Thinking of penning a novel. Never wrote anything before, wondering if anyone here has experience/advice they are willing to share.
1. Get into a writers' group. Most every community has at least one. Find the one in your area that works for you. They will support your efforts, keep you honest and writing. Also, as you critique other's writing, your own writing should improve.
2. Find a good editor or sounding board. Jerry is mine. I trust his taste, and I trust him to tell me when something doesn't work.
3. Read. Voraciously.
4. Write. Just. Write. Ignore self-doubt. Or write in spite of it. Have the ability to say, "This is shit, but it doesn't matter. I'm writing." 30 minutes a day. An hour a day. Write.
5. Don't listen to me; I don't know what the hell I'm talking about. I can't go four words without interjecting an spastic period.