How Writing a Novel Doesn’t Have to Be Lonely

Many people romanticize the writer’s life, even writers do. We have this image in our heads of these mythical beings who write in the smoky dark of the night with a mood-turning beverage in hand. This being pounds upon typewriter keys, intermittently pressing his/her head into their hands. And it’s exhausting.

Lonely.

Overwhelming.

But in that darkness of loneliness, mastery emerges. An epic story whisks publishers, influencers, bestseller lists, contests, and readers completely away.

If only…

If only it worked like that…

More often than not, a writer, enslaved to their craft in the darkness of the night, arises to day with story in hand only to be met with constructive criticism from knowledgeable storytellers, whether writers further along in their journey, literary agents, publishers, or even readers. And it stings.

Writing a novel does not need to be lonely. It can be. You can choose that, and there will always be portions of novel writing that is alone. However, you don’t have to be lonely as you write.

Protecting Your Novel Creativity

In the beginning, when a novel is a small spark of an idea, you do need to protect it! Not everyone should have access to that nugget of a story that is waiting to be told. But, it can be such a joy to share the idea with trusted friends who are cheerleaders.

Find your people — the ones who believe in you and will be excited for your journey.

I have a friend who loves to read. She rarely speaks a mean word, and she just LOVES that I enjoy storytelling. Early on, she admitted to wanting to read my stories. I took a deep breath and sent her a rough draft. All of her feedback was kind, thoughtful with an upbeat note. She kept asking for more. That drove my creativity.

Find Other Writers

As a young writer, I was afraid of becoming too chummy with “the enemy” (other writers). I thought if I were to be friends with writers that they would steal my ideas, and I didn’t trust them. Wow did I miss out!

Once I got over myself and stopped believing I was some hidden genius (I’m ashamed), different relationships with writers really challenged me in my craft. I also realized that creativity is generous — there’s room for all at this table.

Some writing groups are intense; others are much more relaxed. But, it’s so nice to have people to go to with questions and requests for perspective. I’ve been a part of a writers group for nearly ten years now, and this group has helped me feel like a writer, even when I went through years of not writing.

If you’re on Facebook, here are a few groups to join. You may have local writers groups as well, or you are welcome to consider my Facebook group as well.

Ask Your Friends for Help

You know people, I assume. Whether from work or another hobby activity, you interact with a number of people every day, and they all have certain expertise. Some may have a job that’s similar to one of your story characters; others may love to read.

Most people are delighted to be asked to help with a creative project, especially if you can ask for something specific.

When I was working on my Christmas novella, Take a Right at the Mistletoe. I had a very limited amount of time to write, edit, rewrite, and edit again before it had to be submitted to the publisher.

I asked for help.

Some of my friends love brainstorming all the possibilities and “what ifs” of certain situations so we spent an afternoon in the hot summer sun considering all the possibilities.

My sister wanted a week away, and I convinced her that this would be the perfect time for me to write my first draft of the story. While I wrote, she relaxed and then would take me on 3-hour adventures so I could take a break from the story. It was magic.

Another friend of mine adores human psychology and emotions. Together, we headached over a character who just refused to reveal his motivations, humanity, etc.

A reader friend of mine read through nearly EVERY draft I wrote. She gave me feedback on the character interactions, caught weird inconsistencies, and assured me that the story was cute.

And then, I stress-contacted over a dozen people in my life, asking that they’d read my most final draft and respond to the story. I wanted to know what worked for them and what didn’t. I consolidated that feedback and tweaked the story.

For the first time in my writer life, my writing journey was anything but lonely. I felt surrounded by a super supportive community, especially since so many people were willing to step in according to their giftings to help me along.

So, writer friends, quit romanticizing the writer life as lonely and secluded. While you can choose to live it that way, you don’t have to. Build the writing life and community you want!