Why one true sentence is enough to start writing your novel?

 

A few years ago, when I started writing my novel, I consulted with a renowned editor who is also recognised in the publishing industry. At that time, he advised me to rewrite my novel idea for better marketability. I was already one-third into developing the original idea, but due to my uncertainty and inexperience in writing, I decided to listen to the editor and rewrite the story.

However, after the initial enthusiastic week, I got stuck, and the following months were filled with terrible suffering. As I wrote, I had in mind the expectations of the target audience, the possible sales numbers, and the expected success. Six months passed, and by then I had reached halfway through the story, but I practically started to hate my characters and myself equally. Because in pursuit of marketability, I gave up the essence of my story, my own voice. I wrote something that could have been good, but it became increasingly unacceptable to me because I couldn't see myself in it. At that point, I decided not to continue writing.

More months passed with the suffering caused by my helplessness. Then one day, I realised, why not start over from scratch?

There was practically one true and acceptable sentence in the original text, and with that one sentence, I started rewriting my novel. But this time, in my own voice.

Your creativity lies in the moment when you discover your true self, and thus the way to express yourself. Then you become original, and creation just flows out of you.

It's a completely different space when there is no need for approval, no sales numbers. In this space, it is easy to write because creativity almost flows from your hands, as if you were just serving as a channel.

Therefore, it is crucial to always inquire if the content you are writing genuinely reflects your true self, as a single honest sentence can be the foundation for your authentic novel.