Five Tips for Growing Your Organic Novel
Yesterday I talked about how novels are more organic than solid. Yes, novel writing is taught, but there is no one way to write a novel (or short story). Even in your personal experience, one idea may come to you quietly while some may smack you over the head and drag you along for the ride.
How do you encourage your stories to be unique and organic? Here are five tips on how you can encourage the full organic experience from your novel or short story:
Always carry a paper and pen with you. I know I always say this, but there is a reason I say it.
Write in different places. Comfort isn’t everything. Some writers need perfect conditions to write but that dramatically decreases the amount of time you can actually spend writing. It’ll be good for your writing for you to get out and about as well.
Let your novel lead. I said this yesterday and I’ll say it again: You never write a novel the exact same way twice. Don’t base decisions about your current work in progress on your last project.
Don’t be too controlling. Experiment or try things you. Even if you write yourself into a dead end or a place you didn’t expect, no material need be wasted. Maybe you can use it for something else.
Have fun. If writing is always work for you, then you’re doing the wrong thing.
***This post is part of the Fiction Scribe 100 Comments Contest. Click on the link to find out how you can win.***
May 14th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
When my writing starts to feel like work, that is when I take a break from it.
Great tips you have shared here.
May 15th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Thank you, Penelope.