10 Things NOT TO DO When Writing Your First Novel
by Kathy Kulig
I’m sure every author remembers the joys and heartaches of their first love—writing their first book. The book of their heart. The if-I-only-knew-then-what-I-know-now ideas came to mind after I completed my third novel. Many of these mistakes or challenges I faced while writing my first novel. I still stumble and have to remind myself not to fall into old patterns.
• Don’t procrastinate about starting your novel by using one of these excuses (or any of your own):
I need to read just one more how-to book.
I need to take one more writing class or workshop.
I don’t have time; I’m too old, too young, etc.
I should research EVERYTHING first. Some preliminary research is fine,
but research can also be a way to procrastinate. Just start!
• If you take a workshop and the instructor says, “This is the only way to write a novel,” DON’T believe it. There is no right way. Some authors are obsessive about outlining to Death. (Raising hand. I’m an analytical person and that’s my technique.). Other authors can jump right in and write by the seat of their pants. The book unfolds as they write. You may not know your style until you complete a few books. You may try a variety of methods until you find what works best.
• Don’t constantly revise and edit completed portions rather than moving on to new stuff. Wait until the book is completed. Some authors may disagree, but if you get to chapter 15 and decide to add a wonderful new plot point, but you have to weave in details through earlier chapters, then you’ve wasted all that time revising.
• Don’t submit to contests until the book is completed or nearly (only a chapter away) completed. What if you final in the contest and the editor or agent judging asks to see the completed manuscript and you still have 250 pages to write? Not a good place to be.
• Do not change your manuscript according to every comment you receive from contest judges. If you do, you may end up with a story that doesn’t resemble your original idea, or the changes may dilute your voice. Study the comments, and if two or more judges make the same one, then consider that one closely.
• Don’t polish the first 3 chapters until they shine and skim over the rest of the novel.
Some “contest junkies” fall into this trap. Meticulously revise and edit the entire book.
• Don’t get stuck on the contest circuit. Contests can be a good way to test the waters, get some feedback, and if you make it to the final round, an opportunity to have an editor or an agent review your work. There’s a time when you should move on and send your book out to agents and editors, and/or pitch it at a conference.
• Don’t keep revising. Send it out! Six months from now you will probably be a better writer and if you pick up your manuscript, you will find places to tweak. Ask yourself a question: Am I REALLY making the book better or just procrastinating from submitting it, or finding an excuse to start my next book?
• Don’t hesitate about beginning your next book. Just start. With each book you write, your skills as a writer will improve. Your first novel may never sell but writing it was a learning experience, bringing you one step closer to publication.
• Don’t say you’ll write when you have time. MAKE the time. Turn off the TV, cell phone, read email after you get your daily word or page count completed, forget the weeds in the garden and the dust bunnies under the bed.
Copyright © 2008 Kathy Kulig www.kathykulig.com
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