Writing a Novel: The Bits and Pieces Approach

There’s no doubt that writing a novel is intimidating for many people. Staring at a blank computer screen and knowing that you have to get your word count to around 100,000 can freeze even veteran writers. The very idea of finishing a novel (writing it, not reading it) can strike terror into the heart of a novice writer. But if you want to write a novel, you’ll have to find a way to get it done. Instead of being frightened by the entire idea of writing a novel, you can try to break it into more manageable amounts.

Break Your Novel Into Chunks

It is far easier to write a chapter than it is to write a novel. Writing a single scene or a little piece of dialogue is easier still. The entire novel might seem like far more than you can possibly manage, but if you break it all down into chunks that you can tackle, you’ll eventually find yourself with a completed novel.

When you sit down at your computer (or pull out pen and paper if that’s your chosen medium), don’t tell yourself that you have to finish this novel. Your mind might rebel and you’ll find yourself just staring at the screen. Concentrate on what’s directly in front of you. Focus on getting through this scene, or that piece of dialogue, or even a single paragraph. Don’t bite off more than you can chew.

This is especially effective if you have only small blocks of time to write. If you only have fifteen minutes, you probably should focus on the small things. One paragraph at a time. If you have an hour, you might be able to take things one chapter at a time. Use your available time to judge what your chunks should be.

Write on a Deadline

Deadlines are wonderful motivators. Having a firm deadline forces you to get something done. Even if you procrastinate, that deadline looms before you, making you finish something on time. Impose deadlines on yourself for getting your novel done. You’ll be surprised by how much you can get finished.

When setting a deadline, be realistic and remember those little chunks you’ve broken the novel down into. Set deadlines based on those little chunks. Maybe you want to get a chapter done a week. Or in two weeks. Some novelists aim for a chapter a day. The exact timeframe isn’t that important. Focus on simply setting deadlines you can keep.

Whatever your deadline is, stick to it. If you have trouble holding yourself to your own deadlines, have someone else hold you accountable. A close friend or partner might be willing to check up on you and even pester you into sticking to your own deadlines.

Writing novels can be a little scary. Don’t try to tackle the whole thing at once. Set goals, break it down into smaller pieces, and even consider practicing your craft using short stories. In no time at all you’ll be on your way towards writing your first book.