The NZS.com Writing in New Zealand article contains information about becoming a professional writer and writing your first book, with tips and ideas on motivation and getting started.
Turning the Writing Bug into a Reality
So you have decided to write a novel. Maybe you've had a change in circumstances, or writing is simply something that has been inside you trying to get out for years. Read on for a few ideas on how to get started.
Whatever your reason for wanting to write a novel, you are at the start of a long journey that will probably get bumpy along the way, but with determination it can be a hugely rewarding ride.
There are a number of things you can do to assist you in preparing to write, and there are no right and wrong decisions as long as your choices benefit you and your writing. What you choose to do will ultimately depend on your life experiences and where you are currently at in your life.
Get writing
Make a list of all the reasons you want to be a writer, and what you want to write about. Is it your life’s calling or something to fill in your weekend? Either is a suitable reason as long as your inner drive is there.
Start a blog on the internet. It can be about anything really, perhaps the process you are going through writing a novel, and gets you in the habit of writing regularly.
Get reading
Reread favourite books and take notes about the things that you like about the book. For example the way the author interlinked the ideas so the murderer could have been more than one character, or the tense it was written in, or the descriptive language.
Go to your local library and get as many writing books, magazines and manuals as you can.
Check your general ideas have not already been used. While the genre of historical romance, thriller, or murder mystery can be repeated endlessly, they need to have a different hook to attract publishers and ultimately readers.
Who are you writing for?
Do you want to write novels for adults, or children? Do you want to write a one-off stand-alone novel, or is there a trilogy locked away inside your head? These are important questions you will need to be sure about before setting off on your journey.
Make some friends
Find local writing group or literature society in your area or on the internet to discuss your progress and obstacles with other writers in the same situation. It can help you a lot to know you are not alone, and are not the first person to go through this process.
Check the internet and local papers for writing conventions or workshops where you can talk with likeminded people. Building up networks and making contacts early on can be invaluable later.
Go back to school
Get some specialist education and consider taking a creative writing course to learn the techniques that will turn your good idea into a success. There are a variety of courses ranging from night classes to part time or full time study. While these generally have a cost involved this may be a short term investment in a long term career.
Make money
Investigate funding grants and writing competitions. Also consider writing articles, or website content to gain experience and possibly earn some money to cover the costs of your writing. Writing a novel and getting it published can cost a lot of money and any contributions from your writing will be well utilised.
Writing competitions are a great way to practice your craft and develop more techniques. They also give you an opportunity to try your storylines out on an audience, and build on any feedback.
Toughen up
Let people read your drafts. Try friends and family who will provide honest and constructive feedback. Accept feedback but remember it is your book so don’t feel you need to change everything.
Don’t give up at the first rejection. Many well known authors have had manuscripts rejected by publishers only to have the same manuscript accepted by another. It can be a ruthless business but you will need to have perseverance to make it.
Make sure you have had business cards printed to show potential publishers you mean business.
Go it alone
If you have no luck with publishers consider publishing yourself. There are a number of websites which can aid you with this process, and give you greater control over the entire publishing process.
Do not be put off at the first hurdle. The world may be full of authors but it is also full of readers, and with patience and persistence a writing career can be yours if you want it.
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