Writing Rules – Write on the World

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a writer in possession of a novel manuscript in progress must be in want of writing advice. If you’ve ever gone looking for advice about how to write a novel, you’ve probably discovered one of the great truths of writing: for every person who confidently tells you there is a right way to do something, there is another person who will confidently tell you they’re completely wrong—especially if you ask the question of social media.

Everyone has an opinion about the “right” way to write a novel. But what works for one writer, genre, audience, or school of thought may not work for another. The trick is figuring out what you believe a story is supposed to do—and finding the advice that actually serves your goals. There’s no single right way to write a novel. There’s only the way that works for the story you’re trying to tell.

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Plotters will tell you to outline. Pantsers will tell you that outlining kills the magic. One writing teacher will tell you that you should never use adverbs, while another will remind you that adverbs are perfectly legitimate words. Someone will insist that you must start your novel with action, while someone else will tell you that the reader needs time to settle into the world and meet the characters. And then there’s the Oxford comma.

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Setting a writing schedule that you can stick to is important for making consistent progress on your writing projects. First, determine what time of day is your most productive time. Think about when you are most alert and focused. Some people prefer to write in the early morning, while others find that they are most productive in the afternoon or evening. I like to get my writing out of the way first thing because I know that otherwise I will find other things to do and never get around to writing. This is a great strategy for anyone who often finds themselves cleaning house when there is writing to be done. Once you identify your most productive time, try to schedule your writing sessions during that time.

Without a proper writing schedule in place, your time can seem to melt away without you ever accomplishing anything. Image generated using artificial intelligence.

However, be sure to set realistic goals. Determine how much time you realistically have available for writing each day or week. Then, set a goal that is achievable within that time frame. For example, if you only have 30 minutes each day to write, set a goal to write 250 words during that time. It is also essential to establish a consistent routine for when and where you will write. This can help you get into the habit of writing regularly and make it easier to stick to your schedule. Try to create a writing environment that is free from distractions and conducive to your creative process. Just don’t get too precious about it.