The Writing Season Part Four Pen to Paper

After the writer has come up with an idea, gathered and organized their thoughts, did their outline, it’s now time to write the book.

Some writers like to write on a notebook. Some like to type it up on the computer. Either way, the book will get done.

If a writer likes to use a notebook, it has its pros and cons.

1.You can’t fix your mistakes unless you use white out, erase it if you’re using a pencil or simply scratch it out.
2. If you don’t have a laptop, you can take your notebook with you anywhere.
3.You have to transfer all your work onto the computer.

Using a computer has its pros and cons also.

1.If you have a laptop, you can take it anywhere.
2.You can easily fix your mistakes.
3.You have to worry about your computer crashing and loosing all your work
4. You don’t have to transfer any work. Just save it as you write.

Once you’ve gotten your notebook or decided to start on the computer, the first thing to do when writing the book is to simply write it. Don’t worry too much about errors. Don’t worry about the title of the book or the chapters. Don’t worry about the introduction or who it’s dedicated to just write. The writer simply needs to get the words typed up or written out. There are a few things that need to be known in this stage of the Writing Season. Take note:

·Do not write if nothing flows. If you have nothing else to say, stop. Do not force your work. (This is writers block and it will eventually pass)

·Don’t be alarmed if your story goes in a different direction than expected. Sometimes when a writer actually writes out their story, some things begin to change and sound better as you write. Go with the flow and if it sounds good keep it and continue on.

·Do a re-read every time you stop writing for that day. If you write three chapters a day, go back and read what you wrote. Take a break and come back. You will see your mistakes then.

·Be sure to keep the Point-of-View throughout the book. Do not change up who’s telling the book unless more than one character is supposed talks.

·Do not be alarmed if the writing season ends before you finish a novel. This simply means that this book is no longer moving you or something else has gotten your attention. (This is where the outline comes in handy) When the writing season comes again, pick up where you left off.

· It is very natural and possible to completely change your story in the middle of writing it. You may see a different angle of the book that would be a better story. Do what you feel is best to get your story out there.

· Don’t get discouraged if it takes you months or years to finish a novel. Some writers take forever to write a book. Sometimes it takes that long to get the book just right.

·Be sure you are saving your work continuously if you are working on the computer. Try getting an external hard drive so that if something happens to your computer, you won’t lose all your work.

Stay tuned for Stage Five: “The Birth”

Tips on the Pen to Paper stage

*Decide how you are going to write the book
*Consider the pros and cons. You can always stop and continue on the computer if needed.
*Don’t worry about errors. Just write.
*Be mindful of changes throughout the book, the writing season ending before you finish the book and be sure to re-read as much as possible.