Five Tips for Writing Your First Novel—Brandon Sanderson

It's November, the National Writing Month here in the U.S. And if you're planning on participating in NaNoWriMo (the annual creative writing project that takes place in November where participants attempt to write a 50,000 word manuscript) I thought I would offer a bit of advice.

I'll be posting a few of these videos throughout the month so keep your eyes open. But most importantly, keep your hands on your keyboard! Those 50K words aren't going to write themselves!

[creepyog]

I’m a professional truck driver who has plenty of time to think about what to write but don’t have the time to write it. I’m going to try this month, though. Wish me luck!

[TheKrazyLobster]

"Loosely defining a novel as fifty thousand words or, as I like to call it, the prologue."

[jaydingiesler]

I think it’s really neat that such a well loved author is taking the time to teach new writers the craft. Thanks for giving back to the community.

[deanyona]

"National Novel Writing Month is a challenge where writers are challenged to write a novel within one month."
I see that every month is Novel Writing Month for Brandon...

[alliramsay]

Re: finding a time to prime your mind.
Me: *Laying in bed trying to fall asleep*
My brian: "Excellent, this is the perfect time to plot out an entire novel."

[RibbonVintageGirl]

1:31 Borrowing a Structure
4:18 Begin with a Monologue
5:39 What does my character want and what does my character need and why can't they have either one
7:21 Choose your type of progress
10:15 Prime your mind

[UdyKumra]

"Most of my novels are quite a bit longer?"
Oh really? I couldn't tell 😂

[clydebarnes]

I’m 17 and I’ve been writing short stories for a little while. This will be my first serious attempt at a novel.

[Vyshhnuu]

50000 words is equivalent to Brandon’s grocery list

[metro]

Remember: you can make NaNoWriMo your own personal challenge! 50k words too much for you? Make your goal 30k, or 10k. Perhaps you just want to be able to write everyday and this becomes your goal. Make NaNoWriMo personal and achievable to you!

Keep writing.

[MrAntares]

I see Brandon's going for the Evil Abed look lol

[kazmohdim]

BRANDON!

How can I write a book this month when YOUR book comes out this month!!!???

[jcwebb]

I know I'm late but I watched this and then wrote my first ever complete novel - 75k in 26 days. Not in November, not following a group, just decided to do it. It's not good (it's actually more like a really comprehensive outline), but I'm thrilled that I DID IT. Thanks for being the inspiration :)

[angelawesneski]

I love how supportive you are of aspiring writers. There's no divisiveness in the way you are sharing advice. Thanks for being you!

[brouwjon]

While I don't want to contribute to a cult of personality, I have to say I'm struck at what a great guy Brandon is. Just really kind-hearted and excited about sharing his wisdom of this craft with aspiring writers. I'm not even a huge reader of his books, but I'm a big fan of him as a person. From all the talks, lectures, and conversations I've seen with him, I can just tell he's a wonderful dude.

[nicholasn]

”One character is doing something really interesting and your protagonist is just observing and commenting on it, AVOID THAT.”

Arthur Conan Doyle has entered the chat.

[premiumcheddar]

This is my fourth NaNoWriMo and I swear that this time I WILL FINISH IT

Edit: November 5th and I am approaching 21k words!
Edit 2: Monday the 9th now, and I am just under 30, 000! One of my beta readers loves what I've been doing so far.
Edit 3: November 20th, and I just hit 50k late last night! I'm probably about halfway done with my book, and my friend has informed me that it is really good so far :)
Final edit: Nov. 30, and I'm at 63k. I hope you all enjoyed the process and did a great job on your projects!!!

[mehkle]

Brandon: Maybe when you're doing the dishes

me: makes an entire story for 30 minutes then goes back to the room desk only to forget all of it

[RJ_Ehlert]

If anyone still likes the concept of a character being on the outside observing "something really interesting happening to another character" I suggest taking Lord of the Rings as an example.

Aragorn is basically a quintessential archetype for a main character in epic fantasy. He is introduced as an outsider living on his own and providing for himself with hard won skills. He becomes the de facto leader for a group of people on an important quest, after the first leader dies. He has a tragic star crossed love story where his girlfriend's family keeps them apart. He has a secret bloodline lineage to royalty. He earns the respect and admiration of the nation by being a Big Damn Hero. He eventually becomes King and marries his love after earning the approval of her family.

However, The Lord of the Rings is really about Frodo. That's one very good example of how to make an unlikely outside character be an interesting protagonist in your fantasy book, without making them become an elite warrior-mage or ruler of nations.

[DrewMalou]

Good luck to everyone who is embarking on their NaNoWriMo journey!