Get ‘er done. Starting your novel.

So, you’ve got a great idea for a novel. Or perhaps you’re simply inspired to create with words, or maybe the idea of writing a story just sounds like fun! Either way, you’re where you are, but unsure of how, and where to begin. I’d like to share some ideas how to get out of your own way and help you get started on your writing journey.

First off, find your inspiration. Explore different sources of stimulus for your story, such as personal experiences, dreams, current events, or observations. Engage in conversations with people, attend events; spend time in nature. Inspiration can be found literally everywhere! Some activities such as hiking in nature can spark brilliance. 20th century composer Igor Stravinsky did headstands to find inspiration. Theodor Seuss Geisel would go to his secret closet filled with hundreds of hats and choose one to wear until inspiration hit. Go discover what sparks your imagination. I find it valuable to always travel with a pen and notebook handy to jot down my ideas whenever they strike. Sometimes, the most unexpected sources spark the greatest stories.

Now that you’ve got a basic inspiration for your tale, you’re going to need to develop your cast of memorable characters. They’ll need to be well-rounded and relatable with distinct

personalities, motivations, and flaws. Think of the various people in your own life, how each is different with their own attitudes, setbacks, personalities, dramas and faults. Your character’s flaws not only to add depth to their portrayals, but to your plot as well.

These flaws create external and internal conflicts, sending your characters down different pathways, affecting their relationships with each other and themselves. Plot and flawed characters work hand in hand. The most interesting characters have their own failings they must overcome. Readers connect with characters who feel authentic, so invest in their growth and development throughout your book.

You’ve likely already got several points jotted down on scraps of paper, or in a notebook so gather them up because now it’s time to start plotting your story. A compelling plot is the backbone of your novel, and gives your story a solid foundation. Keep readers engaged with an exciting conflict or conflicts, and a well-paced progression that neither bogs down, nor rushes too quickly. Carefully balance action, character development, and dialogue to maintain your reader’s interest. Use moments of tension and suspense to keep them eager to discover what happens next. I find ending each chapter on a cliffhanger to be effective in keeping my readers engaged and reading long into the night.

This brings me to something I think a lot of new writers struggle with: Outlining vs. Pantsing (writing by the seat of your pants – my personal process). Some writers can’t move forward with their story until they’ve outlined every chapter. I once took a master class with James Patterson, who is a diehard outliner, only to discover that his approach does not work for me. Like, at all. I literally write what I see and hear in my head. The beauty is, there is no right or wrong way to write your story; do whatever works for you and keeps you moving forward in your writing project.

Now that you’ve a general idea what you’re doing, or at least have a pretty good road map with which to explore topics deeper, it’s time to focus not on your story, but on you, as the author. The sooner you build good writing habits, the more consistent and disciplined you’ll be as a writer. Trust me, one can fuck-off an entire decade without really realizing it.

I wrote the initial draft of my debut thriller, Death by Association, fifteen years before I published it. Raising kids, homemaking, owning my own private healing practice all consumed much of my time. I had to get creative in carving out moments to write, and some days, if I got a one hundred words down, I was winning!

I sincerely advocate for writers to forge their path illuminated by achievable ambitions, where the term "realistic" takes precedence. This involves the establishment of a writing regimen, a routine that becomes the bedrock of your creative process. While word counts undeniably serve as markers of progress, it's imperative not to inject mere filler into your work solely to inflate this numerical measure.

Creating your writing routine will help you maintain momentum, even when you don’t feel like writing. When my children were young, I’d set my alarm for 4:00 a.m., and was able to get three solid hours of writing in before I’d have to get them up and off to school got them up at seven and off to school. I’d get fifteen to twenty minutes in between seeing patients at my office. All those minutes and words add up! A “no excuses” attitude doesn’t hurt either. Carve out whatever time you can to write, even if it’s five minutes, but if you can get a block of uninterrupted time early in the day, or before bed, I highly recommend it. And new writers with young kids, don’t fret. Grab what moments you can and remember, they’re not going to be that young and needy forever. Embrace the chaos.

And believe in yourself! Don’t judge where you are in your writing journey, we all start in exactly the same place: at our beginning. Please don’t compare your writing abilities to the

that of others. Just like in life, everyone’s on their own journey. With consistency and the discipline to stay committed, you will realize your creative vision. I promise. And don’t forget to

celebrate those milestones like word-count goals, finishing your first chapter, or getting to The End! Keep pushing forward and to never give up on your dream of becoming a writer!

- Dani