Resolution: Write a Novel

I compiled this list of novel-writing tips some years ago and revised it recently, while thinking about NaNoWriMo. However, it grapples with the entire process of writing a novel, from first to final draft. It occurred to me that those who've resolved to write a novel in 2010 may appreciate tips on just getting that first draft out in the world. My advice? Have a conflict, if not an entire plot. And set aside time on a regular basis to write. This could be an hour in the morning before you go to work, or three hours in a cafe every Monday evening. Just set aside some time and make it sacred. Then sit down during that time and write.

This is what's worked for me, but I'm just one person, and the process is different for everyone. The one thing I do know is that anyone who's determined to do it can get a first draft down in a year (heck, thousands do it every November). Have you successfully written a novel? What advice can you offer people who are writing one this year?

Resolution: Write a Novel originally appeared on About.com Fiction Writing on Wednesday, January 6th, 2010 at 14:22:58.

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Resolution: Make Time to Write

Since the number one resolution on our New Year's poll so far is to make time to write, we wanted to spend some time on that resolution alone. The most important thing, of course, is to create time, but as people have pointed out in their responses to recent blog posts, that's easier said than done.

Teresa R. wrote in asking specifically about time management techniques. The most important time management skill for me is the ability to say "no," though it's something I have to continually work at. Sometimes I have a hard time separating out what I want to do and what I feel compelled to do. It makes it easy for people to take advantage of my time, so I've gotten good at knowing who my real friends are. So "yes" to the rare babysitting request from my best friend. "No" to coffee with the woman who always throws some little barb into every conversation. Instead, I haul my laptop to the coffee shop and work on my novel. (I keep the poem, "The Art of Disappearing" over my desk to remind myself that it's OK to say no.)

Of course, it's not always so cut and dried. For that reason, I try to write first thing in the morning. It's a time when people don't generally ask you for favors, when the phone doesn't ring. It causes my paying work to extend a little later each day, and this means that I'm not always available for other things in the evening. I try to order my day around my writing; this way I don't have to think about making writing a priority: it's built into my life.

So that's what I know about time management. Other people said that they'd started writing by hand again to avoid the Internet. Friends who write in the evenings turn off their phones while they work (could this be more important?). One poet I know negotiated with his employer to work longer every day and take Fridays off. (A novelist I knew worked out the same deal for Wednesday mornings.)

But there are so many practical ways to save time in general. How do you save time? Share your favorite time management tip below.

Resolution: Make Time to Write originally appeared on About.com Fiction Writing on Monday, January 4th, 2010 at 07:25:01.

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Update: Dec.-Jan. Writing Challenge

A number of submissions to the Dec.-Jan. prose poetry challenge came in while I was out of town for the holidays: they're now posted. (My apologies to the writers for the delay.) You can view these new responses or take the challenge yourself (after reading About.com's User Agreement). For this prompt, inspired by the writing of Russell Edson, write a prose poem that begins with a fantastic or unbelievable statement. Sample statements from Edson's work include "A man had a son who was an anvil"; "This is the house of the closet-man. There are no rooms, just hallways and closets"; and "A father with a huge eraser erases his daughter." Thanks to everyone who found time during the holiday season to submit something. It was a real pleasure coming home to these new pieces of writing.

Update: Dec.-Jan. Writing Challenge originally appeared on About.com Fiction Writing on Sunday, January 3rd, 2010 at 04:17:25.

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Textnovel.com (www.textnovel.com) is running a contest January 1, 2010 through August 31, 2010 for the best online serial novel. Textnovel allows writers to get attention based on how many followers, views and votes they get and also provides an interactive format for creating the novel. The prize is $1,000 and the winner gets [...]

Call for Submissions – William Saroyan International Prize for Writing

Deadline for Entries: January 31, 2010 Nominations for the William Saroyan International Prize for Writing will be accepted through January 31, 2010. This award, given by Stanford University Libraries in partnership with the William Saroyan Foundation, recognizes newly published works of fiction and non-fiction with a $5,000 award for the winner in each category. [...]

Writing Contest | “Family Stories” | No Fee

December 21, 2009 to February 23, 2010 There is currently running a free-to-enter short story contest on BookRix for writers and readers. The theme is “Family Stories”. (No page limit) Prizes on the line include $1.800,00 in prize money for writers, “fame!” and Amazon vouchers (each worth $20) for voting readers. Prizes for authors: First Prize: $1000 Second Prize: $500 Third Prize: $300 The [...]