As an emerging writer, I have struggled with the concept of writing my first novel. It seems everyone and their dragon has an opinion on how to write a novel. My consensus? There is no one way to write a novel.

The unique thing about being you is that there is no one else quite like you, unless you have a twin then there is someone just like you. However, even twins will vary greatly in personality. A leadership mentor of mine was fond of reminding me, “If two people are exactly alike, then there is no use for one of you.” Our diversity is what makes us different, which is why I love the idea behind The Writer’s Toolbox.

I don’t know why it took me so long to grasp this idea, but once my head was wrapped around it, I realized that was the only way to write my book. The book that I wanted to write was to gather as many writing tools to help me navigate the common pitfalls that trouble would-be writers. A well-designed and organized toolbox can make writing a breeze and will even give writers an easy way to navigate writer’s block. With the right tool, you can chisel that block in a statue of David or you can smash it to pieces. The choice is yours. It’s your toolbox.

My Purpose

My purpose in writing this post is to get you starting in building that toolbox. Over the course of the next few months. I will be posting elements that you can add to your toolbox, but for now, here is what I recommend you do.

1. Create a physical & digital writer’s toolbox.
2. Sift through saved creative writing documents you may already have in your possession an place them in the physical box. (Choose the most important ones).
3. Sift through all your digital files for creative writing tools and swiftly arrange them into a single folder.
4. If you don’t have any of the above. Do a quick google search, or checkout resources on my website. And add files to you toolbox.
5. Pat yourself on the back. You’ve just created a startup toolbox!

Over the next few weeks. I will reveal some of the best writer’s tools available. I’ve scoured and discovered many tools, which have helped me become a successful writer. I know that you’ll find many of these tools invaluable as you journey onward to becoming a novelist.