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Writing a novel is something so many want to do and so few actually complete. Writers hesitate wondering if they have a good enough idea or if their skills will live up to their idea or if any one would want to read a novel they wrote.

Starting and finishing the first novel is a challenge. It appears to be a huge project and the writer feels they won't have enough time. So many stories of failure abound, sapping the confidence of the first time novel-writer. The publishing and writing industry is a tough place and new writers might be daunted by the rejection and tough critics.

Starting a novel is half the difficulty. The first thing to know is that you'll never finish a novel you're not interested in so don't bother starting one. Take time to find a concept and plot that interests you. Fill it with characters you'll find interesting. Tell yourself that it's okay to have a few false starts before you find something you love. But be proactive. If you want to write, there must be something you want to write about.

To finish a novel, you must find some motivation. This can come in the form of goals and rewards. Set a goal with a practical aspect such as "I want to finish a chapter every fortnight by writing three pages a day" instead of just "I want to finish a chapter every fortnight." And then, if mere satisfaction isn't enough, set a reward. Stick to your goal.

Another motivation trick is to be accountable to someone. Tell a friend who might be interested in reading your novel about your attempt to write it. Have them keep asking you when you'll be finished and when they can read it. The more they bug you, the better.

Keep the inspiration fresh in your mind. Hang the picture that inspired the story on your bedroom wall. Reread the article that gave you an idea whenever you're running out of steam.

When you get scared about your novel not being up to standard, you'll slow down. You want want to write something you have no confidence in. Remember you don't have to get the first thing you ever write published. Remind yourself of the things that made you fall in love with the novel you decided to write. Find someone who's willing to give you positive feedback on your skills. Post up your favourite excerpt of your writing somewhere you can see it.

Boring writing time produces boring writing. Keep writing fun and interesting. The novelty of writing a novel might wear off by chapter three but renew it. Reread the book that made you think "I want to be a writer." Get a new writing program. Buy a new pen and pad. Put on some music. Have a word war with another writer and see who can write the most words in a certain amount of time.

The dreaded writer's block might still turn up even when you're having fun. Don't confuse this with a false start. Step back by taking a ten minute break and doing something completely unrelated such as housework or computer games. When you get back to your novel, think about it for a moment. Would you want to read this novel once it's finished? If not, you have no interest. Do you have a reason to finish it? If not, you have no motivation. Do you know why you started writing this story? If not, you've lost inspiration. Do you think it's written or plotted badly? If so, you have no confidence. Are you bored with it? If so, you've lost your enjoyment.

Go back over this article and find a trick that might work to get you going again or come up with your own. Remember that you can write your novel if you keep interested, motivated, inspired, confident and enjoy it.

Learn more about this author, Lauren Okely.
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