The Art of Successful Fiction Writing
By Mary Kole
Mary Kole is a former literary agent, freelance editor, writing teacher, author of Writing Irresistible Kidlit, and IP developer for major publishers, with over a decade in the publishing industry.
You might be surprised to learn that fiction writing is more than just writing a book and publishing it. Fiction writing is also about mindset and nurturing your creative self. It takes years of learning and growing as a writer to become successful. In this article, I’ll share some tips on how to nurture your craft and mindset to become the best creative writer you can possibly be. Writing a book is a process, and it may take time to hone your craft. So, whether you're starting out or want to improve your writing skills and mindset, keep reading.
Fiction Writing Learning Curve
Writing a book is a journey, and as a writer, you must be open to learning new things and challenging yourself, which doesn’t just mean sitting and writing. There's always something to learn and improve in fiction writing. So, don't be afraid to take classes, read books like a writer does (by paying careful attention to craft choices the author is making), read writing reference books about the craft, attend writing conferences, and seeking feedback from fellow writers, whether critique partners or peers in a writing workshop, as you develop yourself.
The Mindset of Fiction Writing
Fiction writing can be challenging, lonely, and full of rejection, and it's easy to get discouraged when things aren't going as planned. But having the right mindset is key to success. Try to focus on the process and enjoy the journey, rather than just chasing publication or one “perfect” manuscript. Learn to embrace writing feedback and use it to improve your craft. Your book is not the product in the fiction writing space—you are.
Practice, Practice, Practice Your Fiction Writing
Practice makes perfect, and fiction writing is no exception. Write on a regular schedule, even if it's just a paragraph or a page. Through practice, you'll find your unique style and voice. Start with short stories, blog posts, and essays, and work your way up to longer works of fiction, if you think that novel writing is your calling. But temper your expectations. You likely won’t bang out a masterpiece the first time you try to tackle a manuscript, and that’s okay.
Overcoming the Highs and Lows
The fiction writing journey can be full of highs and lows. When you're on a high, celebrate your success and use it as motivation to keep going. When you hit a low, don't get discouraged. Take a break, seek feedback, take some time to refill your creative well with non-writing activities, and keep writing. Writers need downtime, too. Not everyone is ready to embrace the fiction writing journey fully, especially when they’re first starting out. You must be mature enough in your craft and able to take the ups and downs in stride. Keep pushing forward and know that this is a lifelong process.
Fiction writing is a challenging but rewarding craft that requires dedication, patience, and perseverance. Don't be discouraged by rejection or setbacks, though that’s obviously easier said than done. Believe in your abilities, know that you have something valuable to say to the world, work hard, and always be open to learning and growing. Remember, writing a book is a journey, and the process is just as important (if not more important) as the end result. Nurture your craft and mindset, and you'll be well on your way to becoming the writer you’ve always wanted to be.
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