The Writer's Dream of the Novel

*Originally published on 9/24/09


Every writer dreams of writing a novel. Most do anyway, I should know, I'm one of em. There's just something appealing about finishing a manuscript that's several hundred pages along. I'm not sure what it is, but hopefully by the end of this article, we'll have a few theories.

Part of it is the challenge. It takes a lot of time and effort to write a novel, let alone get it published. Having a lofty goal like that helps people get the drive to actually try and undertake such a task. It's sort of like how some people look at a mountain and say that they need to climb it. Challenges are what drive us to new heights and as far as writing goes, you don't get more challenging than a novel.

There was a time when novelists weren't really respected. This really makes no sense to me. A lot of hard work goes into coming up with that much story material. Believe me, I've tried, it's no cakewalk.

While short stories are all well and good, books are what readers look to first and foremost for material. When a writer gets a book published, it's a sign that they have made it. It must be a surreal experience to walk into a bookstore and see your name on the shelf.

Of course, some books bomb and are critically lambasted, but that's hardly the point. You still get to experience the pride and joy of knowing that you did it. You made it to the top, you saw the challenge and overcame it. With the joy of finishing a novel, comes the knowledge that you are met with yet another challenge in taking on a new project.

The novel also makes for a great conversation piece. Tell someone that you're writing a book and they will instantly become engaged and impressed with your endeavor.

If you want to write a novel, you need to go in head first. Even if you're working full time, you need to find the energy and will to sit down and do something with it. Procrastination is your enemy. You may not have a deadline, but you need to go in thinking that you do.

If you already write, whether it be for a magazine or website, it will be even more difficult to conjure up the will to do it. Writing can be an exhausting activity. You wouldn't think it, but it can really be draining at times. As such, once you finish spending your day writing, the last thing you want to think about is more writing, especially something that's over 300 pages.

While it's a daunting task, it can be fun. When you really start to get into what you're writing, it really makes the trouble worth it. The sense of pride you feel upon finishing a manuscript must be awesome. While it's been far too long since I've taken a swing at novel writing, I would love to one day take on that challenge again.