Hi fiction lover! Now that we’ve been through forty blog posts (!) together, I feel like I can share even more about my fiction-writing journey. One thing that I don’t share too often is that I’ve finished writing more than twenty novels! So, I think I know a bit about sticking to a first draft and going all the way to the finish line. Sure, it’s a big commitment to finish writing a book, but the feeling at the end will leave you addicted to the art of the novel. Are you ready to dive into five ways how to improve novel writing skills? Let’s get started!
How to Improve Novel Writing Skills
Before we dive into the five ways, quick disclaimer that these may not work for you, and that’s okay. However, I would like to say that these five things leveled up my writing in more ways than one. With these methods, I was able to transform from a person who finished writing a novel in three years, to a person who can write a novel in three months.
1. Set a realistic word count goal
This is the biggest tip, and probably the hardest to implement. Honestly, I have a love-hate relationship with this tip. I hate putting myself and other writers into a box. However, our minds love a bit of structure. Along with a goal to push forward to. Sure, we love the idea of finishing a full novel. But without a daily goal, it can be insurmountable to finish sixty to a hundred thousand words.
I recommend starting small. My first goal when I was fourteen was to write 250 words a day. For some, this might be too low or too high. For me, it was achievable yet still challenging.
Find that magic number that’s going to stretch you, but will also be achievable for you. I wouldn’t recommend setting something like 2000 as your goal at first, unless you’re an experienced writer who is a wiz at drafting.
2. Do NOT try to play catch-up
This has honestly been a hard lesson for me. Whenever I used to miss my daily word count goal, I would feel guilty. The next day, I would do everything I could to “make up” those words. I wish I could’ve slapped myself back then! It’s not a competition to finish a novel, and many times we put too many restrictions on ourselves.
The main sign of growth is that you’re making forward progress, so don’t put these self-imposed rules on yourself. For instance, if you want to finish a novel in six months, and it takes you an extra few weeks, the delay will probably not matter in the long run.
So I recommend resetting that calendar every week and adjusting your plan to fit you, not the other way around.
3. If pantsing isn’t working, create a rough outline
Don’t get me wrong. I love pantsing novels—or writing without having a plan in place. But, creating a rough outline has completely changed the game for me. After creating an outline (it can be very rough, just including the beginning, middle, and end), the manuscript will have focus because you know your general direction. No more tangents and your characters wandering around without a purpose!
4. Read widely
Yes, I know that you might be thinking that a writer’s main job is to write. However, if you don’t like to read, I recommend picking up your favorite book ever and reminding yourself of the joy of reading. To be a better writer, you need to read, and I’ve found no way around this.
Even in my slumps, I made the choice to read. Sure, I didn’t speed through books, but each page that I read made me a better writer. Exploring other styles—other voices, word choices, and moods—creates more weapons in your writer-arsenal.
Note that it’s not good to compare yourself to other readers. Some people are voracious readers and can finish a book every two days. If this isn’t you, don’t worry. The main thing here is to put reading on your schedule and to do it consistently.
5. Switch up your environment
Yes, we’re getting to a practical tip that may be overlooked. If writing at your desk brings you pain, one hundred percent head to your favorite cafe. Even though you have to buy a drink, the change in environment is a worthwhile investment. I can’t tell you how many times I went to a cafe and doubled my writing speed.
If cafes aren’t your thing, there are many ways to change your environment. Head to an outdoor picnic table if the weather is nice, or change to another room in your home at the very least (or even from the living room to the kitchen table, for example!).
Once you do so, please drop by fictiondipity again and tell me if you’ve successfully switched up your environment with success!
Bonus Tip! — How to Improve Novel Writing Skills
Okay, so I’m a bit upset at myself for not making the list of how to improve novel writing skills more fun. Here’s a very fun tip that I’ve implemented with success:
Stack your brainstorming. This is something that I’ve been doing at church. What I love about Atomic Habits by James Clear (though I’ve never read it yet—I’m going to) is that he recommends something called habit stacking. At church, I’m already in a very relaxed state. So, while I’m taking notes during the sermon, I also brainstorm things that come to mind about my writing. Sometimes, I will write an idea that completely solves the problem I’m having in my story. So, if you’ve been having trouble brainstorming, stack it on something you’re already doing. Say that you already journal your thoughts every night. On a separate page in your notebook or tablet, create something called “my creative notes.” Write down everything that comes to mind. You won’t want to forget it.
This was such an enjoyable piece, and I’m really hoping that it helps you on your writing journey. Thanks for coming along to learn how to improve novel writing skills (five ways to level up)! Join me on my blog again next week! I’m here to be your cheerleader and writer friend. Thank you for being a fan of writing, books, and more with me.
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