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2. Once you have the final outline
in hand, it’s time to start writing the book.
The hardest thing to do is to write that very first sentence. Just do it.
The sentences to follow will get easier as you immerse yourself in the
process. And soon, you’ll find that you
are getting into “the rhythm of writing.”
3. Take your time—writing a novel
isn’t a race. What counts is the
quality—not the speed.
4. Let people whom you respect
among your family and friends, edit your “work in progress” once you are happy
with it. Do this on a regular basis
–i.e., every seven or eight chapters, rather than waiting until you finish the
novel. Take their comments and criticisms seriously because they are a gauge of
what the public will think—except the public will likely be less sympathetic. Remember that you are writing a novel to
connect with many people –so it does you no good to take a “superior attitude”
and assume that you’re right and your “ordinary reader critics” are wrong. You don’t have to pander to public tastes,
but unless you’re writing the book just for yourself – you need to be cognizant
of what others think of your efforts.
6. When you read the emotional
parts of your novel to yourself –do they really move you and connect with you
viscerally? If not –then your re-writing
efforts are not over.
7. Remember that the words you
write and publish, won’t go away. They
are not ephemeral like talking. These
words will live on---somewhere –whether in print or on the internet. So ask yourself the question—and answer it
honestly: “Are you truly satisfied with
what you have written?” You’re not
finished until you’re proud of what you’ve written and believe that it is the
best you can do. Your work represents
who you are or who you want to be.
William R. Leibowitz practices law internationally and prefers not spending too much time in any one place. He is a graduate of New York University and Columbia University Law School.
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