# Liked: Basics 7: Getting The Writing of your Novel Started - Nicholas Bate...
I’m not writing a novel but the principle still applies:
- write the bit that really excites me
- write about why this has to happen
- write about something important in the work
I’ve been doing this and, with each day, write about something else that’s important. And something else, and so on.
Rather than starting at the beginning and trying to do it all in order it’s better to just keep writing “somethings” and stitch them together once you’ve got enough to make the whole quilt.
@juliansummerhayes No, I haven’t, sounds interesting. I’m not writing fiction but I know a lot of the ideas translate as we’re still telling a “story.” That would be great, thanks.
@colinwalker I hope this works. It's the share link to my Drive file drive.google.com/file/d/0B... If it doesn't, I can email you.
@colinwalker have you read "The Story Grid" by Shuan Coyne? He's Steven Pressfield's editor-in-chief. Probably the best guide I've read on structure and technique. I've a pdf copy if you'd like me to share via Drive or Dropbox.
@juliansummerhayes Poor signal on the train is definitely not conducive to downloads. I’ll try on WiFi soon and let you know. ?
@juliansummerhayes Success! Thank you so much.
@colinwalker This is how I’ve always written my stories. It’s great because it does help get a lot on the page which is generally a big obstacle. My biggest issue hasn’t been starting, it’s always been finishing.