How Not to Write a Novel (And Avoid the Worst Advice)
You don’t need another quote telling you to “believe in yourself.”
You need to know how to write a sentence.
There’s a quiet frustration many new writers feel after buying online writing courses. The instructor is successful. The lighting is perfect. The music is inspiring.
But when it’s over, you’re left thinking:
“Okay… but how do I actually write this thing?”
Let’s talk honestly about what helps — and what doesn’t.
The Problem With Feel-Good Advice
Encouragement matters. It does.
But encouragement without instruction is like hiring a contractor and handing him a motivational poster instead of blueprints.
“Work hard.”
“Don’t give up.”
“Believe.”
Fine. But where is the lesson on sentence rhythm? Paragraph construction? Scene flow?
If you can’t write a clean sentence, you can’t write a publishable novel.
That’s not harsh. It’s freeing.
Because fundamentals can be learned.
Start With the Foundation (Not the Spotlight)
Before worrying about:
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Three-act structure
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Theme
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Subplots
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Symbolism
You need control over grammar and clarity.
That’s why books like The Elements of Style still matter.
And why On Writing by Stephen King resonates with so many writers — because beneath the stories, he talks about craft.
Writing isn’t magic.
It’s mechanics first. Art second.
Don’t Write an Epic on Day One
Almost every new writer wants to write the next The Lord of the Rings.
That’s ambition. I respect it.
But craft grows in layers.
Write a short story.
Learn pacing.
Learn clarity.
Learn control.
You don’t bench-press 300 pounds the first day in the gym.
Why would you attempt a 900-page saga?
Don’t Put Yourself in the Story
This one hurts — but it matters.
When you place yourself into the protagonist, something strange happens:
You stop describing them.
Because you already “know” who they are.
But the reader doesn’t.
And suddenly your main character — who should be the most alive person in the book — feels empty.
Create someone separate from you. Give them flaws you don’t have. Let them take risks you wouldn’t.
That’s when fiction starts breathing.
Villains Are Not Villains to Themselves
The most complex characters in literature believe they are right.
Even in historical conflicts — whether in the North or South during the American Civil War — both sides believed they were justified.
That’s how humans work.
A villain who thinks he’s evil is boring.
A villain who thinks he’s saving the world? That’s a story.
One Practical Step That Changes Everything
When you finish your manuscript:
Put it away for 7 days.
No editing. No rereading. No tinkering.
Then return to it cold.
You will see weaknesses instantly — awkward sentences, wandering scenes, flat dialogue.
That distance will improve your novel more than any inspirational quote ever could.
So… Should You Avoid Writing Courses?
Not necessarily.
Some contain helpful insights.
But don’t confuse inspiration with instruction.
Motivation gets you to the desk.
Skill keeps you there.
If you focus on fundamentals, give yourself time, read constantly, and practice deliberately — you won’t need flashy promises.
You’ll have control.
And control is what separates dreamers from professionals.
you might be interested in these blogs…
SECRETS SUCCESSFUL WRITERS DON’T TELL YOU
HOW TO EXAMINE YOUR NOVEL CLOSE-UP AND OVERALL
27 DIFFERENCES IN AMATEUR AND PROFESSIONAL WRITERS
