by Lisa Beach

Created on: April 09, 2009

Just like starting out on a journey from your house to a friend's, with writing a novel, if you have no map, you will get lost along the way. The difference of course lies in the fact that while on your way to your friend's home, you know how to read the map. Novel writing has no "map", because every writer is different. However, with my 10 tips below, I can at least point you in the right direction:

1. Come up with a great idea and test it out: everyone thinks [s]he has a great idea for a novel, but that can't always be true. Some ideas are genius, while others tank, and it is up to the writer to test his/hers out in advance. Why spend hours of hard work on something other's find boring.

If you are a young writer, [and many at Helium are], writing about a boy and a girl, school, or things to do WITH school, will be boring to everyone but your buddies. Something truly exciting must happen for readers to care. Something believable.

For example, say a girl is on her way to school, and gets chased by a bear; could that really happen? Only if there was a zoo around, or a wildfire, and schools are located in flat, open spaces, so the answer is no. ANY idea you come up with must be tested out first. And that's true of a writer of any age. Knowing a story idea will work makes it easier to write. Easier to choose what type of characters to use, etc.

2. Select a writing space: Having a writing space that is yours alone is also important. A space that you feel is especially for writing, because you focus best there, feel comfortable with the writing process, and have the will to tell others not to bother you when you're there.

If there is no such place, choose a couple hours a day when you turn off your cell phone, lock yourself in your room, and write. Being able to put aside your high tech toys, and concentrate on writing is a sure sign that you ARE a writer.

3. Write at a time of day when you have energy: This is extremely important, because when you lose focus, all sort of body ailments take over. Suddenly, your head hurts, the headache is killer, and your shoulders feel cramped. Your butt feels sore and your fingers ache. When this happens, if you try to continue writing, it won't be quality work. You will be too busy thinking about all the aches and pains. Write when your mind is freshest, and you have the most energy.

4. Don't fall for distractions: Friends call/text you constantly, you decide you need multiple sodas or cups of coffee; have a sudden urge to clean house,

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