Make time for writing. There is no ideal set of hours to begin writing. The surest method of steady progress is to devote some hours each day to writing. Start at a specific time in the morning and then finish at a specific time in the afternoon. Some writers get distracted by the editing process and insist on rewriting scenes immediately. The most important thing is to put pen to paper and allow the ideas to take fruition. Do not be too concerned about the end product at this stage. The daily word count varies considerably between writers, some people are naturally more prolific than others, but you need to find your own rhythm.

 

 

Set a deadline. When there is a tangible objective to be completed it is easier to be motivated. The first step on your journey should be to define a final word count and end date. The number of words itself is not that important and need not be rigidly adhered to, but this approach will inspire you to fulfil your writing objectives. For most novels the standard word count is 75,000 to 90,000. Another point to consider, is separating the writing process into further discrete objectives, that way you have a pathway to follow.

 

 

Decide on your writing style before putting pen to paper. Creating a rich and enthralling writing style will enable a consistent flow throughout your work. The culture and identity of the piece is important to figure out early on. What type of narrative approach will be appropriate for the world that the action is set within and the characters. Once the backdrop is completed, this will allow the figures in the story to have believable personalities and desires, while injecting dramatic tension without unnecessary complex explanations. Any deviation from the identified style will take the reader out of the work.

 

Do your homework first. A good writer will understand their subject inside and out. Devoting some time to researching the topic will speed up the writing process later on and end up saving time. Well versed readers will spot any unrealistic or factually incorrect scenes straight away. There are techniques and strategies to invest time in before you begin writing which will be assets to your creative process. Develop a brief synopsis of your work which serves as an outline summary of the concepts that you are exploring. Planning out the inner structure and direction of the manuscript offers a straight forward roadmap that can be referred to later on.