Writing a First Novel?

Take it piece by piece

I have been writing non-fiction articles and blogging for many years, so writing article-length items is normal for me. An idea for a novel-length fantasy story has been brewing in the back of my mind all these years and I have finally started putting the ideas on paper.

I wondered if I would even have what it takes to write novel-length fiction. It’s so much longer than anything I’ve ever written before!

I had a few false starts where I wrote one scene here and there but fizzled out. I bought myself a copy of Save the Cat! Writes a Novel and did some deep-down character and plotting work. The solid layout of my plot helped me get started. (Read more on Save the Cat! here.)

Following my plot post-it notes, I started winding my way scene by scene and chapter by chapter through the book. It reminds me a lot of reading a novel as a busy mom. Sometimes you only get one scene completed each night. Sometimes you step away from the book for so long, that you forget what happened in the beginning.

It also reminds me of another creative hobby I love – Quilting.

Making a quilt involves piecing together small shapes take to make a larger patchwork image. You then make a layered sandwich with the top, puffy batting, and backing fabric. Those layers need to be stitched together, usually with a pretty pattern of stitches to make the final product.

So basically, you take a big piece of fabric, cut it up into little pieces of fabric, and then sew them all back together with decorative stitching at the end.

It makes something very beautiful, but it is incredibly tedious.

How do you keep going on a quilt, when it can take hundreds of hours to complete?

You do it piece by piece. Block by block.

I get a sense of satisfaction every step of the way.

I think novel writing should be the same way. I work my way through scene by scene, chapter by chapter and I get a kick out of stepping into that world and moving the plot forward.

Using the quilt analogy, what are some habits of mind for novel writing?

1) Don’t focus on the end. Keep your eyes on the block in front of you.

Just write one more page. Smile when you finish this scene. Celebrate each chapter.

2) The instructions are there as a guide. Keep them nearby.

You can always refer back to your plot outline. You can go back to it and use it to keep yourself on track. You can always tweak if you have to.

3) Even when you finish the patchwork, there’s still a lot to go. Quilting it up can be fun too.

You can celebrate the completion of your first draft, but you will still have to go back and embellish everything again. That’s okay. Celebrate each step of the process. Live it.

4) There will be a point when you want to throw the quilt in the garbage. It’s just a normal part of the process. Put it away for a bit, but don’t trash it.

I have found that every book goes through a stage where I hate it and think it’s trash. It’s just a normal stage. It doesn’t mean the book is trash. Don’t delete it! Maybe walk away for a bit and come back later.

5) Sometimes the fabric might be expensive, but if it keeps you busy for hundreds of hours, it’s a pretty cheap hobby.

I will be sure to remember this when it’s time to hire an editor or buy a professional cover for my first novel.

Maybe the fact that I love something tedious as quilting is a good sign for my novel writing career. I also like to do triathlons, so maybe all my hobbies involve a healthy dash of endurance.

Do you have other metaphors for writing that work for you and keep your head in the game? Share in the comments.

Join Us!

Are you looking for an accountability group for your writing or other creative endeavors? Join us on FB in the Creative Collaborative for peer coaching and accountability. We can work through your creative projects piece by piece.