Being Writer: How to Write a Novel

I've been to a lot of book signings, I've read a jillion blog posts on the "secret writing formula," and I've heard authors say this a million times: there is no ONE way to write a novel. "There is no formula," they'll say. "Writing is different for everyone, the process can never be nailed down--- it's only what you make it. I can't tell you how to write your book."

But it's all lies, I tell you. There IS a secret formula. "And the secret ingredient," I tell you, "is that there IS no secret ingredient!"

Rewind.

There IS a secret formula.

Check!

But there IS no secret ingredient.

That's right.

Because you know the formula--- you knew it before you even sat down to write your novel. But tonight on Jackson Pearce's live chat, Carrie Ryan (author of the Forrest of Hands and Teeth series) said something I think will change your life as a writer forever. And, of course I'm going to bait you a little longer before I repeat those words as they were repeated to me.

The truth? Writers write. The big idea of BEING WRITER is that little you with all of your big hopes and aspirations--- YOU are willing to put something IN so you'll get something OUT. And it may not surprise you to know that the thing you're putting into this Writer Stew are the words that you want forever associated with your name.

The "Secret" Formula for the best pot of Writer Stew in the world:
YOU + IDEA + BLANK PAPER + SPILLAGE OF WORDS ONTO THAT PAPER = A NOVEL

Congratulations! You now know the first part of being a writer--- Writers write, and if you're going to be a writer, you're going to write, too.

Carrie Ryan's words are just one in a million examples that authors realize this important truth. She said, "Write. You need to put words on the page how you want them to come out, and you need to find your voice and passion." And Julie Kagawa (author of The Iron Queen) really solidifies this by reminding us that "All authors started exactly where you are right now."

Remember this, Writers; part of being who you are is producing the best piece of work you possibly can--- by producing a product that you wouldn't mind representing you to the whole world. But to get to the end you must first begin. Remember that there is no "secret" ingredient; there is only you and the page before you, what you do with it is a matter of choice, but please promise me you'll attempt to do something.

Tune in tomorrow for the next chapter of BEING WRITER. Good night, All!
~Deserae McG