Things I Learned While Writing My First Novel

Loria Brexley- Brex

Things I Learned While Writing My First Novel

Embarking on the journey of writing a novel is like setting sail on an ocean you didn’t even know existed. I came into this project with what felt like solid ideas, an outline, and the determination to see it through. But as any writer will tell you (or at least, any writer who’s survived the experience), it turns out that these are just the beginning. Here are some things I’ve learned along the way, some of them painfully true:

1. Novel Writers Are Geniuses (and I’m Not Sure I Qualify). Honestly, anyone who’s published a novel deserves a standing ovation. I didn’t quite understand the discipline, creativity, and sheer grit it takes to turn a sprawling idea into something coherent, let alone compelling. The more I write, the more I wonder if I’ll ever belong in the same room as some of these literary giants. Still, this journey has pushed me to grow, and I hope to come out of it a little wiser, if not a certified genius.

2. An Idea Is Not a Story thought my idea was fantastic, and maybe it is—but having an idea is a far cry from having a story. A story has flesh and blood, growth, conflict, depth, and direction. Ideas? They’re just seeds. And it’s my job as a writer to nurture them, pull the weeds, and hope they grow into something worth sharing. Just having an idea doesn’t mean you have a narrative arc, and that’s where the real challenge begins.

3. An Outline Is Not a Story Either Outlining feels like progress (and in some ways, it is), but a carefully crafted outline does not guarantee a finished book. Often, I’ve found myself veering from the outline because the characters or the story take me somewhere unexpected. There’s a structure there, sure, but the process of actually writing has revealed things that a tidy bullet-point list never could.

4. Finishing a Draft Doesn’t Mean You’ve Got a StoryAh, the relief of typing “The End.” But then reality hits: finishing a draft doesn’t mean the story’s ready. Sometimes it feels like all you have is a rough sketch of something that could be incredible but still needs layers, revisions, and serious refinement. Finishing a book is a huge accomplishment, but having a complete, resonant story is the real prize—and it’s not something that comes just from typing that final sentence.

5. The Most Frustratingly Rewarding Thing I’ve Ever Done The entire process—no matter how many plot holes I have to fill or characters I need to revamp—has been one of the most frustratingly rewarding things I’ve ever done. Despite the challenges and moments of doubt, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Writing has taught me patience, creativity, and resilience in ways I never imagined.

So, if you’re thinking about writing a novel, be prepared for a journey of self-discovery, humility, and tenacity. And remember, just because you don’t feel like a “genius” doesn’t mean you don’t have a story worth telling. Keep writing; the story you’re shaping is shaping you, too.