New Year, New Project
2013 is finally here, and you’re ready to take the bull by the horns. You’re juggling resolutions, starting fresh, and vowing to be the best you can be. Yes, 2013 is going to be your year! You’re forgetting something though—your book! You know the one– that novel that’s been bouncing around inside your head for the past few months.
You know it’s a great idea, and all you need to do is sit down and write it. 2013 is going to be the year you finally write your masterpiece. Why not? A new year is a great time to start writing a new book, and here are some tips on how to get you started.
Find Some Space: Do you have an old desk collecting dust? How about the local coffee shop down the street? If you find a special spot to do your writing it’s bound to get your creative juices flowing. If you designate a specific area to a specific task, the chances of you completing that task are much greater. So clean out that desk! Get to know the baristas at the coffee shop. When you’re settled in your new domain you’ll be writing in no time.
Schedule Your Time: Nothing gets you started faster then actually setting aside time to write. If you go about your 2013 saying, “I’ll get to it eventually”—your eventually will turn into a never. Do you have a calendar? Use it. Set aside at least 2 hours every week to start writing your novel. Once you get up to speed, you’ll start scheduling more time and getting your novel done even faster.
Outline: You’ve got your desk set up and your time set aside. Now, how do you start penning your tale? The best way to start is by compiling your ideas into an outline. If you can clearly map out the direction of your story, you’ll be on the road to literary success. If you go into the project blindly the chances of hitting writers block or stopping all together are significantly higher. You want to get this thing done! Having an outline will help you complete your masterpiece a whole lot faster.
Write That First Chapter: Once you’ve got your online you’re ready to start writing. The first Chapter is the best way to start getting into the flow of things with your story. It’s like the first day of school, or a first date. Sure, you’re nervous—but the sooner you get it over with the sooner you’ll have a completed first draft.
Join a Writing Group: This may seem like a little detail, there is nothing better than the eager eyes of a writing group. They serve two purposes. First, they give you a schedule to comply with. This will help you to keep your writing habits constant, because you’ll have a different piece due for review every week. Secondly, writing groups give wonderful constructive criticism. You have a little test audience directly at your disposal. They’ll help you get on the right track, and sometimes they’ll even help you get past some bumps in the road.
So get up off your butt and start 2013 off right! You know you have a great idea. All you need to do is put some old-fashioned determination and dedication behind your idea—and you’ll have a novel in no time. Go for it! I’m rooting for you!
