It’s National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), so enjoy this special post featuring Tyndale Fiction authors Tessa Afshar, Carla Laureano, DiAnn Mills, Jolina Petersheim, and Beth Vogt. Discover writing tips and hear about what the writing process is like for these novelists.
What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?
Jolina Petersheim, How the Light Gets In author: An author friend with a large family told me to allow my life experiences to influence my work. This has really helped me relax when it comes to this demanding season of young motherhood. This time is valuable in every way. I don’t want to lose it by wishing I had more time to write. Living life to the fullest is the best “research” I can do.
DiAnn Mills, Burden of Proof author: To read the bestsellers, especially those in my genre. This helps the writer understand why a book is a bestseller: the various techniques and how to deepen knowledge of the craft. Reading keeps a writer’s craftsman tools sharpened.
What is one thing you would go back and tell your unpublished writer self if you could?
Beth Vogt, Things I Never Told You author: It’s what I’m telling myself right now: Don’t ask why when things go wrong—because things will go wrong. Instead ask, “Where are you in this situation, God?” And then look for him in the unexpected circumstances. Achieving your writing goals might take longer than you expect. At times, juggling your real life and your writing life will seem impossible. You won’t always receive rave reviews or win that award you want.
Carla Laureano, Brunch at Bittersweet Café author: Keep working toward your goal, but treasure the time you have now to play and explore and learn. Now that I’m published and have contracts and deadlines to adhere to, I still love writing, but it’s a more linear, professional mind-set. Don’t discount the freedom you have to find who you are as a writer when there isn’t anything on the line yet. Try lots of genres, styles, points of view. What you think you want to write may (probably will) shift over time.
From your own experience as a novelist, what’s the best place for a writer to start when they begin researching details for a novel?
Tessa Afshar, Thief of Corinth author: I write historical and biblical fiction, so research is a huge part of my writing process. But my starting point is often an emotional one. My favorite books are the ones that in some way touch my heart. That’s why I start each project with that premise. Is there a character or situation that moves me, connects with me, challenges me? Once I have my character nailed down, I start researching her world. Where did these people live? What did their daily lives look like? I cook their food, study their maps, read their books, look at the objects they used. I try to bring their world to life in my mind. If my character is emotionally gripping and her world is real to me, the readers will sense it.
DiAnn Mills: Interview those who have the same career as the hero and heroine. Establish skills and education needed. What is a typical day? What does the person like the most about his or her career? What does the person dislike? What are the challenges? Describe the person’s social life. Visit the area your story is set in.
What should a writer do when lacking inspiration or feeling burned out?
Beth Vogt: I have several “I need a recharge” go-to’s:
- I turn on a favorite playlist.
- I take a walk—outside or on my treadmill.
- I FaceTime with another writer and talk story for a while.
Jolina Petersheim: For the past three years, whenever I’m writing a novel, I have taken comfort in the image of me, standing on a dock, pulling a ship in by a rope. The ship represents the story that I want to tell; the rope represents the work of telling that story. Slowly but surely—with each word, each sentence, each paragraph, each chapter—I pull that ship closer to the dock. I also try to tighten sentences that way, envisioning that each one has to be stripped down and tightened to be strong enough to pull in that story—to take it where I want it to go. This image also helps me with any obstacle in life or any goal. So whenever you feel like that story’s way out there in the harbor, just picture yourself standing on a dock—strong and blistered and sunburnt—pulling it in by a rope.
If you’re thinking about writing a novel or you’re in the midst of writing one, here’re a few pieces of advice to take away.
Carla Laureano: Just write. Get the words on the page. Don’t edit, don’t question, don’t second-guess yourself. So often beginning writers don’t finish their books because their first attempt doesn’t resemble their favorite author’s published novel. Here’s a secret—we all write terrible first drafts. My debut novel took eight drafts before it was ready for submission and then went through a few more once it was contracted. While I have gotten better about turning out clean first drafts over time, it’s taken me fifteen manuscripts to get to that point.
Tessa Afshar: Persevere. Push through the hard seasons. Barrel through the rejections. Learn from every criticism. Develop a thicker skin. Don’t give in to failure. Cling to God. Don’t drown in self-pity. Seek wise writing companions. Encourage others. Celebrate the small victories.
