There's a story in you. It's a story that needs to be told, not because of what brilliance it can offer the world, but because you'll die if you don't tell it. Being a writer means that there are characters and ideas that will not ask to be told. They will not even demand. They will claw their way out of your heart and force their way onto paper. To be a little bit less dramatic, you really like to tell stories. First time novelists, welcome to the wonderful world of writing.

1) Let's get this out of the way first: it's okay if you suck

I'm going to skip the usual spiel about how every great novel started off awful. Of course your first draft isn't going to be perfect, but then, your millionth won't be either. There's always room for improvement, and while you should aim to get better, it's okay if you suck. If you're writing novels because you hope to get rich then you're going to need to find a new hobby. You should write novels because you love it, and if you really love it, it doesn't really matter whether or not you're good at it. If you want to get published, you should work extra hard to get better, but what it all comes down to is that this should be your passion. If you love it, keep going. Maybe people will even tell you outright that they think you suck, but always keep writing. It's like the middle aged dads who start rock bands - maybe they're not the best, but they enjoy it, and that's all that really matters.

2) Y'all don't have to use those big fancy words

You might use every big word you know because you want to sound sophisticated, but you're just going to sound awkward. It's much better to write something in your own voice than to hunt through a thesaurus to find something longer. You'll end up sounding pretentious unless you know what you're doing, and you'll probably confuse some of your future readers. No one is going to judge you for writing in your own voice, and if they do, their opinion doesn't matter anyway. Remember Tip #1: this is for fun.

3) Be inspired

Yes, it's cliche, but bear with me. Why bother writing something you're not passionate about? If writing another teenage dystopian novel isn't your thing, then don't write it. Don't write just to write something. Wait until you actually have an idea, something you're excited about, to actually start your novel. It could be inspired by a dream, a work of art, a random thought that crosses your mind. Anything will do, but what matters is that you're truly inspired. If you don't care, then don't write.

4) There aren't any rules

Go ahead and experiment. Write however makes you happy or best tells your story. If you want to use a thousand exclamation points? Most authors would advise against it, but you may be able to craft a unique style, or maybe your story can only be told this way. Ignore the rules when you're writing your first draft. Every novel would be the same if no one experimented. There aren't any rules, regardless. This is a passion, an art form, and that's not something you can regulate with a strict set of rules.

5) It's going to be hard, no matter how much you love it

Writing is grueling. There will be times you are filled with such love that you fear your chest might burst, and times where the words flow out of you effortlessly. Those times will be few and far between, and sitting your novel on a shelf until the next burst of excitement months later is impractical. Even when you don't feel like writing a scene, write it. You'll thank yourself later.

6) Be an asshole

Remember that awesome book where the perfect main character got the soulmate of their dreams and achieved everything they'd ever wanted without so much of an ounce of hardship? Me neither. You're not going to enjoy writing an entire novel about a perfect life where everything goes exactly as planned, and no one is going to enjoy reading it. Be an asshole. Throw every challenge, every hardship, every unlucky situation in your protagonist's way. Twist and push and completely break them. Writing an agony-filled novel reminiscent of the Saw movies probably isn't the goal, but make sure you characters have to struggle with something.

7) Write for you and forget everyone else

Tragic endings seem to be pretty popular right now, but if you imagine a happy outcome, then write a happy conclusion! The love triangle is mocked because it's used so frequently, but if you want to write about a love triangle, then just do it. Like Tip #4 says, there are no rules. You don't have to write a certain way or a specific thing because it's popular or because you think others will like it. Write what makes you happy. Maybe others will like it, maybe they won't, but they definitely won't if you write something that your heart isn't in.

8) Edit like you're on your deathbed

Imagine your novel is all that's going to be left of you. You're going to want it to be its best, and that's going to require editing. Detach yourself, even if it means waiting a few months before editing. Set aside how much you love your characters and how much you just love that one sentence and be a jerk. Point out every single little thing wrong with it. Be the most critical you've ever been no matter how much it hurts. You might let a friend edit it, and if you do, be sure to choose someone who isn't afraid to be critical.

9) Seek out new information

Maybe you're writing about a young character and aren't around children very often, or you're writing about New York City when you've never been there. It never hurts to see if you can find out more about these things. There are countless writing guides online, and if you find information that resonates with you, use it! You're not in this alone.

10) Don't be pressured into sharing

If you want to share your novel with anyone who will read it, go ahead! Your passion is beautiful. If you're not too enthusiastic about sharing it then that's fine too. Don't let anyone make you feel like you have to do something.

Basically, just have fun! Writing is one of the most exciting things you'll ever do. You shouldn't let anyone or anything stand in the way of your fun!