Lessons Learned from Writing a Novel: A #CMWorld Twitter Chat with Joe Pulizzi

There are content writers, and there are fiction writers. Then there are people like Joe Pulizzi. For years, Joe taught companies about content marketing. He wrote the book on it. Five books, actually. Today, he’s celebrating the release of his first novel “The Will to Die.”

Sure, there are different approaches to writing content for marketing versus writing a thriller. But there are also similarities. In our first #CMWorld Twitter chat of 2020, Joe shared his experiences going from content marketer to novelist.

What are the similarities in writing content for marketing vs. writing a novel?

A1: First similarity between #contentmarketing & #writing – consistency. You need to write/create content every day. You can’t just turn it on or off and expect greatness. #CMWorld

— Joe Pulizzi (@JoePulizzi) January 7, 2020

A2: Second similarity between #contentmarketing & #writing – editing. Expect about 25% of whatever you create to be cut (ouch). #cmworld

— Joe Pulizzi (@JoePulizzi) January 7, 2020

A1. Both involve storytelling. Both are an invitation for your audience to spend time with you and your voice/message. #CMWorld

— Twenty Two Kittens (@All22Kittens) January 7, 2020

See more responses to this question here.

How do you know if you’re ready to make the leap from content creator to fiction author?

A2: Inspiration in writing doesn’t just happen like the touch of a higher power. Writer’s write. Every day. If you want to write, get up in the AM and write 500 words. Repeat daily. #CMWorld

— Joe Pulizzi (@JoePulizzi) January 7, 2020

How do you know if your idea is unique, that the story hasn’t been told? Is your idea really new and different, or are you remembering parts (or all) of a book you read once?

A3: Original ideas are hard to come by, but authors make stories unique by providing their own perspectives, voice, experience, etc. #CMWorld

— I.G. ✒ (@igwrites) January 7, 2020

A3: With billions of pages of content and millions of published books, truly novel ideas are scarce. Our job as writers and #content creators is to take a story or idea that’s already out there and tell it in a better way. #CMWorld

— Laura King Edwards (@lkedwards11) January 7, 2020

A3. You’ll never know for sure, but if you read a lot you’ll have a good sense of whether you’re being original or treading on some cliches. And don’t be afraid to take inspiration from others. #CMWorld https://t.co/2eMNOsLfCY

— David Simanoff (@dsimanoff) January 7, 2020

What authors have you learned from? Who inspires you?

A7: Chefs make great writers. Ruth Reichl stands out a lot for me. YA authors have to have a level of emotional intelligence others don’t. So props to @maureenjohnson & @johngreen. And then the authors who are specific and valuable like @hankgreen & @Gladwell. #CMWorld pic.twitter.com/TR0EbfG6Qa

— Rachel Wendte (@rkwendte) January 7, 2020

A7: @neilhimself @StephenKing @AnneRiceAuthor for fiction #CMWorld

— Annette Sugden (@Annette_Sugden) January 7, 2020

A7: Honestly? Comedians. Writers like Dave Chappelle and Louis C.K. do things differently and it works. Oh yeah, @mindykaling has done some good stuff too. #CMWorld

— Mike Lewis (@MaverickAdverts) January 7, 2020

A7: Where to start… here’s 10:@GilbertLiz @marieforleo @chloeneill @Writer_DG @MarketingProfs @MargaretAtwood
L.M. Montgomery
Jane Austen
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Emily Bronte#CMWorld https://t.co/60NQcs7nMr

— Leah Ryder (@leahryder) January 7, 2020

See more responses to this question here.

What are your goals for the new year? Will 2020 be the year you publish a book? Tell us about it in the comments below. And if your resolutions include reading more, check out the CMWorld Book Club.

Want to supplement your book reading with hands-on labs, meaningful keynotes, and innovative sessions? Attend ContentTECH Summit, April 20-22 in San Diego.