by Trina L. Grant

Created on: September 25, 2009

Writing a novel is a serious, thoughtful procedure. The common misconception that a person can just sit down a la Stephen King with an old typewriter and some cappuccino and crunch out the Great American Novel is grossly ill-conceived. For many people writing a novel, especially a memoir, is the crowning achievement of their lives. People write novels as cathartic therapy to heal old hurts. They pen tributes to the memory of a loved one. Sometimes a real-life event is just too unbelievable or important to keep to oneself. However, you must ask yourself if you want to reveal certain dubious or embarrassing aspects of your life. Do you dare expose yourself to public scrutiny and possible ridicule? Finally, in the event you decide to use the real names of the players in your story, are you prepared to approach these people for permission to use them in your book?

Write the novel from an unbiased perspective, as if you were merely a witness or narrator and not actually a participant. Quality writers can amply convey the character's personality and emotional state with the pictures painted in their writing. If the conclusion has to be explicitly explained to the audience, all creative effort is for naught.

The great thing about writing a novel is a little something called 'literary license'. Literary license allows the writer to conscionably change aspects of the story in order to set a scene, vamp up the suspense or just exaggerate the plotline in some way. Many times events that seem completely sensible to the author would make little sense when described to a perfect stranger, especially when it is being read instead of heard, without the benefits of tone and voice inflection. It allows the writer to tell their story with more authenticity, by changing specific details that may be conspicuously revealing, avoiding concerns of defamation or slander.

Finally, you must be prepared to be open to criticism and rejection. Just because this is the story of your life, does not mean other people would want to know about it. You may have to pitch your novel to several publishers before it is picked up, if it ever is. When the novel is accepted, expect it to go through many revisions before the final product hits the shelves. Your ideas of literary genius do not always jibe with those of your publisher. Don't lose the essence of your story amidst corporate marketing schemes, but be aware of and grateful for your publisher's experience and knowledge.

Writing a novel will likely be one of the most rewarding, fulfilling experiences of your life. The therapeutic aspect of the act of writing the novel cannot be underestimated. Whatever your inspiration or instigation, whether for money, fame or emotional release, you can be assured your venture will likely be life-changing.

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