With NaNoWriMo just around the corner, it's a good time to revisit Kris Saknussemm's straight-talking advice on novel writing. Most wrimos would scoff at the idea that anything approaching 50,000 words is a disaster, it does help to hear what's worked and what hasn't worked for others. (Which is why I also find author interviews so invigorating. Check out Vikram Chandra, Sara Gruen, and Alix Ohlin in particular.) And if you have your own advice, please do comment below.
How to Avoid Total Disaster as a Novelist
From Ginny Wiehardt, About.com Guide October 25, 2010
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In all honesty, creative writing cannot be taught. Some of the best tips were brushed off here; but they are some of the best.
Read, write every day if you can; but most important of all, don’t invest any thought into negativity. You’re probably much better than you think.
You can’t teach creativity, true – but you CAN teach writing. If you approach the craft as a discipline to develop while gradually opening to your own creative energy, it does make a difference over time. You also learn the most from other writers, editors and agents!
No, creativity cannot be taught – writing tight can.
Something I always recommend to any writer is to write hard, and write fast.
Don’t worry if it’s “wrong”, write as fast as you can, as fast as the words are flowing.
If you get sidetracked by “does this work” in your first draft — ignore the little voice telling you to go back and fix it.
That’s what the second draft is for. The first draft is for letting your imagination run amok.
You can always cut the bad parts, rejig the order, but you can’t get back a brilliant thought once it’s gone. So write it. Fast.