How I wrote my novel in just over a year, and how you can too.

Its the start of a new year and your fresh blank page is waiting for you! Its that time of year when we make resolutions and I'm sure plenty of you will be planning to do some writing whether its a new novel, a memoir or perhaps short stories or poetry.

This time last year I had already started writing my novel but it was in January that I decided that this year was the year to invest in myself and my writing. By December, I had a completed draft. This is how I did it and how you can do the same.

1) Don't wait for inspiration.

If you wait for inspiration to hit, or you'll be waiting all day! The truth is that some days are easier to write than others. Writing is a bit like going to the gym, sometimes we're not in the mood but once we sit down and write we remember how much we enjoy it. And if the writing isn't great, it doesn't matter, what is important in the first draft is getting the words down.

2) Make time to write.

There's lots of conflicting advice on how and when to write. For me writing every day for half an hour to an hour before anyone else is awake works, for others its putting aside an entire day a month. For some, its about getting up early, for others it's writing late at night once the kids have gone to bed. It really doesn't matter how or when you write, just that you do it!

I've said before, writers are not born with more hours in the day than anyone else. They just make the choice to write. If you're someone who thinks they don't have enough time, then start looking at what you're actually spending your time doing. That one hour doomscrolling session on social media could be your writing time. The ten minute delay at the train station could be notes made on your phone for the next chapter. If you really want to write you can always make the time.

3) Outrun The Doubt

My good friend, filmmaker and writer, Andrew David Barker gave me this motto that I now have framed on my desk where I write. There are times (probably halfway through the first draft) when you'll doubt your idea, your writing, your ability to complete it. And its in these moments you have to, as my good friend Andy once told me, 'outrun the doubt.' In other words, ignore the voice in your head that tells you all these things and keep on going.

4) Find others who understand

One of the things I love the most about Secret Writing Retreats events is seeing writers talking with one another, sharing ideas and thoughts and being able to boost one another's confidence. Having another writer to share with can help motivate you to keep going when it feels tough.

5) Celebrate small wins

One of the reasons I keep track of my word count is so that I can motivate myself to keep going. You've written your first chapter? Go and have a cup of tea and a biscuit to celebrate. You're halfway through? Buy yourself some flowers or take yourself out to dinner. Writing is hard so every time you achieve something, no matter how small the win might be, make sure you celebrate it.

I hope this time next year, you'll be celebrating the end of your novel!

Love Jen