Six Lessons I Learned From Writing A Book

Six drafts, 569 pages and 116,235 words later, I finished writing my book. It’s been a bumpy road, and a longer journey than anticipated. If this process has taught me anything it’s how to not write a novel! I thought I’d reflect on some of my mistakes, and how I’ll approach book two differently. Hopefully there’s something you can learn from my scattered, stubborn and ineffective approach to writing 🙈

1.       IT’S OK TO ASK FOR HELP

I don’t like asking for help. I’m not sure if this comes from a desire to be self-reliant, fear of rejection or quiet arrogance but I’ll be halfway to drowning before I send up a flare. Why should someone else have to fix my problems?

The voice in my head said that if I couldn’t fix my story’s problems myself, then I wasn’t a worthy writer. But sometimes seeking help is what moves the story forward. Once I plucked up the courage to send my imperfect story to a freelance editor, my book flourished. I’d found a mentor who supported me throughout the rest of the process, and I learned more than I ever could have on my own.

I wish I’d let someone look at my book sooner, and saved myself time and unnecessary stress into the bargain!

2.       TAKE YOUR TIME

A year into writing my book I was ashamed of myself. Every other writer, traditional or self-published, seemed to be churning out books while I struggled to finish one. I didn’t consider that these authors probably struggled too, I just thought they possessed a magic writing potion, and—hey! leave some for me!

Obviously, comparison is the thief of joy. Every writer’s process is unique to them. What’s worse, though, is that I was comparing my process with their finished result. Of course you’ll feel worse comparing a daily word count to a published bestseller. In a society that values high turnover, I had to be content with being the tortoise, not the hare. I learned to put the story first, which meant slowing down to dig below the surface of my world and characters. Ultimately, what’s more interesting to readers – the speed at which you write or how well you tell a story?

3.       “KEEP IT SECRET, KEEP IT SAFE!”

Until last year I hadn’t shared any writing with friends or family. Keeping my work private is a necessary part of my process. I’ve always played my cards close to my chest, but it seemed that the successful ones were those who cultivated an open, honesty online presence. I’m not a natural sharer but went against my inclinations and created an Instagram account specifically to share my writing. It turned out to be an extra pressure I could do without. I’m very grateful for the audience I’ve built on Instagram, but truthfully, having so many people asking about my book has been crippling. It magnified my self-doubt on bad writing days and I felt guilty when I didn’t post regularly. (In hindsight, I also would’ve kept my project secret from as many folk irl as possible, too).

On the plus-side I’ve gained a supportive community and found a place for the book to land.

I realise this goes against the grain of traditional advice to start building ‘your brand’ as soon as possible, but I’d honestly think very carefully about whether this is a pressure you need in your life on top of trying to write a book.

4.       HAVING A PLAN IS GOOD, EVEN IF IT GOES OUT THE WINDOW

I’m a pantser at heart and began this novel without an outline. However, after discovering Eva Deverell and Rachael Stephen, I realised the value of an outline and changed my ways! Grafting an outline onto a meandering narrative proved problematic, to say the least, so next time I’ll outline from the start.

Once I had my outline, however, it gave me a path through the gloom. I didn’t always stick to it, but having a rough idea of major plot points and character arcs stopped me writing hundreds of words in the wrong direction. I could set word counts and deadlines, and breaking a whole novel into its various components felt more manageable.

5.       HAVE FAITH

Write like no one’s reading. Follow your gut. Go to dark places. Have faith that the things which deeply excite and scare you will move others. Write the book you want to read, especially if it’s not trendy. Self-doubt is unavoidable, but I’ve found that when I write from a place of authenticity, outside opinion doesn’t register. I feel confident, and that confidence reflects in my writing.

6.       DON’T GIVE UP

I wrote a blog post on this topic recently, but it bears repeating. When it comes to writing, determination pays off. This is the one area where my stubborn nature proved useful! Even on days when I felt demotivated or stuck, I’d chip away at my book. Writing is a learnable craft and if you’re willing to learn you’ll improve. The book won’t write itself, and failure is only certain when you give up. Keep going!