear my head and look at things afresh. Then I gave myself a good telling off, reminded myself that the book wouldn’t write itself and pressed on.
Did you plan the whole plot before starting to write?
Not at all. I knew how Arthur found his first charm on the bracelet and where it lead him, and I could also picture the last chapter of the book in my head. So then I had to fill in all the bits in between. Because Arthur sets off on a journey to find out the story behind each of the eight charms on his wife’s bracelet, this gave the book a good structure for me to work on.
I like to make lots of notes about characters before I start. One exercise I do is to write a list of the worst things that could happen to my hero or heroine, and then make some of those things happen. It can feel a bit cruel but it’s a great way to generate plot ideas.
How long did it take you to write?
The book took me 18 months to write, whilst I worked four days a week as a communications manager for the Co-op. I wrote long-hand at the station, on the train to work, waiting for my bath to run – everywhere. I then typed up all my words on Friday, my day off.
What did you do if you ever reaching a sticky point in the process?
Such a great question! I found it useful to down tools and do something completely different. One major plot idea came to me whilst I painted the ceiling in my spare room. I also find it helps to browse through my favourite books, to find a few words or a passage that might spark an idea. Sometimes I go for a long walk or even watch loud rock videos on Youtube, to get my adrenaline flowing, then I force myself to get back to the computer.
Did you write by hand or on a computer?
I do both. I find it useful to write by hand and make notes first as you can do this anywhere, even in bed. It’s nice to sit in a café and scribble away and I even wrote part of the book whilst lying down on my son’s trampoline. Writing by hand also means that, when you finally get to sit in front of a computer, you’re not staring at a blank screen. You have words there, ready to type up.
What tips do you have for a would-be novelist?
If you want to do this, then go for it. No-one will wave a magic wand and suddenly grant you more time in your busy week. You have to be determined. Tell friends and family that they might see a little less of you, because you’re going to give writing a novel a go. Their encouragement will help to spur you along.
Write when and where you can, on the back of envelopes or on sticky notes. It all mounts up. Publishing trends move quickly so write what you want to write, from your heart, not what you think the market is looking for. Develop characters that you care about and place them in settings that you love, so you’ll look forward to spending time writing your story.
How did you go about finding a publisher?
Most publishers like submissions to come via a literary agent. An agent can act as your manager, friend and motivator. They know what publishers are looking for and which publishing house might suit your work best.
I’d previously won a short story competition with the Darley Anderson Literary, TV and Film Agencyso I was delighted to sign-up with agent Clare Wallace. Clare acted as a ‘matchmaker’ to find the right publisher for my book - and The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper and MIRA were the perfect match.
Books to help you write a novel
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