Being a Writer, Part 5: Writing time, place and method

So, you're ready to start writing your novel. You have enough material. You know the genre. You're excited about it. But you need to make time for it, and that means when you won't be disturbed by your partner or kids. Let them know the time is yours. Regular application is the key, so don't worry about some massive word count per session you've heard other people achieving. Set your own and keep to it even if you are uninspired or ill or bored or worried. Writers write, remember!

Carve out little places for yourself where you work best and feel the most comfortable. This could be at the dining table, on the bed, or in the car at lunchtime (all favourites of mine), but you need to try things out to see what works for you.

And you have to get the words down. It doesn't matter if you hand-write it first and type it up later (as I do) of if you type it directly onto your computer. Just get that pesky story down somehow! And you don't need to worry about those things called style and voice. These come from writing your story, your way. They come from being honest, from being you. It stands to reason that copying another's style or following some recent fad is a bad idea. It's your story that matters, and that can only come from you. The real you. So get out there and sock it to them, and believe in your idea because it will be as good as anyone else's. And probably a whole lot better.

Jack Orchison, February 23, 2014.