7 Things I've Learned So Far, by Pamela Wechsler
This is a recurring column called “7 Things I’ve Learned So Far,”where writers (this installment written by Pamela Wechsler, author of MISSION HILL) at any stage of their career can talk about writing advice and instruction as well as how they possibly got their book agent -- by sharing seven things they’ve learned along their writing journey that they wish they knew at the beginning.
1. There’s no right way to write a novel. Everyone does it differently. Some writers prepare extensive outlines, mapping out each chapter in detail, while others develop the plot as they go along. Some authors edit their work as they go along, others finish a complete draft before making any revisions. Some people write chronologically, from start to finish, while others write random scenes without regard to where they’ll fit. Don’t compare yourself to others and worry that you’re doing it wrong—because there is no wrong or right.
2. Writing is a craft. Educate yourself and get a working knowledge of basic principles—read literary criticism, take a class, or go to author readings. Before you start writing your novel, think about point of view, setting, plot, and character. Familiarize yourself with the concept of narrative distance. Consider what tense you want to use to write your story, and what time span you want to cover. You don’t have to know all the answers upfront, but it’s important to know your options.
3. Writing is solitary, but it doesn’t have to be lonely. Take a workshop, join a writing group, or find an online network. Talk about writing, read your pages out loud, and listen to others. It’ll make you feel less alone and it will make you a better writer.
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4. Criticism is a gift. If someone is willing to read your work and give you feedback, take advantage of the offer. It doesn’t matter if your reader has an MFA or is a literary scholar—you just want someone who is honest. People who tell you how brilliant you are will make you feel good, but they won’t make you a better writer.
5. The first ten pages of your book are critical. If your reader doesn’t get hooked by then, they’ll stop reading. Maybe the excitement really picks up in chapter 5, or you have a kick ass ending, but it doesn’t matter—no one will get that far into the book if they’re not hooked after the first couple of chapters.
6. Writers write. Keep a schedule, set a goal, and stick to it. It can be 1,000 pages a day, or two pages a week—whatever works for you. Try to sit in front of your computer every day, at least for a couple of minutes. Soon, something good is bound to happen.
7. You’re going to hit the wall. When you feel like you have nothing left to say, get out of your head and get out of your house. Go somewhere to refuel: see a movie, visit a museum, go for a walk—whatever will help you clear your mind and get your creative juices flowing again.
While there’s no shortage of writing advice, it’s often scattered around—a piece of advice here, words of wisdom there. And in the moments when you most need writing advice, what you find might not resonate with you or speak to the issue you’re dealing with. In A Year of Writing Advice, the editors of Writer’s Digest have gathered thoughts, musings, and yes, advice from 365 authors in dozens of genres to help you on your writing journey.
