"Don't start out writing novels. They take too long. Start with bits and"

Starting with smaller writing projects instead of diving straight into novel-writing is all about building your writing muscles gradually. Think of it like training for a marathon—you wouldn't just start with a 26.2-mile run on day one, right? The core idea here is to start small, gain experience, and avoid getting overwhelmed.

Now, let's put this in perspective. Picture a young writer, Jane. She's brimming with ideas and dreams of publishing her own novel. But novels are no small feat—they require a huge commitment of time and energy. Jane's mentor advises her to begin with short stories or essays. Why? Because these shorter pieces help her develop her skills: plotting, character development, pacing. Over time, Jane hones her style and gains confidence.

Take the case of Ray Bradbury, the prolific author known for "Fahrenheit 451." Bradbury didn't leap straight into novels. He started with short stories, which allowed him to experiment with ideas and perfect his craft. Each short story was a stepping stone that led to his larger works.

Imagine you’re Jane. You’ve got an epic fantasy saga in your head, but it’s your first time writing anything more than a high school essay. Instead of tackling the whole saga, you write a short story about one of your characters. This smaller project lets you explore that character's personality and motivations without getting bogged down in the complexities of a novel. As you complete more short stories, you learn what works and what doesn’t. You get feedback, you improve, and eventually, you’re ready to tackle that big project with a solid foundation.

Here's some practical advice: start with a short story that you can finish in a week or two. Set a modest word count goal, say 1,000 words. Commit to writing a few hundred words daily. Quick wins build momentum. You get the sense of accomplishment that fuels further writing.

Now, picture a friend, Mike. Mike decides to write his life’s story as a novel. He spends months on the first chapter, constantly doubting himself. He gets stuck on plot holes and loses steam. In contrast, his friend Sarah starts with writing blog posts about her travel experiences. Each post is a mini-story, teaching her about engaging readers and maintaining a flow. Over time, Sarah’s skills improve, and she’s ready to tackle a larger project with more confidence and experience.

When you start small, you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed. You can finish a short story, show it to friends, get feedback, and feel a sense of achievement quickly. That immediate reward keeps you motivated. Plus, it’s easier to see progress. You learn from each small piece you write, and gradually, you build up the skills and the confidence to take on bigger projects.

So next time you’re itching to write, remember: start small. It’s like laying the first bricks of a house. Each small piece builds up to the grand structure you envision. And who knows? Your collection of short stories might become the foundation for your novel one day. Start with bits and pieces—because sometimes, the small things lead to the biggest breakthroughs.