Writing a Novel Online

I'm seventeen years old and attempting to write a novel.

With schoolwork and other stresses in my life, it's often difficult for me to find the time and motivation to write, so I thought it might be a good idea to write online, posting chapter by chapter. Maybe getting some feedback on the individual chapters would give me a bit more drive.

I made a Tumblr account and put up the first chapter (the only chapter I've written since the middle of summer), but can't seem to get any followers, which has proved to be a bit demotivating.

Anyway, I have several questions.

1) Am I being lazy trying to find my motivation through readers? How else can I find that motivation?

2) Is writing via a blog/journal/website a good idea? Can it be potentially harmful when looking to publish that novel later?

3) Is there a better website to use than Tumblr that would get me more exposure? How can I promote my novel-writing blog online?

I've wanted to be a writer since I was very young, but my life is becoming increasingly stressful and I often find myself feeling like my writing isn't good enough to spend my time on, even though it means a lot to me.

My friends and family try to encourage me, but I feel like I can never be sure of their sincerity. I'm just looking for something to make me feel like this endeavor is worth making. I know, I know, you have to have self-confidence, you have to believe in your own writing, but that idea is becoming increasingly impossible to me.

Please, I'm desperate for some advice...

ANSWER

Ultimately, writing is a mostly solo endeavor, and showing your work prematurely can be discouraging if others do not say what you'd like to hear. Sometimes it is better to learn all you can and write privately until you DO feel that you've written something worthwhile.

To write well enough to have a book published with a major publisher requires a lot of hard work and education--as much as would be required to become a doctor or lawyer. If you are not sufficiently self-motivated, writing will only become more difficult, not less.

However, it sounds as if you may be willing to work hard at writing and only need a little encouragement along the way. There is no harm in posting your writing on a blog, and sometimes it will result in a large following, as it did for Amanda Hocking.

But if you want to post online and ask for feedback, it would be better to select a site that is specifically for writers, such as MyWritersCircle.com or Wattpad.com, where you can upload your work and people will vote on it and comment.

The best feedback you will get, however, will be from taking writing courses, where you have access to a knowledgeable instructor. Almost all community colleges, universities, and many libraries and community centers offer evening and weekend writing courses.

You might also enroll in an online writing class, or if you're really serious about writing, hire a professional writing mentor to work one-on-one with you to advise, coach, and provide feedback. See my rates page for some idea of what that will cost.

Good luck with your writing!