On Writing Your Very First Novel

      Having spent roughly a decade of my adult life in university I have always felt I've done my share of reading and writing. That is not to say I haven't sporadically enjoyed a great novel or trilogy, but it has always been in the form of passive consumption.  

      It wasn't until approximately a year ago that I was struck with an idea during an engaging conversation with my good friend. There I was at the verge of something potentially life-changing, and I had no idea what to do with it. My education (though in English) had revolved around Biology, Neuroscience and Architecture; how could those topics possibly be instrumental to writing a fiction Novel? All I had was a rough idea in dire need of development, no plot, and no characters. 

      So how is it possible that in less than a year I have managed to write a complete trilogy, and about to publish the first volume? (I also did the cover art myself, but I'll thoroughly brag- I mean BLOG about that later.)

      If you have been mulling over the idea of writing a book then you must have something to say. And if you are compelled to tell this story of yours, I can guarantee you there will be an eager audience to welcome it with open arms (and wallets). It will be time consuming, and you will get stuck in multiple ruts. You will lose an odd (or even) number of hairs from your head and blame it on your shampoo. You will develop a coffee addiction, and your circadian rhythm will be massacred. You will doubt virtually every aspect of your writing on countless occasions, throw several tantrums, and cry at the foot of your bed with the lights off. But in the end it will be a worthwhile endeavor (I repeatedly tell myself). 

      First step? Start writing!

      It's that simple. Do not worry about structure, theme or characters. Just write whatever comes to mind; whether a narcissistic rant about your current boss's incompetence, a vegan cookie recipe you should burn upon conception, a haiku about bunnies with floppy ears, or an action scene you keep envisioning every time you hear that dub-step remix you incessantly listen to on repeat. 
This type of writing is often referred to as Free Fall Writing. It does not concern itself with grammar and editing. It doesn't even need to make sense to anyone else but you. What it is meant to do is extract the writer's inner thoughts and feelings, awakening their subconscious and bringing ideas worth discussing to the surface.

      Once you have engaged in this sort of writing soon a pattern emerges. For some authors the theme might always somehow relate to the pursuit of success. For others the theme might be redemption. And some regardless of the topics they write about almost invariably yield humorous material. Free Fall Writing can do wonders in unleashing your inner talents. 

      And finally once you've found what it is you really want to write about your inherent passion for it will fuel you right to the sweet end. And I will (try to) be there every (sixth or seventh) step of the way to help you with what I've learned on my own through tackling something completely foreign. I am no expert. I'm just someone like you who has already done it.