Writing a Publishable Novel in a Year

One year.

One novel.

Simple as that. Right?

Have you got a book in you?

Prevailing wisdom says that everybody has a book in them, so it stands to reason that you probably do. Not everyone lets, or gets that book out though do they? Even those that really want to.

A number of years ago, I read some novels that made me laugh, made me feel, transported me to another somewhere. I knew I wasn’t alone. Others had felt this, and would keep going back to books for more. What an incredible thing to be the person that people that you don’t know come to for entertainment, comfort or to escape reality with. Thats when I thought that I’d like to have a go at being that person. A person that writes stories. A storyteller.

Years, around a million words and an uncomfortable number of unfinished drafts later, I began to wonder if I had it in me.

I thought I did, but that perhaps like anything else you might want to learn to be better at, I needed support.

During a difficult time last year, I joined up to a platform that supports writers with courses, resources etc. to help them to improve their craft: Jericho Writers. I spent a decent bit of time going through some fantastic tutorials and exercises that have increased my knowledge. I had the privilege of some direct feedback from founder, Harry Bingham as part of an editing live session, and have been part of Jericho’s lovely community of writers (Townhouse) who offer constructive input.

I was on my way out of a darker time in my life, brimming with ideas again. Had good tools and experiences under my belt, but, I still struggled with getting down the words and maintaining the forward momentum. When a note explaining that Jericho Writer’s was launching its next edition of their Ultimate Novel Writing Course soon, I initially dismissed it.

I can do this alone, I thought. Its not cheap.

But I looked at the content, the systematic, structured curriculum delivered over the course of a year that took you from initial concept and plot planning to submitting to agents.

Just. One. Year.

I’ve never finished a full length novel. And even if I did, would it ever get through the slush pile to see an agent? Probably not. The odds aren’t in your favour.

I saved my pennies, I had a good conversation with my wife and together we decided that actually this course could be just what I needed. I applied. I got in. That was a couple of months ago and now, here I am in the first week of the Ultimate Novel Writing Course. All I have is a concept, an idea - a good one, I hope - but nothing more than that.

Starting from scratch. A fresh beginning.

Through this blog I intend to chart my progress. I’ll share my learnings, insights, the highs and lows as I try to write a publishable novel in a year.

Welcome along to the journey!