#284: Tips for New Writers

We get a lot of questions from people starting on their very first novel. So in this week's episode, we're giving you all the advice that we wish we could time travel back and give ourselves on the day we started our first novels. There's so much writing advice out there, and no matter who you are, it's not all going to work for you. So in this episode, we'll share things to think about and consider as you plot and plan to begin a draft of your very first novel. And the bottom line is, you can do it, and we are here to cheer you on. Thank you to this week's sponsor: You can try their products and support our show by going to DrinkLMNT.com/ABeautifulMess Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/abm Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home Tips for new writers: Give yourself a writing assignment Just write your first novel Immerse don't tell Read Get really comfort drafting unpolished Be a joyful student Invest a lot of time in ideation Learn about the business of publishing Your writing routine matters Resources: Show Don't Tell by Sandra Greth Romancing the Beat by Gwen Hayes Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass Write your Novel from the Middle by James Scott Bell The Author's Publishing Playbook by Carly Watters You can support us by leaving us a couple of 5 star recipe reviews this week at abeautifulmess.com Have a topic idea for the podcast? Write in to us at podcast@abeautifulmess.com or leave us a voicemail at 417-893-0011.

You can listen to #284: Tips for New Writers online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

#284: Tips for New Writers is an episode from A Beautiful Mess Podcast by Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman.

This episode is 54:51 long.

This episode was published on Jan 26, 2026.

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