For those that struggle with writer's block, inspiration, plot holes, etc., have you ever considered writing a practice novel? I've written several "failed" novels when I was in my twenties and I never really had anyone at the time to talk to about my issues with incoherent writing and over world-building. I feel like in some ways, many of those novels have prepared me for where I am now. I'll leave readers to be the judge, but I feel like I'm closer and closer to my ideal every day. I may never reach it, but I feel I'm getting closer because I've not put all my eggs in one basket.
So if you're thinking about writing a novel, should you actually write something you're completely passionate about right out the gate? I don't necessarily think so. By trying a practice novel, you're in some ways training yourself for when you're reading to really hammer out something you're putting a lot of stock in. Perhaps writing a practice novel can be like practicing guitar chords before you sit down to write a song.
In any case, do you think every writer should start out only writing their "magnum opus" or should they start small and build up their writing chops?
So if you're thinking about writing a novel, should you actually write something you're completely passionate about right out the gate? I don't necessarily think so. By trying a practice novel, you're in some ways training yourself for when you're reading to really hammer out something you're putting a lot of stock in. Perhaps writing a practice novel can be like practicing guitar chords before you sit down to write a song.
In any case, do you think every writer should start out only writing their "magnum opus" or should they start small and build up their writing chops?