Hi there! As a fellow young author I know exactly what you'ree talking about!
I finished my first novel with 555 pages, single spaced, smallest readable font, in one year, and am now working on its sequel which will have the same format. The speed you write at differs from person to person. I just happen to have a lot of time on my hands!
I'm not the world's greatest writer, and I'll never think myself as such. Yet, I'm confident that my writing is good. At times, that's all that matters. This doesn't mean you don't need to practice, though! Take some creative writing courses. One course you can do at home (and likely get some credits on the way) is "Writing Strands" by Dave Marks. He really helped me in my writing carreer. Also, ask for people's advice. Your readers are the ones who will give you the advice you will need when your writing bug goes on holiday, which it most definitely will at times.
Keep a journal in which you write down your plot line ideas. Take it everywhere you go and write down anything you think of the instant it comes to your mind! I'm never seen without my infamous binder either clutched to my chest, laying open on my lap, or stuffed into my tote bag swinging over my shoulder.
Never give up. The writing bug is a tricky, sly, little creature, and it likes to do its own thing, but no matter what, never give up! That is just what your inner critic wants you to do.
Your characters will form personalities and minds of their own, and when they do, you'll find them to be rather unruly at times. They know what they want, though, and often they know what's best. It sounds silly and ridiculous, but ask them what it is they want! They'll tell you eventually.
I enjoy drawing as well, although I wouldn't call myself a grade A art student. I didn't want to illustrate my book at first, but now I do plan on putting a few of my pencil sketches into the book when I get it published. I have a few sketches of my characters, along with countless maps and diagrams. Sometimes I get a scene in my head and I draw it out, other times I'm just playing around with a pencil and paper and a scene comes into my head. I can't really tell you how to use your talent in your book, but I can suggest doing something along those lines. Maps make keeping track of where your characters are a lot easier!
Here are a few rules that I make myself follow:
1. First, figure out your plot line and make sure there are no problems with it.
2. Sit down, and write. Don't think, just write. Be reckless and careless with your writing, despite what your inner critic might tell you. You can deal with editing later. Your imagination is a free spirit and will do its job much better if you let it go wild.
3. Turn off the TV, and don't fall for the "I'll just watch a few shows and movies for inspiration" trick. It doesn't work.
4. Read, read, read, and read! Reading other author's work will help you more than some people might think.
5. Ask for input and criticism. The more you get, the better your book will be.
6. Bond with your characters. The better you know them, the easier it will be to get into their heads, and the easier it will be to write about them.
7. Get off the Internet! It's brainless, watered-down, and poisonous to your writing bug.
8. The book is for you, not for anyone else. Your plot line should meet your standards, and the scenes and characters are yours; no one else's. When people give you input and constructive criticism, that's one thing, but trying to take over your book and control what's yours is something else entirely.
9. Look for inspiration in the world around you. Be a spy and watch how people function in reality.
10. When you hit writer's block, put down your pencil, and go outside to walk the dog, or pick up the mail. Fresh air helps to clear your mind, and you'll be able to see your plot line in new ways.
11. Research! Knowing your facts will make it all sound more believable, despite how fictional the book is.
12. Be a child. Play, imagine, goof off (when there isn't something important to do!), and let your inner child have fun. Being serious all the time takes away from the joy of writing!
I hope this helps you!
God bless!
Happy writing!
