Writing a novel - more tips to keep you going

When Richard and I worked on a screenplay once, we would allow ourselves a glass of champagne at the end of every scene. At the end of each act, we went out to an elegant cocktail bar for strawberry daiquiris.

If I’ve learned anything through writing four books, it’s how hard it is – and how to make it easier on yourself.

I believe in rewards. Even little rewards. While busy with my first book, I used to make up lavish “When my book is published” daydreams. Only, I wouldn’t allow myself to indulge in them until I’d finished writing for the day.

There’s nothing more important than just keeping on. It doesn’t have to be perfect first time, so that’s no excuse. 

Make yourself rituals, if that helps. I like to place a certain pen by my computer. And (ridiculous as it sounds) I always wear the same pants when I write. (I become hysterical if they’re in the wash.)

I view them quite supersitiously, which helps, I suppose. They can’t be used for doing anything else. That means I can’t “just quickly check my emails”. I’d have to get up, take my pants off, check my emails…

More than anything, it’s an aid to discipline.

Let me share another tip with you: Don’t talk too much about your book in the making. If you need to work through ideas, choose someone who takes you and your idea seriously.

I know writing is lonely. But talking about it somehow neutralises the desire. It satisfies the story-telling self, and allows you to stop doing it.

Also, so many people claim to have a story in them, that few people will take you seriously. They’ll pop in for coffee because … well, you’re not really working, are you?

They’ll find it vaguely amusing and ask you, in arch tones, how The Book is going. It’ll begin to seem ridiculous and you’ll feel absurd – an imposter in the literary world. It’s better just to keep quiet, at least until the end is in sight.

So, that’s it really. People often ask me for one tip for aspiring writers. And I always say just that: Keep writing. Whatever helps you do that – personal threats, rewards, rituals – use them for all they’re worth.

For more information on how to keep writing, see our online writing courses.