On Writing A Novel
Or not writing one
Hello!
I’ll let you in on a secret: I’m writing a novel.
But what does “writing a novel” even mean?
Does it mean that I am waking up every morning at 6 am to churn out a fresh batch of 1000–2000 words? Or maybe I’m editing them? Or I’m procrastinating by writing something else entirely? A short story perhaps? Or a newsletter? Or am I working on tightening the synopsis as an exercise? Or I’m dreaming up newer and better ways to write a scene? Or am I listening and re-listening to a song, thinking if I can incorporate the lyrics, the mood, the tune or the rhythm into a paragraph? Or maybe I’m looking up recipes to cook for dinner, thinking if my character would be able to make it or not, and if she’d even like it? Or maybe I’m using the momentum from procrastinating on all the reading I’m supposed to do by actually tweaking parts of my novel and pushing it forward? Or I’m taking long walks in nearby forests calling it research? Or am I actually dreaming about a scene from a completely different story I’m yearning to write and I’m using that as a carrot to get through this one so I can eventually write that?
Or maybe I’m doing them all? So many parts to a single whole.
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I’ve ghostwritten a couple of novels and written early drafts of many more. But in all this time, I haven’t figured out what it means to write a novel. A writer once said that you have to write the novel you’re working on and figure out how to write that particular one to the best of your ability. That’s all there is to it.
Updates
- During my brief visit to India, I got a chance to put together a Tall Tales live show where I told my latest true story “Bigger on the Inside.” Such a fun experience.
- On March 17, in London, I’ll be telling another true story to a live audience with True Story London. If you’re in the city, consider joining us: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/true-story-live-true-storytelling-show-tickets-1215042497819
- Also, I’ve been re-invited to conduct my Fantasy Fiction 101 course for BA students at my Alma Mater: Birkbeck, University of London. The first class I’d conducted last year was apparently a rousing success and they want me back this year too. I’m so excited to return and share everything I’ve learnt.
Keep writing,
Or whatever you think is writing,
Akshay
You’re reading Missives from an Island a newsletter by Akshay Gajria, a prize-wining writer, storyteller and writing coach. This newsletter is delivered to your inbox on the 30th of every month. You can also find Akshay on Threads, Instagram, and Medium. If you enjoyed reading, consider tipping him by buying a cup of tea (or three) here or buying his ebook. You can discover his work at akshaygajria.com
