I'll be the first to admit that there's no correct way to write a novel.
But there's something awe-inspiring about novelist Jeff VanderMeer's compulsive, inspiring method for finishing his most newest book:
"I’ve instituted a strict exercise regime for two hours five-days-a-week of weightlifting and cardio with two days off, and am working on controlling my diet by limiting intake of any bad carbs. All weekday mornings will be spent on the novel. Afternoons will see limited internet connectivity for business communications, but most often be for typing up rough draft material or working on anthology commitments. Evenings will be for reading and relaxing and some blogging–replenishing the mind for the next morning’s work."
After that, check out Jeff VanderMeer's visit to The Publishing Spot, one of the first writer interviews ever conducted on this site.
If that doesn't completely wear you out, check out 50 Awesome Open Source Resources for Online Writers. Christina Laun's article contains some easy-to-use programs (ranging from word processors to style checkers) that might make your novel-endgame proceed more smoothly.
"A bit of advice is worth repeating: don't listen for praise, but for constructive criticism, the kind that you can take home and use to better your manuscript."
That's some tough-love advice from Lance Olsen's writing handbook, Rebel Yell, a trusted staple of plenty of professional writers--including myself.
Lance Olsen has written nine novels, and stopped by for an interview last year. We discussed his new book, Anxious Pleasures and he shared dynamite tips.
He taught us How To Revise Our Novels, Mercilessly.
Followed by advice on How To Outline Your Novel.
Then he shared Three Pieces of Writing Advice for the Price of One.
Then taught us How Writing Groups Can Help Your Writing.
What's going on? I'm on vacation this week, and there's nothing you can do to stop me.
To keep you happy while I travel far, far, far from the city, I'm posting some of my favorite traveling writer interviews I've collected at The Publishing Spot--building a complete interview library in the process.
“Looky! It’s meeeeee! And there’s Teko and my new sword!”
“Looks like we’re putting the team together for our new gallery project.”
“Ooh, it’s got the new logo too. I love new stuff.”
“We’re gonna start our new gallery today, ’cause Talitha said there’s gonna be this button and it will have all our pictures in it and it changes all by itself. She gots all the best drawings too, and lots of them are warriors and treasures.”
“This is a new category too, so if you want to see our gallery updates, they’ll all be linked to the Legends of Aventar Gallery category.”
“Sweet, let’s get going!”
