Writing my very own novel has always been a dream of mine. I actually finished the first draft of my first novel in 2016. I have only taken a peek or two at it since then though I eventually plan to dig into it deeper and refine it more. I am now in the midst of banging out the words of my second novel set in a totally different time period and place.

But, I learned some very valuable lessons from writing my first novel that helped give me the confidence to even attempt a second try at another story idea. I want to share them with you (in convenient bullet form of course!)

Take some time to think about each one, they are actually lessons that I think all writers have to learn eventually.

• Just get the words on paper and then you can craft them.
• Writing really is hard work.
• It’s okay to have a terrible first draft.
• You don’t have to do all the research right away.
  
• You can change things!
• As you write, more ideas will come.
• Listen to your characters and let them tell you who they are.
• Making it up as you go is totally fine!
• If you learn something later on, it is okay to change your story to add it in.
• The story will bug you until you write it.
• Writing is really just self-discipline with a load of creativity attached.
• Writing does get easier as you go.
• Have fun! You are creating something no one has ever written or read before and that is exciting!
• It feels great to have written a book.

I would say that the most important thing that I learned is that everyone writes at their own pace. Just because you aren’t a fast writer doesn’t mean that you can’t write a novel. Your writing and the way you express yourself is unique to you. So, don’t give up! Write that novel! You can do it! 🙂