Novel Writing: The Ultimate Mental Marathon
By Jenna Elizabeth Johnson, Coastal Dunes Branch
For those of you who have written a novel, or are in the process of doing so, you might be able to relate to the title of my Living Life Authorly piece. It’s hard, sometimes, to describe just what it’s like to write a book to those who have never done so, or have never attempted to do so. This month I’ve decided to reflect on the mental energy it takes to create a full-length novel because I’ve spent the past week pushing myself to get a big chunk of writing done each day and the effects are really starting to show. Here are some of the reasons I call writing a novel the ultimate mental marathon ….
Writing a novel takes practice.
Like any athlete who wishes to get better at their sport, a writer must constantly write to grow in their craft. I can tell you for sure I’m not the same writer I was when I first started this journey nearly a decade ago. For starters, I spent AGES carving out my first book and polishing that first, second, third, fourth etc., etc. draft. Finally, I came to the point where I just had to stop. If I hadn’t, I might still be going over that book with a fine-toothed comb, discovering something to change each time. Now, I will go over my final draft a couple of times before sending it to my Beta Readers and editor. I have learned, over the years, when to stop and when to keep going. I have learned when my writing is ”good enough” to step back and let the story be itself.
Writing a novel takes stamina.
Oh my goodness, does it ever. I’m on day five or six of my 5,000 words a day writing rampage. Last night, I dragged myself across that finish line and just couldn’t even anymore. I should have spent some time working on this newsletter, but I couldn’t even bring myself to open it up and add some pictures. I really needed not to brain for a while, so I walked away from the laptop for the evening, even though it was only 7 p.m. Drawing that much energy and material from your well of creativity takes its toll. I remember once, the day after one of my past writing rampages, I attempted to open a standard room door with the automatic unlock button from the key fob for my car instead of the actual, physical key. Yup. That’s what happens if you don’t pace yourself – if you don’t yet have the stamina to go the distance. Like a marathoner staggering over the finish line, you will feel the fatigue.
Writing a novel requires recovery time.
And just like that exhausted runner, our exhausted brains need time to recover. In truth, I hate that empty feeling right after finishing the final draft of a novel. The creator in me wants to jump right up and dive into the next project, but at this point in time, my brain decides to shut down. It’s the wise, knowledgeable parent to the crazy inner teen who thinks she can go all night. Which is totally inconvenient when you are trying to get that next story out to your readers, but a rested brain performs better.Give your mind time to recoup or you’ll get brain strain and nobody wants to see that happen.
In conclusion, just keep in mind that we all work at our own pace and we all have different levels of writing stamina. Push yourself when you can, and rest when you need to and know that it will all work out in the end.
This entry appeared in the January 15, 2018 edition
of Jenna Elizabeth Johnson’s monthly newsletter that includes,
in part, her “Living Life Authorly” series.
Read more about her on her blog/website
Jenna Elizabeth Johnson, jennaelizabethjohnson.com.