I’ve written lots of novels. Sometimes, it’s almost embarrassing. Because, people often ask me, “How do you have time to write so much?” And I’m not always sure how to answer.
But here’s the thing. Anyone can write a lot if they don’t get blocked. Productivity isn’t as much about finding the time to write as it is using your time well. Perhaps I’m fortunate that I don’t often experience writer’s block. And yet, I know what works for me, and what doesn’t work.
The thing that definitely doesn’t work for me is outlining. If I want to get writer’s block, then all I have to do is start outlining first.
So, here are my 5 quick tips for pantsers (people who write by the seat of their pants) to start writing your book if you don’t like outlining.
Step 1: DECIDE ON YOUR STORY’S THEME & CENTRAL CONFLICT
What’s the message of your story? What problem needs to be solved? You don’t need to have every detail planned out, but a basic understanding of your plot, characters, and setting will help you stay on track and avoid getting lost in your writing. Think about the theme of your story and the main conflict.
Step 2: KNOW YOUR CHARACTERS’ EMOTIONAL JOURNEYS
Spend some time creating character profiles for your main characters. Understand their motivations, personalities, and how they fit into the story. Also, brainstorm potential conflicts and plot points based on your characters’ traits. This will help you lead them through their emotional journeys.
Step 3: START WITH A PIVOTAL SCENE
Rather than trying to write the entire novel in chronological order, start with a pivotal scene instead – perhaps a significant turning point for your characters. By starting with something exciting, you’ll be more motivated to continue writing and explore the story’s different elements.
Step 4: SET DAILY GOALS FOR AMOUNT OF WORDS WRITTEN PER DAY
When I was at my absolute busiest, I woke up every morning at 5AM and challenged myself to write 300 words before starting my day. Sometimes, I’d quit mid-sentence when I reached 300. But surprisingly, when I looked back, what I came up with wasn’t half bad. Setting a goal to write a certain number of words or pages each day can help you stay motivated and give you a sense of accomplishment.
Step 5: EMBRACE DOING REVISIONS BECAUSE THAT’S THE BEST PART!
Without an outline, your first draft may be messy and disjointed, and that’s okay! Embrace the editing process. Use it as an opportunity to refine and shape your story. My favorite part of the writing process is revisions. That’s when I have the most fun, going through my first draft, and discovering new ideas and plot twists I hadn’t thought of before. Remember, writing is a process, and your first draft is just the beginning.
Not all writers are the same, and that’s okay! If you like outlining, that’s great. But don’t feel pressure to outline if it doesn’t work for you. Instead, use these steps to start writing your novel in a way that feels natural and comfortable.
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