Why write a novel? Twitter tells us

Why is writing a book a dream for so many people, and so satisfying for others? There are a number of reasons…

Why write a book? Because the exhilaration you feel when holding it in your heads is like being hit by a tornado and staying alive.

— Ksenia Anske (@kseniaanske) October 2, 2013

Writing a novel can be therapeutic: You get to talk about feelings that you might not ordinarily and get everything off your chest:

Sometimes its hard to talk about feelings. Thats why I write. I dont talk. I write and I keep it save in a little black book just for me.

— wani (@nursyafawanimht) June 2, 2013

Remember it’s the thought that counts, and a lot of thought went into your novel:

You know why I write books? Meaning, writing one book every year? So I always have a gift for all those with "everything" in their house 🙂

— Rudi London (@RudiLondon) June 11, 2012

Writing also gives us a meaningful way of inspiring and moving others to a state of wonder:

When I read my children's book, and see the wonderment in kids eyes, I remember why I write. To stir the mind of a child…precious!

— kevin r. hill (K.R. Hill) (@kevinrhill) March 23, 2012

That said, writing a book is no small task. In fact, it’s one of the hardest things you’ll ever do:

'I drove forward like a sinking steamer in a heavy sea.'–Arnold Bennett on writing his first novel http://t.co/8QkD5G4cIv

— Dan Pollock (@danielpollock) October 1, 2013

Sometimes, you might feel as though you’re hanging by a thread:

Writing a novel takes time and dedication. Tie a knot and hang on. #writetip

— Nat Russo (@NatRusso) October 1, 2013

Even acclaimed, published authors see writing a book as an act of survival. Murakami sees physical strength as equally important to any creative ability:

“Writing a long novel is like survival training. Physical strength is as necessary as artistic sensitivity.”—Murakami http://t.co/5iamiJ7wpm

— The Paris Review (@parisreview) September 28, 2013

For starters, you have to figure out your plot. There are all kinds of ways to do that:

Planned to write. Sitter's car isn't working, so I'll be on Mama duty instead. Maybe I'll work through plot issues with Legos/Princesses?

— sarahdessen (@sarahdessen) September 13, 2013

When in doubt, unusual characters in everyday circumstances might give you the inspiration you need:

Tossing and turning last night creating plot and characters for my #NaNoWriMo novel. So far I've got a burlesque performer and a book club.

— Rebecca Douglas (@becksandthecity) October 11, 2012

Remind yourself frequently of your favourite parts of writing a book to persevere and finish your novel:

I say it all the time. The villain is my favorite character to write. Creating their backstory makes every bad action worth it! #random 🙂

— Taunda D.Edwards (@TaundaDEdwards) October 1, 2012

As many will tell you, it’s useful to have an in-depth understanding of your characters, their histories, motivations and every possible detail of their appearance.

I do write long, long character notes – family background, history, details of appearance – much more than will ever appear in the novel….

— Sonny Boninsegna (@SonnyBoninsegna) August 11, 2012

Once you have your character and plot details, you’re reading to start putting the pieces of the novel together:

https://twitter.com/ReadWriteSleep/status/382923387250552832

There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are. – W. Somerset Maugham

— Bruce Van Horn (@BruceVH) September 19, 2013

And then the finish line is in sight… The exhilaration of writing the last few words of a novel is a high unlike any other!

Writing a novel is the best gift you can ever give yourself.

— Ann Bisky (@Bisky_Scribbles) September 21, 2013

There aren't many things that excite me as much as writing the last chapter in a novel. #write

— Fantasy Author (@BrianRathbone) September 21, 2013

What is your unique reason for writing a novel? Tell me on twitter (www.twitter.com/nownovel) using the hashtag ‘#whyIwrite’ and I’ll add it to the list.