Warwick Writers: The Struggles of being a Student Novelist
They say that everyone has a novel in them, but what happens when you decide to write it during your studies? Boar Books checks in with two student novelists to hear how they balance doing a degree and writing a book.
Jorun Bork, a 2nd year studying English Literature and Creative Writing, who started writing her first novel at 16, says:
“Being a full-time student and writing novels is not easy. You need dedication and time-management skills in order to fit it all in. I wrote my first novel Tainted Love while I was doing the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, and I finished it exactly one minute before I turned eighteen.
I wrote a chapter every fortnight, and gave myself time to edit my chapters every Sunday morning at 7 am. Then I would make myself breakfast, go for a walk, and then write some more. I wanted to finish my novel before turning eighteen, and then self-publish it before going to university.
You may wonder what happened, as my book cannot be found anywhere online. The answer is simple: I refused to publish my work because I know I can do better. My writing has improved massively throughout my novel, and I only keep improving.
I found out my entire life – the story my novel is based upon—is a massive cliché.
Consequently, whenever I look at my work I see flaws and feel the urge to re-write my novel, or just hide it inside a drawer. And now that I am in my second year of my Creative Writing degree, I have found out that my entire life – the story my novel is based upon—is a massive cliché.
If I had published my novel like I wanted to, then it could have ruined my entire career before it had even started. Therefore, I am currently trying to learn as much as possible, and hopefully either give my novel a make-over, or focus on my new passion: poetry.”
For Reece Goodall, a 3rd year student studying in France, his year abroad gave him the push he needed to start working on his ideas. He says:
“A year abroad is exciting not only for the chance to discover another place and its customs, but also to learn things about yourself and develop as a person. One of the ways I’ve looked to do that is by finally facing up to a dream of mine.
I work a twelve-hour week, and spend a decent amount of time on public transport so I decided to take advantage of that time by writing. I’ve wanted to write for ages, but I suffered from numerous problems. A short attention span has meant I always ducked out after 20,000 words or so. My intention to write a set number of words every day quickly made writing a chore. I also hate writing on a computer, especially when it comes to editing anything.
In France, I decided to knuckle down and finally finish a book. I bought myself a fancy leather-bound notebook and lots of pens, and I set off to France with a lot of ideas knocking around in my mind. And to my great surprise, it’s actually happening.
I’ve been here for just over a month, and I’ve written just shy of 100 pages already
I’ve been here for just over a month, and I’ve written just shy of 100 pages already – I have faith that this time, I am genuinely going to do it. It is also fun in a way I have never found writing to be before, and I think the physical act of writing is the reason for that.
On a more practical level, it is also helping me pass some time. Living in France, I’ve found that it is seemingly impossible to get a decent internet connection, meaning that procrastinating online is simply not an option. The few books and DVDs I bought were quickly used up. I have been exploring the local area, but it costs a bit and you don’t want to blitz everything all at once. Writing has been a godsend for me on days when I’ve had little to do.
It’s still not easy and I’m not a good writer by any means, but I know I’m finally going to accomplish one of my dreams, and I’m glad that my year abroad has given me the time and the focus I needed to do it.”
Image Credits: Jorun Bork (In text)
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