So, you want to write a novel, do you?

Do you want to write a novel but don't know where to start?

Most difficult things about writing

I've written twenty-three novels so far (with plenty more to come).

Is writing a novel easy...? Heck, no.

Is writing a novel rewarding...? Heck, yes! A big mahoosive yes.

Although I'm not talking about financially (which of course it can), but rather the immense sense of satisfaction. If you succeed in writing the novel that you've always dreamed about, just think how you'll feel when the postman delivers the proof copy of your first book. Something you've invested blood, sweat and tears into. Okay, maybe not too much blood...hopefully that is :) But there will be plenty of sweat and tears and you may just rip out some of your hair in the process. Lots, in my case :)

And it's this sense of accomplishment that I try to convey to debut writers when they're floundering and, perhaps, considering throwing the towel in. That's because writing a book/novel/memoir will be one of the most amazing things you'll ever do. Think about it for a moment...Something you've potentially crafted today could be enjoyed by future generations long after you've stepped off your mortal coil. You could be immortal! Well, you know what I mean.

For me, what started out as a hobby has now evolved into my full-time career. So, to answer my earlier question: writing can also be financially rewarding as well as spiritually.

And never has there been a better time to publish your first book. Now, with the advent of self-publishing platforms like Amazon, it's never been more accessible to get your work in front of the reading public. But don't for a moment think there's an easy route to publishing your novel. You'll read thousands of blogs, and watch hundreds of YouTube tutorials, with 'experts' telling you how you can make a fortune publishing rubbish like low-content books and other nonsense. You can't. I promise you, you can't. At best you'll realise this for yourself after giving cash to some conman and at worst you'll end up with your Amazon KDP account being shut down for breaching their rules. Writing a novel takes hundreds of hours of hard work. Then you need it edited to make it shine. Then you need a kiss-ass book cover (you know the old saying about judging a book by...well, you know the rest).

And then there's the scourge of vanity publishers. If you're writing a book and have never heard of them, do an internet search. THEY ARE ABSOLUTE SCUZZBALLS.

Once the manuscript is complete, most debut authors think this is the point, once published, where they sit back to count their royalty cheques landing on their doorstep. However, as you can imagine, it's not that easy. Yes, you've done the hard work, but now you need to start marketing the thing. Visualise your book as a pebble on a busy beach. How on earth is a reader going to stumble across your masterpiece? Of course, they may find it by accident, but this is when you need to get busy selling your work. And, sadly, this is the time that most authors give up when the sales don't immediately arrive.

The point (s) I'm trying to make is that writing isn't a 'get rich quick' scheme. But do it right and it could be the most rewarding thing you've ever done. Oh, and even after twenty-three novels, I still get the same feeling of accomplishment as I did the first time. It's wonderful.

In addition to writing, I also provide 1-2-1 support/mentoring/advice and whatever you need in your writing journey. Whether that is getting your book published or the dark arts of marketing. I've done it all and, trust me, I've made every mistake you can think of. However, I've learned from them and come out of the other side!

If you'd like to book in for a consultation (Starting at only £75 for 1.5 hours to 2 hours, depending on if I've not sent you to sleep. Remember, you're getting 1-2-1 support from a best-selling novelist) or you want to discuss ongoing mentoring, get in touch. When I first started writing, I genuinely wished that I'd found somebody like me to hold my hand when I nearly gave it all up. I can do both face-to-face or Zoom meetings.

You can email me at: authorjcwilliams@gmail.com and find all of my books on my website: www.authorjcwilliams.com

The services I offer are detailed below, but just give me a shout and we can chat.

Make your dream of writing a novel a reality. I can help make this happen.

Creative writing mentor with J C Williams